Rodriguez's Dominance Shakes Up Boxing's Pound-for-Pound Hierarchy

A November showcase of boxing talent in Saudi Arabia, dubbed "Ring IV," featured multiple title bouts involving fighters ranked among the sport’s pound-for-pound elite. While the event spotlighted established names, Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez, a 25-year-old junior bantamweight, emerged as the most compelling figure with a performance that has ignited debate about his place among the very best.

On the same card where David Benavidez defended his light heavyweight title and Devin Haney captured a welterweight crown to become a three-division champion, Rodriguez delivered a performance that many observers deemed superior, unifying two 115-pound titles in dominant fashion.

Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs) entered his bout against Fernando "Puma" Martinez, an aggressive Argentine who had reigned atop the junior bantamweight division for three years, with expectations of a stern test. Martinez, known for his relentless pressure and awkward style, was anticipated to push Rodriguez. However, Rodriguez dismantled Martinez, exhibiting a gulf in class that left many wondering if Martinez belonged in the ring with him.

Rodriguez’s display was not solely a demonstration of footwork and boxing acumen. In the tenth round, Rodriguez evaded a jab and countered with a left cross that sent Martinez to the canvas. Martinez failed to beat the count, handing Rodriguez a decisive victory.

After the fight, Rodriguez expressed his desire for recognition alongside Terence Crawford, Oleksandr Usyk, and Naoya Inoue, the fighters who have recently occupied the top spots in pound-for-pound rankings.

The dominance Rodriguez displayed in his unification bout adds weight to his claim. Rodriguez’s systematic dismantling of top-tier opponents, including Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Sunny Edwards, Juan Francisco Estrada, and now Martinez, suggests that he operates at a level that separates him from many of his peers.

Despite the presence of established stars in the pound-for-pound conversation, Rodriguez’s unique skillset and relatively young age of 25 make him a compelling figure in the sport.

Current Pound-for-Pound Rankings:

The pound-for-pound rankings are subjective lists that attempt to rank boxers irrespective of weight class, based on factors such as skill, dominance, and accomplishments.

Terence Crawford:
- Undisputed super middleweight champion (42-0, 31 KOs)
- Crawford moved up two weight divisions to defeat Canelo Alvarez in September, becoming the first male boxer in the four-belt era to become undisputed champion in three weight divisions. A potential rematch could be on the horizon for 2026.
Oleksandr Usyk:
- Undisputed heavyweight champion (24-0, 15 KOs)
- Usyk secured a second undisputed title in July by defeating Daniel Dubois, adding to his prior accomplishments as undisputed cruiserweight champion. He holds multiple victories over high-caliber opponents.
Naoya Inoue:
- Undisputed junior featherweight champion (28-0, 25 KOs)
- Inoue recorded his third victory of 2025 by outpointing Murdjon Akhmadaliev in September. He is scheduled to defend his titles in December against David Picasso in Saudi Arabia. A potential fight against Junto Nakatani is also being discussed for early 2026.
Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez:
- Unified junior bantamweight champion (23-0, 16 KOs)
- Rodriguez defeated Phumelala Cafu to unify titles at 115 pounds in July, and then unified belts in November with a victory over Fernando Martinez in Saudi Arabia.
Dmitry Bivol:
- Undisputed light heavyweight champion (24-1, 12 KOs)
- After a narrow loss to Artur Beterbiev in 2024, Bivol avenged the defeat in their February rematch. A potential trilogy fight in 2026 is a possibility.
David Benavidez:
- Light heavyweight titleholder (31-0, 25 KOs)
- Benavidez moved up to light heavyweight in 2024 and secured victories against Oleksandr Gvozdyk and David Morrell Jr. He defeated Anthony Yarde in Saudi Arabia in November. A fight against Gilberto Ramirez is being considered for May 2026 in Las Vegas.
Artur Beterbiev:
- Light heavyweight (21-1, 20 KOs)
- Beterbiev lost to Dmitry Bivol in their February rematch. He is seeking big fights in 2026, including a potential trilogy fight against Bivol or a showdown with David Benavidez.
Shakur Stevenson:
- WBC lightweight champion (24-0, 11 KOs)
- Stevenson defeated William Zepeda in July. He is expected to move up to 140 pounds in early 2026 for a potential fight against Teofimo Lopez Jr.
Junto Nakatani:
- Junior featherweight (30-0, 23 KOs)
- Nakatani vacated his bantamweight title in 2025 with plans to move up to 122 pounds in hopes of securing a fight against Naoya Inoue.
Devin Haney:
- Welterweight titleholder (33-0, 15 KOs)
- Haney defeated Brian Norman Jr. in November to become a three-division champion. A rematch with Ryan Garcia could be a major fight in 2026.

Fighters who dropped out of the top 10: Canelo Alvarez

Honorable mentions: Alvarez, Teofimo Lopez Jr., Gervonta Davis, Jaron "Boots" Ennis, Keyshawn Davis

Impact and Future Outlook:

Rodriguez’s performance in Saudi Arabia has further cemented his status as a rising star in boxing. His ability to dominate opponents with a combination of technical skill and power makes him a dangerous fighter in the junior bantamweight division. His call for recognition among the pound-for-pound elite reflects his ambition and confidence in his abilities.

The pound-for-pound rankings are inherently subjective, reflecting the opinions of boxing experts and fans. The inclusion of Rodriguez in the top tier of these rankings would signify a recognition of his achievements and potential.

As boxing moves into 2026, the pound-for-pound landscape is set to evolve with numerous potential matchups and title fights on the horizon. The performances of fighters like Rodriguez, Crawford, Usyk, and Inoue will continue to shape the debate over who is the best fighter in the world.