Boxing divisional rankings: Benavidez’s big win proves he’s ready for next level
David Benavidez cemented his status as the third-best light heavyweight Saturday with a career-best performance in a convincing decision win over David Morrell Jr.
Benavidez is now the WBA and WBC No. 1 contender and is positioned for a shot at the undisputed light heavyweight championship that will be contested Feb. 22 in the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol rematch.
Morrell was fighting in just his 12th professional fight, but he held his own and proved he will be a force at 175 pounds for years to come. He maintained his No. 4 ranking in defeat.
In the co-feature, Stephen Fulton notched a second win over Brandon Figueroa, this time at featherweight. And the decision was far clearer in the rematch after Fulton eked out a majority decision in their 2021 slugfest in a 122-pound title unification bout. Unlike that meeting, this bout failed to entertain. But it did revive Fulton’s career.
The Philadelphian was knocked out by Naoya Inoue in 2023 and was floored by Carlos Castro in a lackluster win last year in his featherweight debut. But Fulton was sharp against Figueroa and moved up to No. 4 in ESPN’s featherweight rankings.
Figueroa, who lost his title, falls to No. 7 after his flat performance.
Also on the undercard: Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Jesus Ramos picked up wins. While Cruz remains unranked in the deep 140-pound weight class, Ramos remains No. 8 at 154 pounds.
ESPN’s divisional boxing rankings highlight the best in the sport in every weight class. Rankings will change based on recent results and performances. Fighters who have announced they are moving to a different weight class will be ranked in that new division, if warranted, only once they fight in that weight class. Fighters who currently own titles in two divisions can be ranked in both.
Fighters who haven’t competed in the past 12 months — and don’t have a fight scheduled — will be dropped from the rankings until they fight again. Any fighter who tests positive for a performance-enhancing substance will also be removed. That boxer will be eligible to re-enter the rankings after his next bout.
For a list of the current champions in all weight classes, click here. For ESPN women’s divisional rankings, click here.
Heavyweight – Cruiserweight – Light heavyweight – Super middleweight – Middleweight – Junior middleweight – Welterweight – Junior welterweight – Lightweight – Junior lightweight – Featherweight – Junior featherweight – Bantamweight – Junior bantamweight – Flyweight – Junior flyweight – Strawweight
HEAVYWEIGHT (UNLIMITED)
2:52
Oleksandr Usyk unanimously defeats Tyson Fury in rematch
Oleksandr Usyk retains the heavyweight championship with another decision victory over Tyson Fury on Saturday, this time unanimously in an epic rematch.
1. Oleksandr Usyk  
  Previous ranking: 1
  Previous ranking: 1Record: 23-0, 14 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Tyson Fury, Dec. 21
Next: TBA
2. Tyson Fury     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 34-2-1, 24 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Oleksandr Usyk, Dec. 21
Next: TBA
3. Daniel Dubois     Previous ranking: 3
Record: 22-2, 21 KOs
Last: W (KO5) Anthony Joshua, Sept. 21
Next: Feb. 22 vs. Joseph Parker
4. Joseph Parker     Previous ranking: 4
Record: 35-3, 23 KOs
Last: W (MD12) Zhilei Zhang, March 8
Next: Feb. 22 vs. Daniel Dubois
5. Anthony Joshua     Previous ranking: 5
Record: 28-4, 25 KOs
Last: L (KO5) Daniel Dubois, Sept. 21
Next: TBA
6. Zhilei Zhang     Previous ranking: 6
Record: 27-2-1, 22 KOs
Last: W (KO5) Deontay Wilder, June 1
Next: Feb. 22 vs. Agit Kabayel
7. Martin Bakole     Previous ranking: 7
Record: 21-1, 16 KOs
Last: W (KO5) Jared Anderson, Aug. 3
Next: TBA vs. Efe Ajagba
8. Agit Kabayel     Previous ranking: 8
Record: 25-0, 17 KOs
Last: W (KO7) Frank Sanchez, May 18
Next: Feb. 22 vs. Zhilei Zhang
9. Jarrell Miller     Previous ranking: 9
Record: 26-1-2, 22 KOs
Last: Draw (MD12) Andy Ruiz Jr., Aug. 3
Next: TBA
10. Andy Ruiz Jr.     Previous ranking: 10
Record: 35-2-1, 22 KOs
Last: Draw (MD12) Jarrell Miller, Aug. 3
Next: TBA
CRUISERWEIGHT (UP TO 200 POUNDS)
1. Jai Opetaia     Previous ranking: 1
Record: 27-0, 21 KOs
Last: W (KO4) David Nyika, Jan. 8
Next: TBA
2. Gilberto Ramirez     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 46-1, 30 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Chris Billam-Smith, Nov. 16
Next: TBA
3. Mairis Briedis     Previous ranking: 3
Record: 28-3, 20 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Jai Opetaia, May 18
Next: TBA
4. Norair Mikaeljan     Previous ranking: 4
Record: 27-2, 12 KOs
Last: W (TKO3) Ilunga Makabu, Nov. 4, 2023
Next: TBA
5. Chris Billam-Smith     Previous ranking: 5
Record: 20-2, 13 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Gilberto Ramirez, Nov. 16
Next: April 26 vs. Brandon Glanton
6. Mateusz Masternak     Previous ranking: 6
Record: 49-6, 32 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Floyd Masson, Nov. 16
Next: TBA
7. Michal Cieslak     Previous ranking: 7
Record: 27-2, 21 KOs
Last: W (TKO3) Felix Valera, Oct. 26
Next: TBA
8. Richard Riakporhe     Previous ranking: 8
Record: 17-1, 13 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Chris Billam-Smith, June 15
Next: TBA
9. Ryan Rozicki     Previous ranking: 9
Record: 20-1, 19 KOs
Last: D (MD12) Yamil Peralta, Dec. 7
Next: TBA
10. Yamil Peralta     Previous ranking: 10
Record: 17-1-1, 9 KOs
Last: D (MD12) Ryan Rozicki, Dec. 7
Next: TBA
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT (UP TO 175 POUNDS)
2:02
Artur Beterbiev stuns Dmitry Bivol via majority decision to become undisputed champ
Artur Beterbiev comes away with a majority decision victory over Dmitry Bivol in front of a packed crowd in Saudi Arabia.
1. Artur Beterbiev     Previous ranking: 1
Record: 21-0, 20 KOs
Last: W (MD12) Dmitry Bivol, Oct. 12
Next: Feb. 22 vs. Dmitry Bivol
2. Dmitry Bivol     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 23-1, 12 KOs
Last: L (MD12) Artur Beterbiev, Oct. 12
Next: Feb. 22 vs. Artur Beterbiev
3. David Benavidez     Previous ranking: 3
Record: 30-0, 24 KOs
Last: W (UD12) David Morrell Jr., Feb. 1
Next: TBA
4. David Morrell Jr.     Previous ranking: 4
Record: 11-1, 9 KOs
Last: L (UD12) David Benavidez, Feb. 1
Next: TBA
5. Joshua Buatsi     Previous ranking: 5
Record: 19-0, 13 KOs
Last: W (SD12) Willy Hutchinson, Sept. 21
Next: Feb. 22 vs. Callum Smith
6. Anthony Yarde     Previous ranking: 6
Record: 25-3, 24 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Ralfs Vilcans, Oct. 19
Next: April 26 vs. Lyndon Arthur
7. Callum Smith     Previous ranking: 7
Record: 30-2, 22 KOs
Last: W (TKO5) Carlos Galvan, Nov. 30
Next: Feb. 22 vs. Joshua Buatsi
8. Oleksandr Gvozdyk     Previous ranking: 8
Record: 20-2, 16 KOs
Last: L (UD12) David Benavidez, June 15
Next: TBA
9. Conor Wallace     Previous ranking: 9
Record: 15-1, 11 KOs
Last: W (TKO8) Asemahle Wellem, Dec. 11
Next: TBA
10. Willy Hutchinson     Previous ranking: 10
Record: 18-2, 13 KOs
Last: L (SD12) Joshua Buatsi, Sept. 21
Next: Feb. 8 vs. Zach Parker
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT (UP TO 168 POUNDS)
1. Canelo Alvarez     Previous ranking: 1
Record: 62-2-2, 39 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Edgar Berlanga, Sept. 14
Next: TBA
2. Christian Mbilli     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 28-0, 23 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Aug. 17
Next: TBA
3. Caleb Plant     Previous ranking: 4
  Previous ranking: 4Record: 62-2-2, 39 KOs
Last: W (TKO9) Trevor McCumby, Sept. 14
Next: TBA
4. Diego Pacheco     Previous ranking: 5
Record: 23-0, 18 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Steven Nelson, Jan. 25
Next: TBA
5. Edgar Berlanga     Previous ranking: 6
Record: 22-1, 17 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Canelo Alvarez, Sept. 14
Next: TBA
6. Bektemir Melikuziev     Previous ranking: 7
Record: 14-1, 10 KOs
Last: W (SD12) David Stevens, Nov. 2
Next: TBA
7. Osleys Iglesias     Previous ranking: 8
Record: 13-0, 12 KOs
Last: W (TKO5) Petro Ivanov, Nov. 7
Next: TBA
8. William Scull     Previous ranking: 9
Record: 23-0, 9 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Vladimir Shishkin, Oct. 19
Next: TBA
9. Bruno Surace     Previous ranking: N/R
Record: 26-0-2, 5 KOs
Last: W (KO6) Jaime Munguia, Dec. 14
Next: TBA vs. Jaime Munguia
10. Jaime Munguia     Previous ranking: 3
  Previous ranking: 3Record: 44-2, 35 KOs
Last: L (KO6) Bruno Surace, Dec. 14
Next: TBA vs. Bruno Surace
Editor’s note: David Benavidez moved up to light heavyweight.
MIDDLEWEIGHT (UP TO 160 POUNDS)
1:21
Janibek Alimkhanuly stops Vincenzo Gualtieri in Round 6
Janibek Alimkhanuly unifies two middleweight titles with a sixth-round stoppage of Vincenzo Gualtieri.
1. Janibek Alimkhanuly     Previous ranking: 1
Record: 16-0, 11 KOs
Last: W (TKO9) Andrei Mikhailovich, Oct. 4
Next: April 5 vs. Anauel Ngamissengue
2. Carlos Adames     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 24-1, 18 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Terrell Gausha, June 15
Next: Feb. 22 vs. Hamzah Sheeraz
3. Erislandy Lara     Previous ranking: 3
Record: 31-3-3, 19 KOs
Last: W TKO9) Danny Garcia, Sept. 14
Next: TBA
4. Chris Eubank Jr.     Previous ranking: 4
Record: 33-3, 25 KOs
Last: W (KO7) Kamil Szeremeta, Oct. 12
Next: April 26 vs. Conor Benn
5. Hamzah Sheeraz     Previous ranking: 6
Record: 21-0, 17 KOs
Last: W (TKO2) Tyler Denny, Sept. 21
Next: Feb. 22 vs. Carlos Adames
6. Kyrone Davis     Previous ranking: 7
Record: 19-3-1, 6 KOs
Last: W (SD10) Elijah Garcia, June 15
Next: TBA
7. Anauel Ngamissengue     Previous ranking: 8
Record: 14-0, 9 KOs
Last: W (TKO3) Sandro Jajanidze, June 8
Next: April 5 vs. Janibek Alimkhanuly
8. Etinosa Oliha     Previous ranking: 9
Record: 21-0, 9 KOs
Last: W (TKO3) Alexander Pavlov, Sept. 14
Next: TBA
9. Fiodr Czerkaszyn     Previous ranking: 10
Record: 25-1, 15 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Sebastian Horacio Papeschi, Oct. 26
Next: TBA
10. Josh Kelly     Previous ranking: N/R
Record: 16-1-1, 8 KOs
Last: W (MD12) Ishmael Davis, Sept. 21
Next: TBA
Editor’s note: Jermall Charlo and Gennadiy Golovkin hav been removed for inactivity.
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT (UP TO 154 POUNDS)
1. Terence Crawford     Previous ranking: 1
Record: 41-0, 31 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Israil Madrimov, Aug. 3
Next: TBA
2. Israil Madrimov     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 10-1-1, 7 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Terence Crawford, Aug. 3
Next: Feb. 22 vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr.
3. Sebastian Fundora     Previous ranking: 3
Record: 21-1-1, 13 KOs
Last: W (SD12) Tim Tszyu, March 30
Next: March 29 vs. Chordale Booker
4. Bakhram Murtazaliev     Previous ranking: 4
Record: 23-0, 17 KOs
Last: W (TKO3) Tim Tszyu, Oct 19
Next: TBA
5. Vergil Ortiz Jr.     Previous ranking: 5
Record: 22-0, 21 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Serhii Bohachuk, Aug. 10
Next: Feb. 22 vs. Israil Madrimov
6. Serhii Bohachuk     Previous ranking: 6
Record: 25-2, 24 KOs
Last: W (TKO6) Ishmael Davis, Dec. 21
Next: TBA
7. Tim Tszyu     Previous ranking: 8
Record: 24-2, 17 KOs
Last: L (TKO3) Bakhram Murtazaliev, Oct. 19
Next: TBA
8. Jesus Ramos Jr.     Previous ranking: 9
Record: 23-1, 18 KOs
Last: W (TKO8) Jeison Rosario, Feb. 1
Next: TBA
9. Charles Conwell     Previous ranking: 10
Record: 21-0, 16 KOs
Last: W (KO7) Gerardo Vergara, Dec. 14
Next: TBA
10. Michel Soro     Previous ranking: N/R
Record: 36-4-2, 25 KOs
Last: W (KO2) Oziel Santoyo, May 31
Next: TBA
Editor’s note: Jermell Charlo has been removed for inactivity in the division. Brian Castano have been removed for inactivity.
WELTERWEIGHT (UP TO 147 POUNDS)
1. Jaron Ennis     Previous ranking: 1
Record: 33-0, 29 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Karen Chukhadzhian, Nov. 9
Next: April 12 vs. Eimantas Stanionis
2. Eimantas Stanionis     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 15-0, 9 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Gabriel Maestre, May 4
Next: April 12 vs. Jaron Ennis
3. Brian Norman Jr.     Previous ranking: 3
Record: 26-0, 20 KOs
Last: W (KO10) Giovani Santillan, May 18
Next: March 29 vs. Derrieck Cuevas
4. Mario Barrios     Previous ranking: 4
Record: 29-2-1, 18 KOs
Last: SD (Split draw 12) Abel Ramos, Nov. 15
Next: TBA
5. Conor Benn     Previous ranking: 5
Record: 23-0, 14 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Peter Dobson, Feb. 3
Next: April 26 vs. Chris Eubank Jr.
6. Shakhram Giyasov     Previous ranking: 6
Record: 16-0, 9 KOs
Last: W (SD10) Miguel Parra, July 31
Next: TBA
7. Jin Sasaki     Previous ranking: 7
Record: 19-1-1, 17 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Shoki Sakai, Jan. 24
Next: TBA
8. Abel Ramos     Previous ranking: 8
Record: 28-6-3, 22 KOs
Last: SD (Split draw 12) Mario Barrios, Nov. 15
Next: TBA
9. Giovani Santillan     Previous ranking: 9
Record: 33-1, 18 KOs
Last: W (TKO1) Fredrick Lawson, Dec. 7
Next: TBA
10. Alexis Rocha     Previous ranking: 10
Record: 25-2-1, 16 KOs
Last: D (MD12) Raul Curiel, Dec. 14
Next: TBA
Editor’s note: Cody Crowley has been removed for inactivity.
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT (UP TO 140 POUNDS)
1:01
Teofimo Lopez cruises to unanimous-decision victory
Teofimo Lopez wins via unanimous decision over Steve Claggett in Miami.
1. Teofimo Lopez     Previous ranking: 1
Record: 21-1, 13 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Steve Claggett, June 29
Next: TBA
2. Devin Haney     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 31-0-1, 15 KOs
Last: No contest (NC12) Ryan Garcia, April 20
Next: TBA vs. Jose Ramirez
3. Jack Catterall     Previous ranking: 3
Record: 30-1, 13 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Regis Prograis, Oct. 26
Next: Feb. 15 vs. Arnold Barboza Jr.
4. Richardson Hitchins     Previous ranking: N/R
Record: 19-0, 7 KOs
Last: W (SD12) Liam Paro, Dec. 7
Next: TBA
5. Alberto Puello     Previous ranking: 5
Record: 23-0, 10 KOs
Last: W (SD12) Gary Antuanne Russell, June 15
Next: March 1 vs. Sandor Martin
6. Jose Valenzuela     Previous ranking: 6
Record: 14-2, 9 KOs
Last: W (SD12) Gary Antuanne Russell, June 15
Next: March 1 vs. Gary Antuanne Russell
7. Liam Paro     Previous ranking: 4
Record: 25-1, 15 KOs
Last: L (SD12) Richardson Hitchins, Dec. 7
Next: TBA
8. Subriel Matias     Previous ranking: 7
Record: 21-2, 21 KOs
Last: W (TKO2) Roberto Ramirez, Nov. 9
Next: March 1 vs. Gabriel Valenzuela
9. Arnold Barboza Jr.     Previous ranking: 8
Record: 31-0, 11 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Jose Ramirez, Nov. 16
Next: Feb. 15 vs. Jack Catterall
10. Josh Taylor     Previous ranking: 9
Record: 19-2, 13 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Jack Catterall, May 25
Next: TBA
Editor’s note: Ryan Garcia has been removed for testing positive ahead of his win over Devin Haney.
LIGHTWEIGHT (UP TO 135 POUNDS)
1:39
Dominant Lomachenko stops Kambosos Jr. in 11th to win title
Vasiliy Lomachenko throws an onslaught of punches to the body of George Kambosos Jr. that forces the referee to stop the fight in the 11th round.
1. Gervonta Davis     Previous ranking: 1
Record: 30-0, 28 KOs
Last: W (KO8) Frank Martin, June 15
Next: March 1 vs. Lamont Roach
2. Vasiliy Lomachenko     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 18-3, 12 KOs
Last: W (TKO11) George Kambosos Jr., May 11
Next: TBA
3. Shakur Stevenson     Previous ranking: 4
Record: 22-0, 10 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Artem Harutyunyan, July 6
Next: Feb. 22 vs. Floyd Schofield
4. William Zepeda     Previous ranking: 3
Record: 32-0, 27 KOs
Last: W (SD10) Tevin Farmer, Nov. 16
Next: March 29 vs. Tevin Farmer
5. Denys Berinchyk     Previous ranking: 5
Record: 19-0, 9 KOs
Last: W (SD12) Emanuel Navarrete, May 18
Next: Feb. 14 vs. Keyshawn Davis
6. Keyshawn Davis     Previous ranking: 6
Record: 12-0, 8 KOs
Last: W (KO2) Gustavo Lemos, Nov. 8
Next: Feb. 14 vs. Denys Berinchyk
7. George Kambosos Jr.     Previous ranking: 7
Record: 21-3, 10 KOs
Last: L (TKO11) Vasiliy Lomachenko, May 11
Next: March 22 vs. Daud Yordan
8. Frank Martin     Previous ranking: 8
Record: 18-1, 12 KOs
Last: L (KO8) Gervonta Davis, June 15
Next: TBA
9. Andy Cruz     Previous ranking: 9
Record: 5-0, 2 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Omar Salcido, Jan. 25
Next: TBA
10. Raymond Muratalla     Previous ranking: 10
Record: 22-0, 17 KOs
Last: W (TKO2) Jesus Perez, Nov. 2
Next: TBA
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT (UP TO 130 POUNDS)
2:08
Emanuel Navarrete wins instant classic vs. Oscar Valdez
Emanuel Navarrete comes out victorious in a 12-round classic vs. Oscar Valdez in Arizona.
1. Emanuel Navarrete     Previous ranking: 1
Record: 39-2-1, 32 KOs
Last: W (KO6) Oscar Valdez, Dec. 7
Next: TBA
2. Anthony Cacace     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 23-1, 8 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Josh Warrington, Sept. 21
Next: TBA
3. O’Shaquie Foster     Previous ranking: 3
Record: 23-3, 12 KOs
Last:W (SD12) Robson Conceicao, Nov. 2
Next:TBA
4. Robson Conceicao     Previous ranking: 4
Record: 19-3-1 1 NC, 9 KOs
Last:L (SD12) O’Shaquie Foster, Nov. 2
Next:TBA
5. Lamont Roach     Previous ranking: 6
Record: 25-1-1 10 KOs
Last: W (TKO8) Feargal McCrory, June 28
Next: March 1 vs. Gervonta Davis
6. Raymond Ford     Previous ranking: 7
Record: 16-1-1, 8 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Orlando Gonzalez, Nov. 9
Next: TBA
7. Joe Cordina    Previous ranking: 8
Record: 17-1, 9 KOs
Last: L (TKO7) Anthony Cacace, May 18
Next: TBA
8. Eduardo Nunez    Previous ranking: 9
Record: 27-1 27 KOs
Last: W (TKO6) Miguel Marriaga, Aug. 31
Next: TBA
9. Andres Cortes     Previous ranking: 10
Record: 22-0, 12 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Abraham Nova, June 21
Next: TBA
10. Mark Magsayo     Previous ranking: N/R
Record: 27-2, 18 KOs
Last: W (TKO2) Bryan Mercado, Dec. 14
Next: TBA
FEATHERWEIGHT (UP TO 126 POUNDS)
1:46
Angelo Leo flattens Venado Lopez for KO of the year candidate
Angelo Leo needs one punch to flatten Venado Lopez and claim the IBF belt for the knockout of the year candidate.
1. Rafael Espinoza     Previous ranking: 1
Record: 26-0, 22 KOs
Last: W (TKO6) Robeisy Ramirez, Dec. 7
Next: TBA
2. Nick Ball     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 21-0-1, 12 KOs
Last: W (TKO10) Ronny Rios, Oct. 5
Next: March 15 vs. TJ Doheny
3. Angelo Leo     Previous ranking: 3
Record: 25-1, 12 KOs
Last: W (KO10) Luis Alberto Lopez, Aug. 10
Next: TBA
4. Stephen Fulton     Previous ranking: 7
Record: 23-1, 8 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Brandon Figueroa, Feb. 1
Next: TBA
5. Luis Alberto Lopez     Previous ranking: 5
Record: 30-3, 17 KOs
Last: L (TKO10) Angelo Leo, Aug. 10
Next: TBA
6. Rey Vargas     Previous ranking: 6
Record: 36-1, 22 KOs
Last: Split draw (SD12) Nick Ball, March 8
Next: TBA
7. Brandon Figueroa     Previous ranking: 4
Record: 25-2-1, 19 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Stephen Fulton, Feb. 1
Next: TBA
8. Bruce Carrington     Previous ranking: 8
Record: 14-0, 8 KOs
Last: W (UD8) Dana Coolwell, Nov. 15
Next: March 29 vs. Enrique Vivas
9. Tomoki Kameda     Previous ranking: 9
Record: 42-4, 23 KOs
Last: W (SD12) Lerato Dlamini, Aug. 24
Next: TBA
10. Robeisy Ramirez     Previous ranking: 10
Record: 14-3, 9 KOs
Last: L (TKO6) Rafael Espinoza, Dec. 7
Next: TBA
Editor’s note: Leigh Wood has been removed for inactivity.
JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT (UP TO 122 POUNDS)
1:02
Ye Joon Kim KO’d by Naoya Inoue after asking for more
Naoya Inoue’s barrage in the fourth round sends Ye Joon Kim to the canvas as the Japanese fighter retains his belts.
1. Naoya Inoue     Previous ranking: 1
Record: 29-0, 26 KOs
Last: W (KO4) Ye Joon Kim, Jan. 24
Next: TBA
2. Marlon Tapales     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 39-4, 20 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Saurabh Kumar, Sept. 7
Next: TBA
3. Murodjon Akhmadaliev     Previous ranking: 3
Record: 13-1, 10 KOs
Last: W (TKO3) Ricardo Espinoza, Dec. 14
Next: TBA
4. Sam Goodman     Previous ranking: 4
Record: 19-0, 8 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Thachtana Luangphon, July 10
Next: TBA
5. Luis Nery     Previous ranking: 5
Record: 35-2, 27 KOs
Last: L (TKO6) Naoya Inoue, May 6
Next: Feb. 22 vs. Kyonosuke Kameda
6. John Riel Casimero     Previous ranking: 6
Record: 34-4-1, 23 KOs
Last: W (TKO1) Saul Sanchez, Oct. 13
Next: TBA
7. Elijah Pierce     Previous ranking: 7
Record: 20-2, 16 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Jose Sanmartin, Aug. 30
Next: TBA
8. TJ Doheny     Previous ranking: 9
Record: 26-5, 20 KOs
Last: L (TKO7) Naoya Inoue, Sept. 3
Next: March 15 vs. Nick Ball
9. Alan Picasso Romero     Previous ranking: N/R
Record: 31-0-1, 17 KOs
Last: W (KO3) Yehison Cuello, Dec. 14
Next: TBA
10. Ramon Cardenas     Previous ranking: 10
Record: 25-1, 14 KOs
Last: W (KO9) Jesus Ramirez Rubio, April 24
Next: TBA
Editor’s note: Stephen Fulton moved up to featherweights. Ra’eese Aleem has been removed for inactivity.
BANTAMWEIGHT (UP TO 118 POUNDS)
1:05
Junto Nakatani retains WBC bantamweight title with vicious KO
Junto Nakatani drops Petch Sor Chitpattana twice in the sixth round, including a heavy left-handed punch to close out the fight.
1. Junto Nakatani     Previous ranking: 1
Record: 28-0, 21 KOs
Last: W (TKO6) Petch Sor Chitpattana, Oct. 14
Next: Feb. 24 vs. David Cuellar
2. Ryosuke Nishida     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 10-0, 2 KO
Last: W (KO7) Anuchai Donsua, Dec. 15
Next: TBA
3. Yoshiki Takei     Previous ranking: 3
Record: 10-0, 8 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Daigo Higa, Sept. 3
Next: TBA
4. Seiya Tsutsumi     Previous ranking: 4
Record: 12-0-2, 8 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Takuma Inoue, Oct. 13
Next: Feb. 24 vs. Daigo Higa
5. Takuma Inoue     Previous ranking: 5
Record: 20-2, 5 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Seiya Tsutsumi, Oct. 13
Next: TBA
6. Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez     Previous ranking: 6
Record: 52-4, 42 KOs
Last: W (TKO10) Rober Barrera, July 12
Next: TBA
7. Emmanuel Rodriguez   UP:   Previous ranking: 8
Record: 22-3, 13 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Ryosuke Nishida, May 4
Next: TBA
8. Sho Ishida   UP:   Previous ranking: 9
Record: 34-4, 17 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Takuma Inoue, May 6
Next: TBA
9. Jason Moloney   UP:   Previous ranking: 10
Record: 27-3, 19 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Yoshiki Takei, May 6
Next: Feb. 24 vs. Tenshin Nasukawa
10. Antonio Vargas   UP:   Previous ranking: N/R
Record: 19-1, 11 KOs
Last: W (TKO10) Winston Guerrero, Dec. 13
Next: TBA
Editor’s note: Gary Antonio Russell and Kal Yafai have been remove for inactivity.
JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT (UP TO 115 POUNDS)
1. Jesse Rodriguez     Previous ranking: 1
Record: 21-0, 14 KOs
Last: W (TKO2) Pedro Guevara, Nov. 9
Next: TBA
2. Fernando Martinez     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 17-0, 9 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Kazuto Ioka, July 7
Next: TBA vs. Kazuto Ioka
3. Juan Francisco Estrada     Previous ranking: 3
Record: 44-4, 28 KOs
Last: L (KO7) Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, June 29
Next: TBA
4. Kazuto Ioka     Previous ranking: 4
Record: 31-3-1, 16 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Fernando Martinez, July 7
Next: TBA vs. Fernando Martinez
5. Phumelele Cafu     Previous ranking: 5
Record: 11-0-3, 8 KOs
Last: W (SD12) Kosei Tanaka, Oct. 14
Next: TBA
6. Kosei Tanaka   <   Previous ranking: 6
Record: 20-2, 11 KOs
Last: L (SD12) Phumelele Cafu, Oct. 14
Next: TBA
7. KJ Cataraja     Previous ranking: 7
Record: 17-1, 13 KOs
Last: L (SD10) Kenbun Torres, Aug. 24
Next: TBA
8. David Jimenez     Previous ranking: 8
Record: 16-1, 11 KOs
Last: W (UD12) John Ramirez, April 20
Next: TBA
9. Suzumi Takayama     Previous ranking: 9
Record: 9-0, 7 KOs
Last: W (TKO2) Isao Aoyama, Nov. 12
Next TBA
10. Ricardo Malajika     Previous ranking: 10
Record: 14-2, 10 KOs
Last: W (KO11) Yanga Sigqibo, Aug. 23
Next: TBA
Editor’s note: Srisaket Sor Rungvisai has moved to bantamweight.
FLYWEIGHT (UP TO 112 POUNDS)
1. Seigo Yuri Akui     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 21-2-1, 11 KOs
Last: W (SD12) Thananchai Charunphak, Oct. 13
Next: March 13 vs. Kenshiro Teraji
2. Kenshiro Teraji     Previous ranking: 3
Record: 24-1, 15 KOs
Last: W (TKO11) Cristofer Rosales, Oct. 13
Next: March 13 vs. Seigo Yuri Akui
3. Galal Yafai     Previous ranking: 9
Record: 9-0, 7 KOs
Last: W (TKO6) Sunny Edwards, Nov. 30
Next: TBA
4. Angel Ayala     Previous ranking: 4
Record: 17-0, 7 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Felix Alvarado, Oct. 14
Next: TBA
5. Angelino Cordova     Previous ranking: 5
Record: 19-0-1, 12 KOs
Last: W (UD8) Josue Morales, Dec. 6
Next: TBA
6. Anthony Olascuaga     Previous ranking: 6
Record: 8-1, 6 KOs
Last: W (TKO1) Jonathan Gonzalez, Oct. 14
Next March 13 vs. Hiroto Kyoguchi
7. Ricardo Sandoval     Previous ranking: 7
Record: 24-2, 17 KOs
Last: W (KO10) Angel Acosta, July 6
Next: TBA
8. Artem Dalakian     Previous ranking: 8
Record: 22-1, 15 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Seigo Yuri Akui, Jan. 23
Next TBA
9. Felix Alvarado     Previous ranking: 9
Record: 42-4, 35 KOs
Last: W (MD12) Tobias Reyes, Dec. 27
Next TBA
10. Hiroto Kyoguchi     Previous ranking: N/R
Record: 19-2, 12 KOs
Last: W (MD10) Vince Paras, Oct. 13
Next: March 13 vs. Anthony Olascuaga
Editor’s note: Julio Cesar Martinez has been removed for testing positive ahead of his win over Angelino Cordova. Sunny Edwards retired and has been removed from the rankings.
JUNIOR FLYWEIGHT (UP TO 108 POUNDS)
1. Jonathan Gonzalez     Previous ranking: 1
Record: 28-4-1, 14 KOs
Last: L (TKO1) Anthony Olascuaga, Oct. 14
Next: TBA
2. Masamichi Yabuki     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 17-4, 16 KOs
Last: W (TKO9) Sivenathi Nontshinga, Oct. 12
Next: TBA
3. Elwin Soto     Previous ranking: 3
Record: 21-3, 13 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Jose Ramirez Armenta, Nov. 11
Next: TBA
4. Shokichi Iwata     Previous ranking: 5
Record: 14-1, 11 KOs
Last: W (TKO3) Jairo Noriega, Oct. 13
Next: March 13 vs. Rene Santiago
5. Petchmanee CP Freshmart     Previous ranking: N/R
Record: 44-2, 27 KOs
Last: W (MD12) Carlos Canizalez, Dec. 26
Next: TBA
STRAWWEIGHT (UP TO 105 POUNDS)
1. Oscar Collazo     Previous ranking: 1
Record: 11-0, 8 KOs
Last: W (TKO7) Knockout CP Freshmart, Nov. 16
Next: TBA
2. Melvin Jerusalem     Previous ranking: 2
Record: 23-3, 12 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Luis Castillo, Sept. 22
Next: TBA
3. Erick Rosa     Previous ranking: 3
Record: 8-0, 2 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Neider Valdez Aguilar, Dec. 19
Next: TBA
4. Pedro Taduran     Previous ranking: 5
Record: 17-4-1, 13 KOs
Last: W (TKO9) Ginjiro Shigeoka, July 28
Next: TBA
5. Knockout CP Freshmart     Previous ranking: 4
Record: 11-2, 9 KOs
Last: L (TKO7) Oscar Collazo, Nov. 16
Next: TBA
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