The super welterweight, where middleweights and welterweights meet is in a rare spot where it should be one of the most exciting divisions in boxing. A quick look at its top 10 reveals a division brimming with talent from both spectrums of the sport. From seasoned veterans to young prospects, this weight class is packed with the kind of fighters that make boxing fans’ mouths water at the possibility of classic showdowns. Yet, more often than not, we don’t get the fights we deserve at super welterweight. Instead, what should be a melting pot of electrifying matchups has often felt like a traffic jam, with belts tied up and opportunities slipping away.
It’s frustrating, especially given the mix of potential here. You’ve got boxers like Terence Crawford ( 40-0-1 31 KOs ), Errol Spence Jr. ( 28-1-0 22 KOs ), and rising stars like Xander Zayas ( 16-0-0 10 KOs ), all ready to make waves. But somehow, the dream matchups seem to be buried under a mountain of boxing politics, rankings that make no sense, and fighters who can’t get in the ring often enough.
The Bright Side: A Division Overflowing with Talent
There’s no denying that the 154-pound division is filled with extraordinary talent. At the top, you’ve got superstars like Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr., and Jermell Charlo ( 35-1-1 19 KOs ), whose skill sets have kept them among the elite. But that’s not all—the division has also cultivated an exciting crop of young prospects. Fighters like Jesus Alejandro Ramos ( 21-1-0 15 KOs ), Xander Zayas, and Charles Conwell ( 18-0-0 13 KOs ) are all poised to become future champions. Even among older fighters, there’s still plenty of fight left. Erickson Lubin ( 25-2-0 18 KOs ) and Jermell Charlo both remain formidable forces in the division despite their years in the game.
What’s so unique about this period in the division is the sheer amount of talent that exists across different levels. Unlike some other “tweener” divisions, super welterweight has a blend of fighters in their primes who are still looking to make statements. The bouts we’ve already seen have been nothing short of thrilling. Tim Tszyu’s ( 23-0-0 17 KOs ) battle against Sebastian Fundora ( 20-1-1 13 KOs ) delivered fireworks, as did Vergil Ortiz Jr. ( 19-0-0 19 KOs ) taking on Serhii Bohachuk ( 21-1-0 21 KOs ). Even the much-anticipated Crawford vs. Israeil Madrimov ( 9-0-1 5 KOs ) fight lived up to expectations, proving once again that the talent in this division has the potential to shine.
Unfortunately, the rich talent pool hasn’t always led to consistent action. And that’s where things start to fall apart.
Spence and the Top of the Division: A Recipe for Disaster
As exciting as the talent in the super welterweight division is, it’s hard not to be frustrated with how things are playing out. Take Errol Spence, for example. Despite having never fought at 154 pounds, the WBC has inexplicably ranked him as the #1 contender in the division. This is absurd on multiple levels. Not only has Spence not competed at super welterweight, but his most recent performance— a brutal loss to Crawford— hardly qualifies him for such an honor. Spence’s star power is hardly enough to justify this ranking, and it sets a dangerous precedent for the division. Should he win his upcoming fight against Fundora, it will only stall the division further.
The real issue is that Spence simply hasn’t earned this shot. Since 2019, Spence has only fought three times, partly due to injuries sustained in a car accident. While understandable, it’s still frustrating for fans to see a fighter who has been so inactive get such a prime spot in the rankings. If Spence wins, the WBC belt will likely be tied up for another year, leaving the rest of the division fighting for interim titles and opportunities that don’t really move the needle.
But it’s not just Spence causing problems at 154—Crawford’s insertion into the division poses a similar threat. While Crawford’s credentials as an elite fighter are undeniable, placing him and Spence into a mix where they act as gatekeepers is toxic for the division. What should be an exciting, competitive era at super welterweight risks grinding to a halt because of two fighters who may not even stick around for long. The clock is ticking, and the longer they gatekeep, the more opportunities are wasted for the rest of the division’s top talent.
Matchmaking Woes: The Fights We’re Not Getting
One of the most frustrating aspects of the 154-pound division is how little movement there’s been with some of its top fighters. Despite Ortiz and Crawford fighting as recently as August, their next moves are completely up in the air. Meanwhile, two of their recent opponents—Madrimov and Bohachuk—are set to square off in December, while the future for Ortiz and Crawford remains uncertain.
What’s worse is that many of the recent title fights, like Crawford vs. Madrimov or Ortiz Jr. vs. Bohachuk, ended in close or controversial fashion, yet there’s been no talk of rematches. In a division this competitive, it’s maddening to see high-profile fights pass without a clear resolution, leaving fans wondering what’s next for these fighters.
The younger fighters aren’t immune to this problem, either. Zayas and Ramos, both 23 years old, have bright futures but are treading water in terms of matchmaking. Zayas, who is a Top Rank prospect, has been fighting lower-tier competition to pad his record, but it’s time for him to step up. A fight against a top contender like Conwell or Madrimov would prove whether he belongs among the division’s elite. Ramos, on the other hand, has already tested himself against top-tier talent, including a win on the Canelo vs. Munguia card, but his stock took a hit after a recent loss to Lubin. To truly make waves, he needs to continue facing top opposition and not linger in the prospect pool.
Super Welterweight at a Crossroads
The 154-pound division stands at a critical juncture, full of talent but riddled with uncertainty. While the presence of superstars like Crawford and Spence adds to the intrigue, their roles as gatekeepers threaten to stall what should be a vibrant era of competition. Younger fighters like Zayas and Ramos have the potential to elevate the division, but without the right matchups and more consistent action, their development could be hindered. The division is overflowing with possibilities, but the question remains whether those opportunities will be seized or squandered. With so much talent at stake, the future of super welterweight hangs in the balance, and only time will tell if the potential for greatness can truly be realized.