Who Double Undisputed the Best?

Oleksandr Usyk

• Weight Classes: Cruiserweight and Heavyweight
• Path to Undisputed: Usyk’s first undisputed run came at cruiserweight, where he unified all four major titles by defeating top contenders in their prime. His run culminated with a victory over Murat Gassiev in 2018, solidifying his status as the undisputed champion in just 15 professional fights. After cleaning out the cruiserweight division, Usyk moved up to heavyweight, where the competition is historically tougher due to size differences and more dangerous power punchers.
• Key Challenges: Moving to heavyweight, Usyk faced larger opponents, including Anthony Joshua, the unified champion at the time, and defeated him in back-to-back fights to become a two-time undisputed champion. Usyk had to adjust his style to deal with the sheer size and power of heavyweights, an impressive feat considering his natural cruiserweight frame.

Terence Crawford

• Weight Classes: Lightweight and Welterweight
• Path to Undisputed: Crawford first became undisputed at lightweight, defeating Julius Indongo in 2017 to unify all four major belts. He then moved up to welterweight, where the competition was fiercer, with many top-tier fighters holding titles. His journey to becoming a two-time undisputed champion culminated in his 2023 victory over Errol Spence Jr., a highly anticipated bout against one of the most skilled fighters in the division.
• Key Challenges: Crawford’s move from lightweight to welterweight meant he had to overcome larger and naturally stronger opponents. In addition, the politics of the welterweight division often made it difficult for top fighters to meet in the ring. However, Crawford broke through these barriers and defeated one of the most respected champions in Spence in dominant fashion, further cementing his legacy.

Naoya Inoue

• Weight Classes: Super Flyweight and Bantamweight
• Path to Undisputed: Known as “The Monster” for his incredible power and precision, Inoue’s first undisputed title came at super flyweight, where he methodically took out a series of top-tier opponents. His transition to bantamweight was no less remarkable, where he again unified all four belts. Inoue’s power and technical brilliance allowed him to overcome a variety of stylistic challenges, and he remains undefeated.
• Key Challenges: While Inoue’s knockout power is feared, his smaller frame means he has faced highly skilled opponents with different styles, many of whom had success at the highest levels. His ability to carry his power across weight classes and continue dominating makes his run toward two undisputed titles highly impressive.

Conclusion: Whose Path Was Most Impressive?

Each of these champions faced unique obstacles on their way to becoming a two-time undisputed champion. Usyk overcame size disparities to dominate at heavyweight, Crawford fought through promotional and political hurdles to unify in two competitive divisions, and Inoue showcased his ability to dominate opponents across the lighter weight classes with raw power and precision.

All three paths have their own merits, but now we turn the question over to you: Which fighter’s journey to becoming a two-time undisputed champion do you find most impressive? Let us know your thoughts!