Women's boxing pound-for-pound rankings: A unanimous choice for No. 1

"Shields is one of only two boxers in the four-belt era to become undisputed in three weight classes -- Terence Crawford is the other. She unified all four major women's heavyweight titles on Feb. 2, 2025, with a win over Danielle Perkins and has since made two successful defenses."

"Claressa Shields solidified her position atop the ESPN women's pound-for-pound rankings with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn on Feb. 22 in Detroit. She was equally decisive in the voting, earning every first-place vote from the ESPN panel."

"Shields (15-0, 3 KOs) has won titles in five divisions to go along with Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016 representing the U.S."

Claressa Shields dominated Franchon Crews-Dezurn with a unanimous decision victory on February 22 in Detroit, securing her position at the top of ESPN's women's pound-for-pound rankings with every first-place vote from the panel. Shields unified all four major women's heavyweight titles on February 2, 2025, defeating Danielle Perkins, and has since made two successful title defenses. With a record of 15-0 and three knockouts, Shields has won titles across five divisions and holds Olympic gold medals from 2012 and 2016. Katie Taylor remains ranked second and announced plans for one final fight in Dublin before retirement. The top ten rankings remain unchanged, though several emerging fighters including Ellie Scotney, Shadasia Green, and Cherneka Johnson are receiving votes and closing in on top positions.

Read at ESPN.com