Boxing could possibly be approaching a golden era that we haven’t seen since before the 2000’s.
With exciting young fighters like Anthony Joshua, Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Roman Gonzalez and more, boxing could make a comeback and emerge as great as it was in the 1980’s.
There’s one large obstacle however. Unlike some of the great fighters of the past, many of today’s biggest names are too worried to add a loss to their record. Instead of the best fighting the best, they will take easier fights for quick money and an easy victory.
Because of this problem, the few men who continuously push to make the best fights happen gain a fearless reputation, intimidating other opponents.
Becoming a feared or ducked fighter in boxing requires so much more than just being fearless or consistently winning, however.
To be a feared opponent, one must show that they have the power to consistently knock fighters out, and that they are constantly on the prowl for more fighters to add to their knockout résumé.
Keep reading to see the top three most feared fighters in the game right now.
3. Terence “Bud” Crawford
Photo by Will Hart/HBO Boxing
Terence “Bud” Crawford (29-0, 20 KOs) has proved time and time again that he is one of the most skilled fighters in the game.
Having gone 29 bouts without a loss and captured three major belts in two different weight divisions, Crawford is a deadly combination of blazing speed and stunning power.
On top of exhibiting such skill in the ring, he is afraid of no one. His first title defense as WBO lightweight champion was against Yuriorkis Gamboa, a phenomenal champion with an impressive background.
Crawford put on a phenomenal display that night in his home town, demonstrating his stunning power and boxing ability. Although Gamboa seemed to edge out the first few rounds, from Round 5 until the premature end of the fight at Round 9, Crawford proved to all his critics, yet again, why he was the champion.
Only five bouts later, Crawford showcased his skills yet again, dominating Viktor “Iceman” Postol to gain the WBC lightweight title.
Although he did look very impressive in the title bout, what’s more impressive is that, since he has established himself as the best in his weight class, he is moving up.
After his victory, Crawford was quick to call out current WBC welterweight titleholder Danny “Swift” Garcia. It seems that Crawford has no desire to fight anyone except the best in every division he can compete in, and that is what makes him one of the most feared fighters in boxing.
2. Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev
Photo by Vincent Ethier
Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-0-1 26 KOs) is one of the most devastating punchers in the Light heavyweight division right now.
Only allowing five of his 30 fights to reach the final bell, Kovalev has gained a name for himself as one of the most prominent knockout artists in the game.
Since 2013, Krusher has defeated 10 opponents, with only two making it to a decision. Among these opponents were big names such as Nathan Cleverly, Jean Pascal and even the legendary Bernard Hopkins.
With a combination of his skill, stunning power, and a more than impressive résumé, Kovalev has earned a strong reputation as one of the most feared fighters in the Light heavyweight division.
1. Gennady “GGG” Golovkin
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (36-0 33 KOs) is currently the biggest name in boxing right now. Holding the IBO, WBA, WBC and IBF Middleweight title belts, Golovkin has made it clear that he is the most feared man in all of boxing.
GGG has proved time and time again that he wants to fight none other than the best. He has been trying to make a bout against Golden Boy Promotions’ Saul “Canelo” Alvarez for nearly a year, yet Alvarez continues to duck him.
Canelo isn’t alone however, as Golovkin has been ducked by nearly every meaningful fighter in his division. Numerous fighters have called him out, but when given the opportunity to meet him in the ring, the majority of them have turned the opportunity down for various reasons.
Regardless of why they claim to have ducked GGG, it is clear that the fear of his power came into effect. He has knocked out 91.7 percent of his opponents and hasn’t reached the final bell since 2008, making him the fighter with the highest knockout percentage in all of boxing.
Given his stunning knockout ability, as well as his hunt to add everyone in the division to his hit-list, it is clear to see why Gennady Golovkin is the most feared man in boxing.
