Possibly the biggest change in the lightweight division that has had an effect on the rankings is former unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez announcing he is moving on from the division after losing his titles this past November.
First established by the New York Walker Law in 1920 as ‘junior flyweight,’ at a weight limit of 108 lbs, the junior flyweight division would soon be abolished, with no champion being given the title during that time.
Last but not least, let’s mention James Tennyson as another British fighter who potentially could get another crack at the World title. After his defeat to Tevin Farmer in the Super-Featherweight division, there are hopes still for Tennyson that he can earn World honours. His recent wins have put him inside the top 10 WBO rankings at the #6 spot; so never say never, especially not with Eddie Hearn at your side!
In conclusion, ESPN’s Divisional Boxing Rankings and Pound-for-Pound Rankings provide an accurate and frequently updated representation of the best boxers. So, fans can stay up-to-date with the latest rankings every Tuesday watching ESPN Top 10 boxers. Stay with us. And watch ESPN boxing champions on the lists below.
Catchweights allow for an agreement to be made between both boxers to fight at a non-official division limit. This can happen when one fighter is reluctant to move too low in weight to a certain division and another can’t get to a heavier weight, therefore meeting in the middle.
Shanie "Smash" Rusth is an undefeated pro MMA fighter, FightCamp Trainer, and mother of two. She began MMA in 2011 to get in shape and feel empowered after becoming a single mom. Shanie is USA Boxing Coach certified.
Remember that heavyweights bring power, lightweights bring speed, and welterweights bring a balance of skills. Each has their own contribution to this respected sport. Recognizing these differences enhances your appreciation for individual performances and allows for informed discussions about potential match-ups.
Following a storied amateur career, that included winning two Olympic Gold medals, Vasyl Lomachenko stepped into the professional ranks as a featherweight receiving a world title fight in just his second bout. Fighting for the vacant WBO Featherweight title, Lomachenko suffered his first loss in a majority decision upset to Orlando Salido. However, the title remained vacant due to the title not being on the line for Salido due to missing weight. Lomachenko would subsequently win the title in his next fight beating Gary Russell Jr. by majority decision.
Exploring the different weight classes in boxing reveals a rich tapestry of styles, strategies, and legends. Each class, with its unique physical demands and fighting styles, contributes to the diverse and vibrant world of boxing. From the lightning-fast footwork of the lower weight classes to the thunderous power of the heavyweights, these divisions have given rise to some of the most iconic figures in the sport. Understanding these weight classes not only enhances our appreciation of the technicalities and nuances of boxing but also helps us celebrate the extraordinary achievements of the boxers who have excelled in each category. The weight class system, integral to the fairness and excitement of boxing, continues to shape the future of this illustrious sport.
The exact date of the first middleweight champion is unknown, but some boxing historians believe that it was between George Fulljames and Jack Dempsey, though not the famous heavyweight Jack Dempsey of the 1920s.
I’ll never understand why Lomachenko threw only 50 punches in the first seven rounds in his unanimous-decision loss to Lopez last year, a setback that tarnished his reputation. He said he was protecting an injured shoulder, on which he had surgery days after the fight. Maybe he had too much respect for Lopez or couldn’t get comfortable. Whatever the reason, it wasn’t his best night. That’s in the past. He looked like the pound-for-pound king of old in subsequent victories over Masayoshi Nakatani (TKO 9) and Commey (UD). Neither could begin to cope with his boxing wizardry, which remains as impressive as that of anyone in boxing. It’s important to note that neither Nakatani nor Commey are as good as Lopez, meaning his victories over them carry limited weight. At the same time, both are good fighters who were overwhelmed. I would pick Lomachenko to beat any of the above right now.
Once you have these memorized, it’s then just a case of adding what’s slightly higher and lower than these pillars. The remaining divisions, which started to become recognized after 1959, are known as ‘between divisions’, ‘tweeners’ or ‘pitstops’.
Meanwhile, the exciting southpaw "Bam" Rodriguez, who fights just 3 pounds south of the junior bantamweight 168 division boxing champions, awaits his unified flyweight showdown with Sunny Edwards. "Bam" is a threat in both divisions. Rodriguez possesses impressive skills from the southpaw stance with compass-like angles and an aggressive style that would make him a problem opponent for anyone.
First established by the New York Walker Law in 1920 as ‘junior flyweight,’ at a weight limit of 108 lbs, the junior flyweight division would soon be abolished, with no champion being given the title during that time.
Last but not least, let’s mention James Tennyson as another British fighter who potentially could get another crack at the World title. After his defeat to Tevin Farmer in the Super-Featherweight division, there are hopes still for Tennyson that he can earn World honours. His recent wins have put him inside the top 10 WBO rankings at the #6 spot; so never say never, especially not with Eddie Hearn at your side!In conclusion, ESPN’s Divisional Boxing Rankings and Pound-for-Pound Rankings provide an accurate and frequently updated representation of the best boxers. So, fans can stay up-to-date with the latest rankings every Tuesday watching ESPN Top 10 boxers. Stay with us. And watch ESPN boxing champions on the lists below.
Catchweights allow for an agreement to be made between both boxers to fight at a non-official division limit. This can happen when one fighter is reluctant to move too low in weight to a certain division and another can’t get to a heavier weight, therefore meeting in the middle.
Shanie "Smash" Rusth is an undefeated pro MMA fighter, FightCamp Trainer, and mother of two. She began MMA in 2011 to get in shape and feel empowered after becoming a single mom. Shanie is USA Boxing Coach certified.
Remember that heavyweights bring power, lightweights bring speed, and welterweights bring a balance of skills. Each has their own contribution to this respected sport. Recognizing these differences enhances your appreciation for individual performances and allows for informed discussions about potential match-ups.
Following a storied amateur career, that included winning two Olympic Gold medals, Vasyl Lomachenko stepped into the professional ranks as a featherweight receiving a world title fight in just his second bout. Fighting for the vacant WBO Featherweight title, Lomachenko suffered his first loss in a majority decision upset to Orlando Salido. However, the title remained vacant due to the title not being on the line for Salido due to missing weight. Lomachenko would subsequently win the title in his next fight beating Gary Russell Jr. by majority decision.
Exploring the different weight classes in boxing reveals a rich tapestry of styles, strategies, and legends. Each class, with its unique physical demands and fighting styles, contributes to the diverse and vibrant world of boxing. From the lightning-fast footwork of the lower weight classes to the thunderous power of the heavyweights, these divisions have given rise to some of the most iconic figures in the sport. Understanding these weight classes not only enhances our appreciation of the technicalities and nuances of boxing but also helps us celebrate the extraordinary achievements of the boxers who have excelled in each category. The weight class system, integral to the fairness and excitement of boxing, continues to shape the future of this illustrious sport.
The exact date of the first middleweight champion is unknown, but some boxing historians believe that it was between George Fulljames and Jack Dempsey, though not the famous heavyweight Jack Dempsey of the 1920s.
I’ll never understand why Lomachenko threw only 50 punches in the first seven rounds in his unanimous-decision loss to Lopez last year, a setback that tarnished his reputation. He said he was protecting an injured shoulder, on which he had surgery days after the fight. Maybe he had too much respect for Lopez or couldn’t get comfortable. Whatever the reason, it wasn’t his best night. That’s in the past. He looked like the pound-for-pound king of old in subsequent victories over Masayoshi Nakatani (TKO 9) and Commey (UD). Neither could begin to cope with his boxing wizardry, which remains as impressive as that of anyone in boxing. It’s important to note that neither Nakatani nor Commey are as good as Lopez, meaning his victories over them carry limited weight. At the same time, both are good fighters who were overwhelmed. I would pick Lomachenko to beat any of the above right now.
Once you have these memorized, it’s then just a case of adding what’s slightly higher and lower than these pillars. The remaining divisions, which started to become recognized after 1959, are known as ‘between divisions’, ‘tweeners’ or ‘pitstops’.
Meanwhile, the exciting southpaw "Bam" Rodriguez, who fights just 3 pounds south of the junior bantamweight 168 division boxing champions, awaits his unified flyweight showdown with Sunny Edwards. "Bam" is a threat in both divisions. Rodriguez possesses impressive skills from the southpaw stance with compass-like angles and an aggressive style that would make him a problem opponent for anyone.