Boxing divisional rankings: Benavidez’s big win proves he’s ready for next level

Mike CoppingerFeb 6, 2025, 11:23 AM ET
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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)

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

Record: 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)

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

Record: 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

Record: 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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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