Boxing has always had legendary champions, great stars, and famous Hall of Famers. Since the Marquess of Queensberry rules were created in 1867, every generation has witnessed at least one boxer who could be considered one of the greatest boxers of the 21st century. From 2000 to today, many of these greatest boxers of the 21st century have earned a spot in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, while others are still waiting for that honor. Many of these fighters have participated in memorable trilogy fights and won championships in multiple weight classes. Most of them have been ranked among the best pound-for-pound boxers at some point in their careers.
List of the Greatest Boxers of the 21st Century
10. Joe Calzaghe
Joe Calzaghe was an undefeated champion, holding the super middleweight title for over 10 years. The Welsh fighter was known for his fast hands, relentless work rate, and brilliant defense. His unbeaten 46-fight record has earned him a place among the greatest boxers of the 21st century.
Stat | Value |
|---|---|
Fights | 46 |
Wins | 46 |
KOs | 32 |
Losses | 0 |
Titles Won | Super Middleweight, Light Heavyweight |
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9. Juan Manuel Marquez
Juan Manuel Marquez, known for his technical brilliance, counterpunching skills, and toughness, has established himself as one of the greatest boxers of the 21st century. His most memorable moment came in 2012 when he knocked out Manny Pacquiao, making history in the process.
Stat | Value |
|---|---|
Fights | 64 |
Wins | 56 |
KOs | 40 |
Losses | 7 |
Draws | 1 |
Titles Won | Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight |
8. Andre Ward
Andre Ward retired with a perfect record, earning his spot among the greatest boxers of the 21st century. Known for his defensive skills, intelligence, and ability to adapt, he won major fights against Carl Froch and Sergey Kovalev, further cementing his legacy.
Stat | Value |
|---|---|
Fights | 32 |
Wins | 32 |
KOs | 16 |
Losses | 0 |
Titles Won | Super Middleweight, Light Heavyweight |
7. Canelo Alvarez
Canelo Alvarez is one of the greatest boxers of the 21st century today, having won world titles in four weight classes. His victories over fighters like Gennadiy Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev, and Miguel Cotto have made him a standout figure in modern boxing.
Stat | Value |
|---|---|
Fights | 65 |
Wins | 61 |
KOs | 39 |
Losses | 2 |
Draws | 2 |
Titles Won | Super Middleweight, Middleweight, Light Heavyweight |
6. Oscar De La Hoya
Oscar De La Hoya, one of boxing’s biggest stars, earned his place as one of the greatest boxers of the 21st century. His aggressive style, combined with a powerful left hook, made him a top fighter who faced the best of his generation.
Stat | Value |
|---|---|
Fights | 45 |
Wins | 39 |
KOs | 30 |
Losses | 6 |
Titles Won | Lightweight to Middleweight |
5. Roy Jones Jr.
Roy Jones Jr. is often considered one of the most gifted boxers of all time and undeniably ranks among the greatest boxers of the 21st century. His lightning-fast reflexes, speed, and power earned him world titles from middleweight to heavyweight.
Stat | Value |
|---|---|
Fights | 76 |
Wins | 66 |
KOs | 47 |
Losses | 10 |
Titles Won | Middleweight to Heavyweight |
4. Bernard Hopkins
Known for his intelligence, toughness, and longevity, Bernard Hopkins earned a spot as one of the greatest boxers of the 21st century. He dominated the middleweight division for over a decade and continued to win titles well into his 40s.
Stat | Value |
|---|---|
Fights | 65 |
Wins | 55 |
KOs | 32 |
Losses | 8 |
Draws | 2 |
Titles Won | Middleweight, Light Heavyweight |
3. Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao was known for his speed, power, and relentless attacking style. His legendary career has made him one of the greatest boxers of the 21st century, with historic fights against the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya.
Stat | Value |
|---|---|
Fights | 72 |
Wins | 62 |
KOs | 39 |
Losses | 8 |
Draws | 2 |
Titles Won | Flyweight to Welterweight (8 Divisions) |
2. Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Floyd Mayweather is often regarded as the greatest defensive boxer of all time. His unbeaten record, counterpunching ability, and victories over other top fighters have earned him the title of one of the greatest boxers of the 21st century.
Stat | Value |
|---|---|
Fights | 50 |
Wins | 50 |
KOs | 27 |
Losses | 0 |
Titles Won | Super Featherweight to Light Middleweight (5 Divisions) |
1. Canelo Alvarez
Canelo Alvarez has been a dominant force in the 2020s, defeating top fighters such as Gennadiy Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev, and Caleb Plant. His blend of power, skill, and defense has made him one of the greatest boxers of the 21st century.
Stat | Value |
|---|---|
Fights | 65 |
Wins | 61 |
KOs | 39 |
Losses | 2 |
Draws | 2 |
Titles Won | Super Middleweight, Middleweight, Light Heavyweight |
These boxers represent the greatest boxers of the 21st century, each having left a lasting impact on the sport with their impressive records, memorable fights, and numerous titles. Their achievements have secured their places in boxing history.
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