Who Are the Greatest Super-middleweight Champions of All Time?

The super-middleweight division is one of boxing’s most exciting weight classes. And we get to see another epic showdown at 168-pounds on September 13th as Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez puts his undisputed crown on the line against Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford.

Created in the late 1980s, super-middleweight has been home to some of the sport’s finest champions, blending the speed of middleweights with the power of light-heavyweights. Here’s a look at the top five greatest champions in super-middleweight history, in no particular order.

The Five Greatest Champions in Super-middleweight History

Carl Froch

Carl Froch brought toughness and drama to the division during a career that saw him fight almost exclusively at the highest level. Known as “The Cobra,” Froch claimed wins over Jean Pascal, Jermain Taylor, Arthur Abraham, Lucian Bute, and George Groves. 

His Wembley Stadium knockout of Groves in front of 80,000 fans is remembered as one of British boxing’s great moments. With his elite stamina, chin and never-say-die spirit, Froch became one of the defining champions of the modern era, and he’s undoubtedly one of the best British fighters to ever do it.

Andre Ward

American star Andre Ward was never beaten in his professional career, finishing with a perfect 32-0 record. Ward rose to prominence during the Super Six World Boxing Classic, where he defeated elite names like Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham, and the aforementioned Carl Froch. 

His intelligence in the ring, defensive skills, and ability to adapt to any style made him one of the most complete fighters of his era. Ward’s dominance at super-middleweight ensures his spot near the very top of this list.

Canelo Alvarez

Canelo Alvarez has already secured his place in history by becoming the first undisputed super-middleweight champion, unifying all four major belts between 2020 and 2021. He achieved this by defeating Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders, and Caleb Plant in succession. 

Canelo’s combination of counterpunching, body attack, and his legendary ring generalship has made him one of boxing’s global superstars. His legacy at 168-pounds is still being written, but his achievement of undisputed status ensures his inclusion among the division’s all-time greats.

Roy Jones Jr

Though Roy Jones Jr’s reign at 168-pounds was brief, his impact was enormous. In 1994, Jones produced one of the greatest single performances in boxing history when he dismantled fellow champion James Toney, who was then considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. 

Jones’ speed, reflexes, and athleticism made him virtually untouchable at this weight. While he went on to win titles in multiple divisions, his time at super-middleweight is remembered as one of his greatest moments in his career but also in the division’s history as a whole.

Joe Calzaghe

Joe Calzaghe retired undefeated with a 46-0 record and is widely considered the greatest super-middleweight in history. He held the WBO belt for over a decade, defending it 21 times, a record that still stands. 

Calzaghe combined relentless work rate, lightning-fast hands, and an awkward southpaw stance that baffled opponents. His wins over Chris Eubank, Jeff Lacy, and Mikkel Kessler solidified his reign, and his unbeaten legacy at 168 remains unmatched. His achievements and fighting style make him easily one of the best boxers to ever come out of the UK.

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