The Crown Everyone Wants… or Do They?
Once upon a time, undisputed meant something. It was the pinnacle. The endgame. A fighter holding all four recognised belts in their division was the boxing equivalent of climbing Everest — not just impressive, but rare, meaningful, historic. But in 2025? You could be undisputed and still not sell out a half-filled arena. Just ask Oleksandr Usyk.
His demolition of Daniel Dubois this past Saturday looked impressive on paper, but the reality was far more complicated. The so-called “undisputed era” is suffering an identity crisis — and the fans seem to know it.
Undisputed Boxing Titles Used to Mean Legacy
Let’s be fair: fans do still care about undisputed boxing titles — when the matchup makes sense. When it feels earned. When the opponent across the ring is seen as a legitimate challenge.
But Usyk vs Dubois? That wasn’t it.
This isn’t to disrespect Dubois, but most of us knew the outcome before the first bell. The fight itself was over in five rounds, and while Usyk looked phenomenal, the contest never caught fire because it wasn’t built on real jeopardy. Being undisputed wasn’t enough to sell the illusion of competition.
Is It the Fighters, the Promoters, or Us?
So who’s to blame?
It’s tempting to point fingers at the fighters, but the deeper problem lies with the promoters. They build these mismatches like they’re superfights, hype up B-side contenders as future kings, and then wonder why the public doesn’t buy in. Fans aren’t stupid. When half the seats are empty, it’s a sign something deeper is broken.
Dubois is a good fighter. But would he have been a “world champion” even five years ago? Probably not. The depth of the heavyweight division is thin, and Usyk — brilliant as he is — is running out of opponents that can truly test him.
The Real Issue? The Word ‘Undisputed’ Is Losing Its Bite
The alphabet soup of belts has been a problem for decades, but now it’s even worse. There are so many world champions that the term means little unless it’s paired with a fight fans actually want. Being undisputed isn’t enough to mask a shallow division or a lack of genuine rivalries.
Usyk vs Fury? That had meaning. Crawford vs Spence? Same again. But when the term ‘undisputed’ is slapped onto a fight that lacks stakes, story, or danger — fans switch off. Because we know the difference between a true superfight and a marketing tool.
Fans Are Part of the Problem, Too
Now here’s the controversial bit — we, as fans, aren’t totally innocent. We cling to the golden eras. We still want AJ vs Fury. We still dream of Wilder’s right hand and prime GGG. And when new names get pushed, we’re slow to get behind them.
The sport can’t evolve when we don’t let it. Promoters chase quick money because fans don’t reward long-term storytelling. The next big star could be in front of us, but unless they’ve already got a highlight reel or a big name on the résumé, they get ignored.
So… Do Fans Care About Undisputed Boxing Titles?
Yes — but only if the path to undisputed feels real. When the belts are earned through fights we believe in, the label matters. When they’re handed over in mismatches, it’s just noise.
Undisputed should be the ultimate prize in boxing. But for it to mean anything, it needs to be backed by matchups that test greatness, not just complete a collection.
Over to You…
Do you still care about undisputed boxing titles — or has the shine worn off?
Let me know in the comments, share this post with fellow fight fans, and head over to CMBoxing.co.uk for more no-nonsense takes from a fan who actually gives a damn.