News
September 11, 2025
Full list of undisputed champions in boxing as Canelo and Crawford prepare for historic clash
How many undisputed boxing champions have there been, and are there four belts or five? The Sporting News provides the full list as Terence Crawford prepares to take on Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.
Boxing fans worldwide are buzzing with anticipation as Terence Crawford and Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez potentially gear up for a historic showdown. The mere possibility of this clash has ignited conversations about the sport's most elite and accomplished figures: the undisputed champions. But what exactly does "undisputed" mean, and how many boxers have truly achieved this pinnacle of success?
To be crowned an undisputed champion in boxing is to hold all recognized major world championships in a particular weight division simultaneously. This means possessing the belts from the four major sanctioning bodies: the World Boxing Association (WBA), the World Boxing Council (WBC), the International Boxing Federation (IBF), and the World Boxing Organization (WBO). While some might debate the significance of other titles, these four are the universally acknowledged benchmarks for undisputed status.
The road to undisputed glory is arduous, requiring not only exceptional skill and dedication but also navigating complex politics and promotional hurdles. Coordinating fights between champions holding belts from different organizations can be a logistical nightmare, often preventing even the most talented fighters from unifying all the titles.
As Crawford and Canelo contemplate their potential fight, it's worth reflecting on the select few who have already etched their names into boxing history as undisputed kings. The Sporting News has compiled a full list of these legends, a testament to their remarkable achievements. While the exact details of that list weren't provided, some prominent names often mentioned in discussions about undisputed champions include Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Oleksandr Usyk (at cruiserweight), and Josh Taylor (at light welterweight). These fighters represent the pinnacle of boxing achievement, having overcome immense challenges to reach the summit of their respective divisions.
The Crawford-Canelo fight, if it materializes, promises to be a battle for the ages, with the potential for one of these modern greats to further solidify their legacy. Whether or not the winner would emerge as an undisputed champion depends on the weight class and the belts held at the time, but the fight itself will undoubtedly be a significant event in boxing history, adding another chapter to the ongoing saga of the sport's most coveted prize. The quest for undisputed status continues to drive boxers to push their limits, captivating fans and shaping the narrative of the sweet science.
To be crowned an undisputed champion in boxing is to hold all recognized major world championships in a particular weight division simultaneously. This means possessing the belts from the four major sanctioning bodies: the World Boxing Association (WBA), the World Boxing Council (WBC), the International Boxing Federation (IBF), and the World Boxing Organization (WBO). While some might debate the significance of other titles, these four are the universally acknowledged benchmarks for undisputed status.
The road to undisputed glory is arduous, requiring not only exceptional skill and dedication but also navigating complex politics and promotional hurdles. Coordinating fights between champions holding belts from different organizations can be a logistical nightmare, often preventing even the most talented fighters from unifying all the titles.
As Crawford and Canelo contemplate their potential fight, it's worth reflecting on the select few who have already etched their names into boxing history as undisputed kings. The Sporting News has compiled a full list of these legends, a testament to their remarkable achievements. While the exact details of that list weren't provided, some prominent names often mentioned in discussions about undisputed champions include Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Oleksandr Usyk (at cruiserweight), and Josh Taylor (at light welterweight). These fighters represent the pinnacle of boxing achievement, having overcome immense challenges to reach the summit of their respective divisions.
The Crawford-Canelo fight, if it materializes, promises to be a battle for the ages, with the potential for one of these modern greats to further solidify their legacy. Whether or not the winner would emerge as an undisputed champion depends on the weight class and the belts held at the time, but the fight itself will undoubtedly be a significant event in boxing history, adding another chapter to the ongoing saga of the sport's most coveted prize. The quest for undisputed status continues to drive boxers to push their limits, captivating fans and shaping the narrative of the sweet science.
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Sports