Naoya Inoue Shares Pound-for-Pound Views on Crawford and Usyk

When we talk about the best boxers in the world, there’s one question that always gets fans buzzing: “Who’s the pound-for-pound king?” It’s a hot topic in every boxing conversation, and now, one of the sport’s biggest stars — Naoya Inoue — is sharing his own take.

Inoue, often called “The Monster” because of his incredible speed and punching power, has dominated multiple weight classes. But where does he see himself compared to other top fighters like Terence Crawford and Oleksandr Usyk? Let’s dive into what he had to say and what makes this debate so exciting for boxing fans everywhere.

What Does "Pound-for-Pound" Really Mean?

If you're new to boxing or not too familiar with the term, don't worry—you're not alone. The phrase “pound-for-pound” simply means who is the best boxer regardless of weight class. Since fighters compete at different weights, this ranking is all about skill, dominance, and overall ability.

Think of it like comparing apples to oranges—but imagining each fruit was the same size. Who would come out on top based on quality, not weight? That’s exactly the kind of comparison pound-for-pound rankings try to make. It’s all hypothetical, but it’s fun, and it gets to the heart of what makes this sport so fascinating.

Naoya Inoue’s Rapid Rise in Boxing

Before we get to Inoue’s rankings, let’s take a quick look at his journey. The Japanese superstar is a four-division world champion. He’s undefeated, and his fights rarely go the distance because of his devastating knockout power.

Here are a few of his biggest achievements:

• Undefeated record — Inoue has never lost a fight.
• World champion in four weight classes — A rare feat in boxing.
• Unified titles — He holds the belts in the super bantamweight division, something only a few elite fighters achieve.

Inoue has built his reputation by taking on top-level opponents and finishing fights in spectacular fashion. Ask any boxing fan, and you’ll hear the same thing: Inoue is the real deal.

So... Where Does Inoue Rank Himself?

In a recent interview, Naoya Inoue shared his thoughts on his place among today’s best boxers. And here’s the interesting part—he placed both Terence Crawford and Oleksandr Usyk ahead of himself in pound-for-pound rankings.

Yes, that’s right. Despite being one of the most dominant fighters in recent years, Inoue showed humility and respect when discussing the current landscape. He said:

“Pound-for-pound No.1, I believe that is Terence Crawford. Usyk is second, and for myself, that would make me third.”

You might be surprised by this, especially considering how dominant Inoue has been. But this kind of honesty is part of what makes him so respected in the boxing world. He recognizes greatness in others while still aiming to be the best himself.

Why Crawford Gets the Top Spot (According to Inoue)

Terence Crawford has been another unstoppable force in boxing. In 2023, he made headlines worldwide by defeating Errol Spence Jr. in a stunning performance. That win didn't just unify the welterweight titles — it cemented Crawford’s place at the top of many pound-for-pound lists.

Crawford’s strengths include:

• Unmatched ring IQ — He reads opponents like a book.
• Power in both hands — Switching stance doesn’t slow him down.
• Undefeated status — Like Inoue, he’s yet to taste defeat.

With that kind of resume, it’s easy to see why even a fellow elite boxer like Inoue would recognize Crawford’s greatness.

Usyk’s Tactical Brilliance Earns Respect

Coming in second on Inoue’s list is Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk. Known for his footwork and technical skill, Usyk went from dominating the cruiserweight division to surprising the world as a heavyweight.

Most notably, Usyk defeated Anthony Joshua — not once but twice — showing his ability to handle size and strength with strategy and precision. He’s now the unified heavyweight champion, and many argue he could go down as one of the best technical boxers of all time.

Just like Crawford, Usyk has the complete package: ring control, accuracy, stamina, and intelligence.

What Sets Inoue Apart?

Despite placing himself third, Naoya Inoue is far from settling. His combination of power, speed, and timing makes him unique—especially in the lighter weight classes, where knockouts are less common. Fans and experts alike highlight the fact that he dominates in a division often overlooked compared to heavyweights or welterweights.

Inoue’s mindset? Keep winning and let the performances speak for themselves. Pound-for-pound rankings change all the time. One great win, and the conversation shifts.

Final Thoughts: How Do You Rank Them?

So now that we know Inoue’s take on the pound-for-pound debate, what’s yours? Do you agree with his order?

• Terence Crawford — Technical brilliance and dominance across weight classes.
• Oleksandr Usyk — Strategic genius who's mastered every division he's entered.
• Naoya Inoue — Explosive power and laser-sharp precision in lighter divisions.

Each of these fighters offers something different, and that’s what makes these lists so interesting. It’s a bit like arguing over who’s the best superhero—Batman, Superman, or Spider-Man. They all have their strengths. Which one you pick often depends on what qualities you value most.

Why Pound-for-Pound Debates Matter

You might be wondering, “Why does this conversation matter anyway?” It’s a fair question. While these rankings don’t change the belts or the records, they do something else—they spark discussion, fuel rivalries, and motivate fighters to push harder.

And for fans? It gives us something to chat about between fights, like ranking our favorite movies or musicians. It brings excitement, and it keeps the sport alive beyond fight nights.

Inoue’s Humility Is His Strength

Maybe the most impressive part of Inoue’s comments isn’t just where he places himself—it’s how respectfully he talks about other world-class athletes. In a sport often filled with trash talk and ego, Inoue's approach is refreshingly honest.

This mindset doesn’t make him any less competitive—it actually shows how focused he is on proving his worth inside the ring. At just 31, he still has many prime years ahead. And with his track record, don’t be surprised if he's holding the top pound-for-pound spot soon.

Let’s Hear From You

Boxing fans, we want to know:

• Who’s your top pound-for-pound fighter right now?
• Do you agree with Inoue’s humble ranking?
• Which upcoming fights could shake up the list?

Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going.

At the end of the day, whether you're cheering for Inoue, Crawford, or Usyk, there’s one thing we can all agree on: we're witnessing a golden age of boxing. So sit back, enjoy the battles, and let the fighters do the talking—one punch at a time.