Naoya Inoue Becomes Boxing’s New No. 1
The latest boxing pound-for-pound rankings have produced a major change at the summit, with Naoya Inoue replacing Oleksandr Usyk as the new No. 1 after another outstanding performance.
The September 2026 rankings reflect a changing landscape in world boxing, with established champions retaining elite positions while several ambitious fighters continue strengthening their arguments for future supremacy.
Usyk’s removal from the summit is arguably the biggest talking point. The Ukrainian previously occupied first place because of his extraordinary accomplishments across both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions.
However, his controversial victory over Rico Verhoeven changed the conversation considerably, with questions emerging about whether Usyk remains the sport’s most dominant pound-for-pound fighter.
Boxing is an unforgiving sport, and reputation can only protect a fighter for so long. A difficult performance against an inexperienced opponent can quickly alter perceptions among fans and experts.
Inoue Takes Advantage of Usyk’s Slip
Japanese Star Defeats Junto Nakatani
Inoue’s promotion to No. 1 comes after his impressive victory over Junto Nakatani in May, a contest that became one of the biggest events in Japanese boxing history.
The Japanese superstar established an early advantage before Nakatani mounted a determined response during the second half, forcing Inoue to demonstrate his championship experience under significant pressure.
Inoue nevertheless finished strongly and retained his four world titles, giving the ranking panel enough evidence to elevate him from second place and crown him boxing’s new pound-for-pound king.
The victory further strengthened the reputation of the fighter known as the “Monster,” whose combination of speed, precision, power and tactical intelligence has made him one of boxing’s defining stars.
Five-Division Ambition Could Follow
Inoue is expected to remain inactive for the rest of 2026, but his eventual return could immediately generate enormous interest if a proposed fight with Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez becomes reality.
A showdown with Rodriguez would represent an extraordinary meeting between two elite pound-for-pound fighters, potentially creating one of the biggest boxing events of 2027.
If that contest fails to materialise, Inoue could move to featherweight and pursue another championship, potentially becoming a five-division world champion during the next stage of his remarkable career.
Oleksandr Usyk Drops to Second
Ukrainian Champion’s Legacy Remains Extraordinary
Despite losing the top position, Usyk remains one of the greatest fighters of the modern generation, having conquered both cruiserweight and heavyweight during an extraordinary championship career.
The Ukrainian became undisputed at cruiserweight before achieving the same distinction at heavyweight, establishing a résumé that few contemporary fighters can realistically match.
His accomplishments remain enormous, but the latest boxing pound-for-pound rankings suggest that his recent career choices and performances have weakened his argument for retaining the number-one position.
Usyk vacated the WBO heavyweight title instead of facing mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley, before later relinquishing his remaining heavyweight belts while pursuing a fight with Deontay Wilder.
Usyk Appears Near the Career’s Final Chapter
The decision to prioritise Wilder over another leading heavyweight contender has raised questions about Usyk’s competitive priorities as he enters the latter stages of his career.
One assessment from the ranking discussion captured the situation perfectly: “Usyk has accomplished everything he could have ever dreamed of in the sport.”
That reality makes his current position understandable. After becoming undisputed champion in two divisions, Usyk has little left to prove, even if his competitive edge is no longer viewed as unquestionable.
David Benavidez Remains Third
A 25-Pound Leap Produces a Statement Victory
David Benavidez retains third position after delivering one of the most impressive performances of his career against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez earlier this year.
Benavidez moved up 25 pounds for the contest and still produced a dominant performance against an established world champion, demonstrating the versatility that makes him particularly dangerous.
His combination of hand speed, combination punching, physical strength and finishing ability has transformed him into one of the most feared fighters operating across multiple divisions.
Benavidez subsequently captured the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles, adding further substance to a résumé that already includes world championship success at multiple weight classes.
Another Championship Opportunity Awaits
Benavidez is scheduled to return in December against Michal Cieslak, with another significant cruiserweight championship opportunity potentially awaiting the American fighter.
A victory could leave him just one title away from becoming undisputed, creating another potential blockbuster storyline for the division and further strengthening his pound-for-pound credentials.
The frightening aspect of Benavidez’s rise is that his performances appear to be improving rather than declining, suggesting that his best achievements could still lie ahead.
Stevenson and Rodriguez Share Fourth
Shakur Stevenson Continues His Rise
Shakur Stevenson shares fourth place after producing dominant victories that have significantly strengthened his position among boxing’s elite pound-for-pound fighters.
His near-shutout victory over Teofimo Lopez demonstrated his defensive intelligence and tactical discipline, while his subsequent performance against William Zepeda showed a more versatile and aggressive side.
Stevenson proved that he is not simply a fighter who relies on movement and defence. He also demonstrated an ability to stand his ground, exchange punches and produce meaningful offensive damage.
That versatility explains why Stevenson is increasingly viewed as a potential future No. 1. His technical ability, speed, ring intelligence and defensive instincts make him exceptionally difficult to defeat.
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez Keeps Climbing
Rodriguez shares fourth place after becoming a three-division world champion, further establishing himself as one of the most accomplished young fighters in the sport.
His knockout victory over Antonio Vargas secured another world title and moved him closer to a potential dream showdown with Inoue.
A future Inoue-Rodriguez fight could become one of boxing’s biggest attractions, particularly because both fighters occupy prominent positions within the current pound-for-pound hierarchy.
Bivol and Haney Hold Their Ground
Dmitry Bivol’s Résumé Speaks for Itself
Dmitry Bivol remains sixth after building one of the most respected résumés among active light heavyweight champions, including significant victories over Canelo Alvarez and Artur Beterbiev.
Bivol held the WBA light heavyweight championship for seven years before losing to Beterbiev, but he later avenged that defeat and became undisputed champion during the four-belt era.
His latest victories and championship performances ensure that Bivol remains firmly established among the world’s elite, while a potential fight against Benavidez could become one of boxing’s biggest future contests.
Devin Haney Remains Among the Elite
Devin Haney occupies seventh position after becoming a three-division world champion and establishing himself as one of the most technically accomplished fighters of his generation.
His victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko cemented his reputation at lightweight, while subsequent successes against Regis Prograis and Brian Norman Jr. demonstrated his ability to operate effectively at higher weights.
With Haney now targeting major unification fights at welterweight, the next stage of his career could significantly influence his position in future boxing pound-for-pound rankings.
Ennis, Opetaia and Nakatani Complete Top 10
Jaron “Boots” Ennis Continues His Championship Progress
Jaron “Boots” Ennis occupies eighth position after continuing his rapid rise through the professional ranks and adding significant championship victories to his résumé.
His stoppage victory over Eimantas Stanionis strengthened his status at welterweight, while his subsequent win over Xander Zayas added further championship credibility.
Ennis is now targeting additional titles at super welterweight, and continued success could eventually push him into the upper reaches of the pound-for-pound rankings.
Jai Opetaia Remains a Cruiserweight Force
Jai Opetaia sits ninth after a complicated 2026 campaign that has nevertheless reinforced his reputation as one of the world’s finest cruiserweights.
The Australian has recorded important victories over Mairis Briedis and other leading contenders, although championship fragmentation has complicated his ambition of becoming undisputed.
Despite those difficulties, Opetaia remains firmly among boxing’s elite because of his technical ability, toughness and impressive performances against high-level opposition.
Junto Nakatani Enters the Top 10
Junto Nakatani rounds out the top 10 despite losing his showdown with Inoue, with his performance against the new pound-for-pound leader proving that he belongs among the sport’s best fighters.
Nakatani pushed Inoue through a highly competitive contest and demonstrated enough quality to earn recognition despite failing to capture the undisputed super bantamweight championship.
At only 28 years old, Nakatani still has significant time to rebuild his career, reclaim championship gold and potentially climb much higher in future rankings.
The Pound-for-Pound Race Is Wide Open
The latest boxing pound-for-pound rankings signal a fascinating shift in boxing’s power structure, with Inoue taking the throne while Usyk slips to second after an unexpectedly difficult victory.
Behind them, Benavidez, Stevenson, Rodriguez and Bivol possess the talent and championship credentials necessary to challenge for the top position if they secure major victories.
Other fighters receiving votes include Artur Beterbiev, Emanuel Navarrete, Canelo Alvarez, Sebastian Fundora and Vergil Ortiz Jr., showing the extraordinary depth of talent currently available.
The biggest question now is whether Inoue can remain at the summit when the sport’s other elite champions return to action and begin creating the major fights fans have demanded.
For boxing supporters, that uncertainty is exciting. With multiple champions competing across different divisions, the pound-for-pound hierarchy could change dramatically whenever the biggest names finally meet.
For now, however, the message from the September rankings is unmistakable: Naoya Inoue is the new king, Oleksandr Usyk has fallen to second, and boxing’s pound-for-pound throne is entering a new era.
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