Saying that new undisputed heavyweight champion Alexander Ousyk is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, that’s like pointing out that it’s pretty hot in Riyadh this time of year.

Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) overcame a rough start to his fight with Tyson Fury to abandon the Englishman in the ninth round and win by split decision in 12 rounds. It was a close and competitive fight, but the Ukrainian wizard more than deserved this sensational triumph and is at the top of the boxing world.

Naoya Inoue, who recently took the No. 1. 1 spot after eliminating dangerous challenger Luis Nery, drops one spot. Going down one place is also Terence Crawford, who returns to action against WBA super welterweight champion Israil Madrimov on August 3 in Los Angeles.

The Sporting News takes a look at the 12 best pound-for-pound fighters in the world today:

Pound for pound ranking: The Sporting News top 12

The best in the world pound for pound: Oleksandr Usyk

Indeed, Usyk has finished boxing. An Olympic champion at London 2012, this quick and cerebral southpaw has enjoyed no less success as a professional and is the very definition of what a pound-for-pound superstar should be.

At 37, Usyk became the first undisputed cruiserweight champion to achieve heavyweight distinction since Evander Holyfield more than 30 years ago. Although he has given up an enormous amount of height and reach to today’s juggernauts, Usyk has proven himself to be the only true king of the glamor division.

The Ukrainian warrior’s iconic victories include Mairis Briedis, Murat Gassiev, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

Sporting News boxing notes

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