Boxing has always been a sport that thrives on its ability to provide fans with electrifying matchups and unforgettable moments. One of the most exciting weight classes in the world of boxing is the middleweight division, typically accommodating fighters who weigh no more than 160 pounds. Today, we're taking a closer look at the top middleweight boxers that have dominated the scene in 2023.
The current unified Supper Middleweight champion is Canelo Alvarez. The middleweight champions are as follows:
WBO: Janibek Alimkhanuly
IBF: Vincenzo Gualtieri
WBA: Erislandy Lara
WBC: Jermall Charlo
1. Gennady Golovkin
2. Zhanibek Alimkhanuly
3. Carlos Adames
4. Chris Eubank Jr
5. Erislandy Lara
1. Canelo lvarez: Undoubtedly one of the most recognizable names in modern boxing, Canelo lvarez's rsum speaks for itself. From Mexico, Canelo possesses a combination of skill, power, and ring intelligence. With significant victories over some of the best in multiple weight classes, he's a consensus pound-for-pound king in many circles. As of 2021, his only loss was to Floyd Mayweather Jr., and he has since been on a tear through the middleweight and super-middleweight divisions.
2. Jermall Charlo Representing one half of the Charlo twins, Jermall Charlo is a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division. With an undefeated record and a string of impressive wins, Charlo combines power with technical prowess. His jab, in particular, is one of the best in the division, and he has used it effectively to neutralize and break down his opponents.
3. Demetrius Andrade Boo Boo, as he's popularly known, is another undefeated fighter in the middleweight roster. Andrade's slick boxing style and elite level skills have often seen him compared to some of the all-time greats. However, the major criticism against him has been his level of opposition. Fans eagerly await a showdown between him and the other elite middleweights.
4. Gennady Golovkin (GGG) Even though GGG might be on the tail end of his illustrious career, it's hard to discuss the middleweight division without mentioning his name. Hailing from Kazakhstan, Gennady's knockout power and iron chin made him a fan favorite. His epic duels with Canelo lvarez are considered modern classics.
5. Chris Eubank Jr. The British boxer has long been in the shadows, trying to step out and create a legacy beyond the towering one of his father, Chris Eubank Sr. Over the past couple of years, Eubank Jr. has shown improvement and maturity in the ring, displaying both athleticism and skill. His combination punching and relentless pace can be a nightmare for any opponent.
6. Sergey Derevyanchenko The Ukrainian boxer might not have a perfect record, but his grit and determination have been evident in every fight. Derevyanchenko has faced some of the division's best and has given them a run for their money. His bouts with GGG and Charlo were testament to his top-tier capabilities.
Apart from these established names, the middleweight division sees a surge of emerging talent. Fighters like Jaime Munguia and Edgar Berlanga are making waves and are expected to pose challenges to the established order in the near future. One of the issues facing the middleweight division, like many other boxing divisions such as heavyweight boxing, is the politics of making big fights happen. Fans are clamoring for matchups like Canelo vs. Charlo or Andrade vs. Eubank Jr. If these fights materialize, the division will surely be the most-watched in boxing.
When we talk about the middleweight division, it's not just the fighters that captivate audiences; it's the intricate balance of power, the interplay between established champions and hungry contenders, and the storylines that weave through every punch thrown in the ring. Prominent promotional companies like Top Rank, Matchroom, and Golden Boy play a pivotal role in determining the trajectory of the division. Sometimes, promotional interests align perfectly, giving fans the fights they've been yearning for. But at other times, promotional squabbles and network allegiances can lead to long delays, with marquee matchups hanging in the balance. Organizations such as the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO, with their various title belts, also influence the matchups. Mandatory challengers, unification bouts, and franchise champions add layers of complexity to the division's landscape.
Behind every great fighter is a team that prepares them for battle. In recent times, we've seen a rise in the significance of trainers like Eddy Reynoso (who trains Canelo) and Ronnie Shields (trainer to Jermall Charlo). Their strategies, techniques, and even in-corner advice during fights can mean the difference between victory and defeat. The boxer-trainer partnership, hence, becomes a crucial element in the narrative of the middleweight division.
Every boxer in the division is fighting not just for titles or paychecks, but for a lasting legacy. Canelo, for instance, is in pursuit of being recognized as one of the all-time greats, not just in Mexico but globally. GGG, despite his age, is on a quest to solidify his mark as one of the best middleweights in history. Meanwhile, up-and-comers like Munguia and Berlanga are looking to etch their names alongside the legends. Boxing, especially in the middleweight division, has always had a global appeal. Fighters from the UK, Mexico, Kazakhstan, the U.S., and many other countries bring diverse fighting styles and fan bases. This international mix adds flavor to the division and ensures that it remains a global spectacle. This is why this division has some of the best boxers of 2023.
The middleweight division has always been a hotbed of talent in boxing's storied history, producing legends like Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Bernard Hopkins. The current crop of fighters have big shoes to fill, but based on their performances, the future of the middleweight division looks promising. As 2023 unfolds, boxing aficionados worldwide await with bated breath for the next great middleweight showdown.