As the curtain begins to fall on 2024, the world of boxing has delivered yet another shocker that has left fans puzzled. In a year filled with unforgettable moments, record-breaking bouts, and controversial calls, the newly released pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings have sparked a storm of debate. The list, shared by World Boxing News on X, has drawn widespread criticism, with fans questioning the rationale behind several placements.
While the boxing community is no stranger to spirited discussions, the sheer intensity of this reaction highlights just how divisive the new rankings are. With names like Terence Crawford, Oleksandr Usyk, and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez taking center stage in the debate, the list has been labeled by some as one of the most contentious in recent memory. Let’s see what the fuss is about!.
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BoxRec rankings spark heated debate
Not too long ago, World Boxing News posted the 2024 P4P list on their official X account with a caption that reads, “BoxRec Pound for Pound list – December 2024 1 Naoya Inoue 2 Saul Alvarez 3 Gervonta Davis 4 Terence Crawford 5 Artur Beterbiev 6 Junto Nakatani 7 Dmitrii Bivol 8 David Benavidez 9 Shakur Stevenson 10 Jaron Ennis ——— 13 Oleksandr Usyk.”
At the heart of the backlash is the perception that Canelo Alvarez has been overly favored in the rankings. The 34-year-old boxer, who was once universally praised, has faced increasing criticism following his defeat against Dmitry Bivol back in May 2022. According to the list, Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated Tyson Fury for the second time this year, has been placed at an inexplicable #13. This decision has left the fans fuming, especially given the Ukranian’s undisputed dominance both in the cruiserweight and in the heavyweight division. The fact that he’s outside the top three is an insult to the sport.
Similarly, Terrance Crawford, the 41-0, 31 KO boxer, who had a stellar year by becoming the first male boxer to claim undisputed championships in two weight divisions, was ranked below Alvarez. As a result, it fueled allegations of bias. Crawford’s dismantling of Errol Spence Jr., a fight many anticipated to be closely contested, was a testament to his superior skills and adaptability. So now fans argue that Crawford’s accomplishments deserve a position at least in the top 3 of the list, and not below Alvarez for sure.
Fans have also noted that while Artur Beterbiev is correctly ranked above Bivol, Canelo’s spot above both fighters undermines their achievements. The top three spots, widely expected to feature Usyk, Crawford, and Inoue, have instead stirred controversy. Fans argue that Usyk’s recent victories and Crawford’s unmatched skill set should place them at the very summit of the list. Naoya Inoue’s inclusion in the top three has faced less resistance, given his extraordinary feats this year. However, the consensus among fans seems clear as the list doesn’t reflect the realities of the ring.
Fans slam P4P rankings as “Utter Nonsense”
The latest pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings have sparked widespread outrage among boxing fans, with many dismissing the decisions as “the biggest BS ever.”
“It got you talking about it though,” one fan quipped, hinting that the controversy might be intentional to generate buzz. “Sometimes I wonder if that’s why it’s so questionable. But yeah, that list has quantum leapt from some alternative boxing reality,” they added, underscoring how disconnected the rankings feel from recent performances.
The frustration is palpable across the fanbase. One commenter bluntly stated, “Utter nonsense,” while another dismissed the rankings entirely as “a joke.” Adding to the chorus of discontent, one fan declared, “BoxRec is wacked, Usyk #1, easy,” calling for Oleksandr Usyk to top the list based on merit.
These reactions reflect a growing dissatisfaction among boxing enthusiasts, who argue that such rankings undermine the sport’s credibility. As the year draws to a close, the boxing world is left grappling with uncertainty. Will these contentious rankings influence future matchups? And more importantly, how can boxing authorities restore trust by ensuring fair and transparent rankings in the future?
