Crawford's Retirement: Who's the Best Boxer Now? Usyk, Inoue, or Bivol? (2026)

The boxing world is abuzz with a bold declaration: the retirement of Terence Crawford has left a power vacuum, and the throne is up for grabs! But who will claim the title of the best fighter on the planet?

The recent announcement of Crawford's retirement has shaken the sport, especially after his iconic win over Canelo Alvarez, which secured his undisputed champion status across three weight classes. However, his departure has left a void in the super-middleweight division, with all four titles now vacant.

The WBA has swiftly appointed Jose Armando Resendiz as the new champion, but the remaining belts await their new owners. This has sparked intense competition among contenders, eager to fill the void Crawford left behind.

But here's where it gets controversial: the pound-for-pound rankings, a subjective yet influential aspect of boxing, have been thrown into disarray. For years, Crawford, alongside heavyweight powerhouse Oleksandr Usyk and multi-weight sensation Naoya Inoue, formed an elite trio at the top. But with Crawford's exit, the debate rages on.

Inoue, having dominated the ring in 2025 with four successful title defenses, confidently proclaimed himself as the new king after Crawford's retirement. But is it that simple? Usyk's supporters might argue otherwise, and the debate extends to other contenders like Dmitry Bivol and Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez, who are also in the mix.

And this is the part most people miss: while Crawford's retirement has created a unique opportunity, it has also ignited a passionate discussion about the very nature of boxing greatness. Are we witnessing a changing of the guard, or is this a temporary disruption in the sport's hierarchy?

In the end, boxing fans are left with a tantalizing question: who will rise to the occasion and claim the top spot? The answer promises to be as thrilling as the fights themselves. Get ready for an exciting journey as the boxing world crowns its new champion!

Crawford's Retirement: Who's the Best Boxer Now? Usyk, Inoue, or Bivol? (2026)

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