Boxing’s prime two large males conflict Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as Tyson Fury seems to even the rating with Oleksandr Usyk and reclaim the game’s prime prize in a rematch for the unified heavyweight championship (2 p.m. ET, DAZN PPV).
Usyk and Fury usually are not merely boxing’s prime two heavyweights, although. When Usyk defeated Fury by way of a break up determination in May, he grew to become the undisputed champion in a second weight class (the Ukrainian additionally collected all 4 belts at cruiserweight) and rose to the No. 1 spot in ESPN’s pound-for-pound rankings.
It’s been a seismic yr for boxing as Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, entered the area and helped unify divisive factions throughout the game to assemble a number of the matchups which have lengthy eluded boxing followers.
And with so many high-stakes matchups throughout boxing, there’s been a ton of motion in ESPN’s rating of the highest 100 males’s fighters on the planet.
Many have fallen off the record and changed since final yr. And but a number of others — akin to Daniel Dubois and Sebastian Fundora — grew to become first-time champions to climb up the rankings.
This rating is not excellent, after all, and is extremely subjective, however it takes into consideration accomplishments, present kind, expertise stage, potential, and most of all, the vaunted eye check. Some fighters simply look the half.
(Editor’s be aware: To be eligible, boxers needed to combat no less than as soon as in 2024 or in uncommon situations, have a combat scheduled for 2025).
1. Oleksandr Usyk, 37, WBA/WBO/WBC heavyweight champion
Record: 22-0, 14 KOS
Last combat: May 18 – W, MD12 vs. Tyson Fury
Next combat: Dec. 21 vs. Fury
Previous rating: No. 3 
Usyk ascends to the game’s prime spot after the perfect win of his profession, a majority-decision victory over Fury in May to grow to be the undisputed heavyweight champion. To maintain onto his lofty perch, the Ukrainian should do it once more when he meets Fury in Saturday’s rematch. Usyk was already confirmed at heavyweight after a pair of decisive wins over Anthony Joshua, however he now boasts a Hall of Fame résumé in boxing’s glamour division, following the win over an all-time nice.
Perhaps most spectacular was Usyk’s capability to harm Fury; the Olympic gold medalist appeared on the verge of stopping Fury in Round 9 after a barrage of 14 unanswered punches compelled him to be held up by the ropes for the knockdown. If Usyk can go undefeated in 4 fights towards Fury and Joshua, it is the stuff of legend. And Usyk’s KO win over Daniel Dubois final summer season has aged gracefully, after Dubois stopped Joshua in September.
2. Naoya Inoue, 31, undisputed junior featherweight champion
Record: 28-0, 25 KOs
Last combat: Sept. 3 – W, TKO7 vs. TJ Doheny
Next combat: Jan. 24 vs. Sam Goodman
Previous rating: No. 2 
0:41
Inoue lands flurry of vicious punches, secures Seventh-round TKO victory
Naoya Inoue connects with consecutive jabs in Round 6 earlier than choosing up the TKO win over TJ Doheny in Round 7 to retain the undisputed junior featherweight championship.
“The Monster” reveals no indicators of slowing down as he continues his dominance over the 122-pound division he is comfortably settled into. Inoue will combat on the weight class for a fifth consecutive time on Christmas Eve when he defends his undisputed championship towards Australia’s Sam Goodman.
Inoue’s mix of velocity, energy and precision punching has helped him earn standing as one of many biggest boxers of all time. There’s nothing left for the Japanese star to perform within the ring, however he can nonetheless search to grow to be a stateside star similar to one other Asian nice, the Philippines’ Manny Pacquiao.
Inoue, who has received titles in 4 divisions and has been undisputed champion at bantamweight and junior featherweight, hasn’t competed within the U.S. since June 2021, however he plans to return to Las Vegas in 2025. His hardest problem may come towards his countryman, Junto Nakatani. There are talks of the pair assembly on the Tokyo Dome in 2025.
3. Terence Crawford, 37, WBA junior middleweight champion
Record: 41-0, 31 KOs
Last combat: Aug. 3 – W, UD12 vs. Ismail Madrimov
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 1 
Crawford fell from the highest spot after he struggled with Madrimov in August. Crawford eked out a decision on the cards in a combat he was closely favored to win, although Madrimov entered the ring vastly underrated.
The hallmark of Crawford’s profession of late — aside from his apparent greatness as a switch-hitter who can combat going ahead or backward — is his lack of exercise. The final yr he fought greater than as soon as was 2019, and Crawford has acknowledged he plans to retire after a pair extra fights.
This may very well be his last yr as an energetic boxer, particularly if he lands his dream combat with Canelo Alvarez, which is being mentioned for May in Las Vegas. If Crawford can by some means transfer up two extra weight courses (after just one combat at 154 kilos) and defeat one of many all-time greats at 168 kilos, he could have entered a brand new stratosphere. If he cannot land Canelo, no apparent superfights are on the horizon.
4. Artur Beterbiev, 39, undisputed gentle heavyweight champion
Record: 21-0, 20 KOs
Last combat: Oct. 12 – W, MD12 vs. Dmitry Bivol
Next combat: Feb. 22 vs. Beterbiev
Previous rating: No. 7
2:02
Artur Beterbiev stuns Dmitry Bivol by way of majority determination to grow to be undisputed champ
Artur Beterbiev comes away with a majority determination victory over Dmitry Bivol in entrance of a packed crowd in Saudi Arabia.
Those ready for Beterbiev to indicate his age must wait longer. Despite a litany of accidents over time — he had knee surgical procedure this summer season that postponed the unique June date for the Bivol combat — Beterbiev seemed as contemporary as ever throughout their October assembly. In truth, he looked stronger as the fight went on, as common.
He turns 40 proper earlier than his rematch with Bivol, however there is not any motive to imagine Beterbiev will look any completely different. He absorbed an honest quantity of punishment within the Bivol combat — his 100% KO ratio is not any extra — however he ought to have the ability to combat at an elite stage for an additional yr or two if he needs. Aiding Beterbiev: he has participated in simply 21 professional fights. No matter what occurs within the rematch with Bivol, his legacy is secured as a first-ballot Hall of Famer and all-time nice gentle heavyweight.
5. Dmitry Bivol, 34, gentle heavyweight
Record: 23-1, 12 KOs
Last combat: Oct. 12 – L, MD12 vs. Artur Beterbiev
Next combat: Feb. 22 vs. Beterbiev
Previous rating: No. 4
Bivol lastly met Beterbiev to find out gentle heavyweight supremacy, however 12 rounds weren’t sufficient to separate them. Bivol dropped a controversial majority determination in a combat he appeared to win. No matter, he’ll have an opportunity to even the rating within the rematch in Riyadh.
Bivol constructed up a lead however pale down the stretch, permitting Beterbiev to tug out the ultimate three rounds unanimously to win the combat. If Bivol can defeat Beterbiev within the return bout, it will likely be his second victory over a future Hall of Famer. In May 2022, Bivol routed Canelo Alvarez and was later named ESPN’s Fighter of the Year.
6. Canelo Alvarez, 34, WBA/WBC/WBO tremendous middleweight champion
Record: 62-2-2, 39 KOs
Last combat:Sept. 14 – W, UD12 vs. Edgar Berlanga
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 5
Canelo stays the unquestioned, singular face of boxing as the game’s prime attraction. Regardless of who he fights, it is large enterprise when he is on the marquee in Las Vegas for his two annual dates — Cinco de Mayo weekend and Mexican Independence Day weekend. But at this juncture of his profession — with nothing left to show — Alvarez now not appears all for robust challenges.
His 2024 marketing campaign was underwhelming by his lofty requirements: lopsided determination wins over Jaime Munguia and Berlanga. With David Benavidez now at 175 kilos, Canelo could by no means face him. If that is the case, there’s just one opponent on the market who Alvarez can meet for a superfight: Terence Crawford.
7. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, 24, WBC junior bantamweight champion
Record: 21-0, 14 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 9 – TKO3 vs. Pedro Guevara
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 11
“Bam” Rodriguez has adopted Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez’s footsteps as the subsequent nice fighter at 115 kilos and under. Rodriguez has no apparent flaw, a fighter with very good stability, punch placement and a very good southpaw jab.
The Mexican-American’s 2024 marketing campaign has been his finest but. He grew to become the primary fighter to cease future Hall of Famer Juan Francisco Estrada with a brutal body shot to earn a seventh-round KO in June. “Bam” adopted up with a third-round TKO of Guevara in a routine title protection with one other highlight-reel KO.
8. Gervonta “Tank” Davis, 30, WBA light-weight champion
Record: 30-0, 28 KOs
Last combat: June 15 – W, KO8 vs. Frank Martin
Next combat: March 1 vs. Lamont Roach
Previous rating: No. 8
One of the game’s prime stars, “Tank” Davis was set to defend his title vs. Roach in December earlier than the combat was postponed three months; no motive was given. It’s an underwhelming matchup for Davis, who’s a prohibitive favourite towards the 130-pound titleholder (-1600 per ESPN BET).
Davis not too long ago claimed he’ll retire on the finish of 2025, although it could be beautiful if he adopted by means of. He stays one among boxing’s most electrifying finishers. The southpaw counter-puncher is coming off a rousing eight-round KO of Martin. Davis wants one other marquee opponent akin to Ryan Garcia, the place his star energy shall be on full show.
9. Junto Nakatani, 26, WBC bantamweight champion
Record: 29-0, 22 KOs
Last combat: – W, TKO6 vs. Petch CP Freshmart
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 18
0:59
Junto Nakatani lands depraved physique punch for 1st-round KO
Junto Nakatani secures a first-round victory over Vincent Astrolabio with a well-placed physique shot to retain his WBC bantamweight title.
Nakatani is without doubt one of the largest risers on the record. He was No. 35 in 2022, and two years later, he has cracked the highest 10. Under the steerage of coach Rudy Hernandez in Southern California, Nakatani has rapidly established himself as a well-rounded pressure to be reckoned with.
A lanky southpaw at 5-foot-8, Nakatani possesses severe knockout energy and the punch selection to arrange his photographs. Nakatani is already a three-division champion and he is but to face somebody who can hassle him, however that ought to change if he can land a combat subsequent yr along with his countryman, Naoya Inoue, on the Tokyo Dome. The combat can be, maybe, the most important in Japanese historical past.
10. Tyson Fury, 36, heavyweight
Record: 34-1-1, 24 KOs
Last combat: May 18 – L, SD12 vs. Oleksandr Usyk
Next combat: Dec. 21 vs. Usyk
Previous rating: No. 10
Fury finds himself in uncharted territory heading into Saturday’s combat with Usyk. After all, he is by no means misplaced earlier than. That loss to Usyk was extremely aggressive. Fury was forward on the scorecards after eight rounds, and it was the pivotal ninth that misplaced him the combat.
That’s when Usyk hit Fury with a bundle of unanswered punches for the knockdown after the ropes held Fury up. It appeared for a second that Usyk may cease Fury. “The Gypsy King” showboated loads within the combat and instructed ESPN final week he takes this rematch way more severely. If Fury can precise revenge, he’ll improve his legacy, which already stands as among the best heavyweights ever.
11. Devin Haney, 26, junior welterweight
Record: 31-0, 15 KOs
Last combat: April 20 – NC vs. Ryan Garcia
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 6
Haney endured probably the most attempting yr of his profession in 2024. His April combat with Garcia was simply his most high-profile to this point, producing round 300,000 PPV buys. And in that combat, Haney was floored 3 times en route to a majority-decision loss.
Haney was at a drawback as he was weight-drained whereas Garcia did not hassle to make weight and got here in 3.2 kilos over the division restrict. Garcia blasted Haney with left hooks in an exhilarating combat. However, Garcia later tested positive for a banned substance, and the win was overturned to a no contest. A rematch is without doubt one of the largest fights that may be made in boxing.
12. David Benavidez, 27, WBC interim gentle heavyweight champion
Record: 28-0, 24 KOs
Last combat: June 15 – W, UD12 vs. Oleksandr Gvozdyk
Next combat: Feb. 1 vs. David Morrell Jr.
Previous rating: No. 17
Benavidez clearly earned a shot at Canelo Alvarez after a dominant run at 168 kilos. But when it grew to become clear Alvarez had no real interest in the matchup, Benavidez deserted his pursuit and turned his consideration to the 175-pound division. After a lackluster win over Gvozdyk this summer season the place Benavidez fought by means of a number of severe accidents, he’ll face what shapes up as his hardest check but towards Morrell on Feb. 1.
13. Teofimo Lopez Jr., 26, WBO junior welterweight champion
Record: 21-1, 13 KOs
Last combat: June 10 – W, UD12 vs. Steve Claggett
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 9
1:01
Teofimo Lopez cruises to unanimous-decision victory
Teofimo Lopez wins by way of unanimous determination over Steve Claggett in Miami.
Lopez’s up-and-down profession continued in 2024. After a spellbinding win over Josh Taylor in 2023, Lopez claimed he was retired. He returned in February with a controversial decision win over Jamaine Ortiz in a torpid combat. And he adopted up with one other unimpressive exhibiting as he absorbed damage against Claggett in June.
There are preliminary talks to match Lopez with Jaron “Boots” Ennis at 147 kilos, which may very well be simply what Lopez must as soon as once more attain the heights he is able to.
14. Vasiliy Lomachenko, 36, IBF light-weight champion
Record: 18-3, 12 KOs
Last combat: May 12 – W, TKO11 vs. George Kambosos Jr.
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 13
1:39
Dominant Lomachenko stops Kambosos Jr. in Eleventh to win title
Vasiliy Lomachenko throws an onslaught of punches to the physique of George Kambosos Jr. that forces the referee to cease the combat within the Eleventh spherical.
Lomachenko could by no means combat once more, but when he does, he proved in May against Kambosos that he stays an elite fighter. Top Rank and PBC mentioned a long-awaited superfight between Lomachenko and Gervonta Davis that may have taken place final month. However, Lomachenko handed up the chance as he contemplates retirement.
15. Shakur Stevenson, 27, WBC light-weight champion
Record: 22-0, 10 KOs
Last combat: July 6 – W, UD12 vs. Artem Harutyunyan
Next combat: Feb. 22 vs. Floyd Schofield
Previous rating: No. 14
1:08
Shakur Stevenson takes down Artem Harutyunyan by way of determination
Shakur Stevenson overwhelms Artem Harutyunyan with a flurry of punches in Round 9.
Stevenson is badly in want of a rousing efficiency after back-to-back wins the place he didn’t entertain. An alternative will current itself Feb. 22 when Stevenson takes on Schofield, a gifted however unproven fighter with a urgent fashion. Hopefully, Stevenson will use his huge abilities and ship an thrilling combat that places him on a path to face the elite opposition that has eluded him.
16. Jaron “Boots” Ennis, 27, IBF welterweight champion
Record: 33-0, 29 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 9 – W, UD12 vs. Karen Chukhadzhian
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 19
“Boots” Ennis is a gifted boxer who’s racked up wins at welterweight, albeit towards fringe opposition. He has confirmed to be an attraction in Philadelphia, and now that he is promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, he’ll have to land some marquee matchups in 2025 to succeed in the subsequent stage. A combat with Teofimo Lopez, which is being mentioned, would match the invoice, although Ennis has lengthy professed his want to unify the welterweight division.
17. David Morrell, 26, WBA “common” tremendous middleweight champion
Record: 11-0, 9 KOs
Last combat: Aug. 3 – W, UD12 vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic
Next combat: Feb. 1 vs. David Benavidez
Previous rating: No. 23
Morrell moved as much as 175 kilos in August and endured his hardest check but with a shaky determination win over “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic. His efficiency has landed him the massive combat he has been searching for. The Cuban will face Benavidez in February, with the winner positioned for a shot on the victor of Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol 2.
18. Kenshiro Teraji, 32, WBC flyweight champion
Record: 24-1, 15 KOS
Last combat: Oct. 13 – W, TKO11 vs. Cristofer Rosales
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 22
“The Amazing Boy” continued his dominant run in 2024 with a pair of victories in Japan. He defended his 108-pound title as soon as once more with a choice victory over Carlos Canizales and adopted up by capturing a 112-pound title in October. A unification combat with countryman Seigo Yuri Akui may materialize in 2025.
19. Israil Madrimov, 29, junior middleweight
Record: 10-1-1, 7 KOs
Last combat: Aug. 3 – L, UD12 vs. Terence Crawford
Next combat: Feb. 22 vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr.
Previous rating: No. 86
The Uzbek delivered a breakthrough efficiency in his first loss, a razor-thin decision to Crawford that would have simply gone his method. Between his athleticism and footwork, Madrimov gave Crawford matches. He was set to combat Serhii Bohachuk on Saturday however withdrew with a case of acute bronchitis. However, he already had another fight lined up with Ortiz on Feb. 22 that Madrimov will now proceed with.
20. Sebastian Fundora, 26, WBC/WBO junior middleweight champion
Record: 21-1-1, 13 KOs
Last combat: March 30 – W, SD12 vs. Tim Tszyu
Next combat: TBA vs. Errol Spence Jr.
Previous rating: No. 91
“The Towering Inferno” possesses a dizzying measurement for a 154-pounder — at 6-foot-5 ½ with an 80-inch attain. After a serious upset KO loss to Brian Mendoza final yr, Fundora put all of it collectively in March to win his first title with a decision victory over Tszyu. Now, Fundora will participate in his first marquee combat with a PPV headliner towards Errol Spence Jr.
21. Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, 37, junior bantamweight
Record: 52-4, 42 KOs
Last combat: July 12 – W, TKO10 vs. Rober Barrera
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 16
At 37, Gonzalez most likely would not have many fights left. He has competed solely as soon as since his trilogy combat with Juan Francisco Estrada in December 2022, a stay-busy win in his native Nicaragua. There’s discuss of Gonzalez preventing WBO champion Phumelela Cafu subsequent yr. Whatever occurs, he is one of many biggest fighters of all time and transformative for the smaller weight courses.
22. Emanuel Navarrete, 29, WBO junior light-weight champion
Record: 39-2-1, 32 KOs
Last combat: Dec. 7 – W, KO6 vs. Oscar Valdez
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 21
1:00
Emanuel Navarrete knocks out Oscar Valdez with physique shot
Emanuel Navarrete claims victory over Oscar Valdez of their rematch with a harmful physique shot.
The Mexican volume-puncher moved as much as light-weight and didn’t win a title in a fourth weight class with a May loss to Denys Berinchyk. However, Navarrete is again on observe after one other win over Valdez, this time via sixth-round KO. He seemed his common self within the rematch, throwing punches from uncanny angles, and he heads into 2025 as the highest 130-pounder on the planet.
23. Jack Catterall, 31, junior welterweight
Record: 30-1, 13 KOs
Last combat: Oct. 26 – W, UD12 vs. Regis Prograis
Next combat: Feb. 15 vs. Arnold Barboza Jr.
Previous rating: No. 30
Catterall loved his finest marketing campaign but in 2024. Most importantly, he exacted revenge towards Josh Taylor in May following his controversial loss for the undisputed championship in 2022. Catterall adopted up with one other large victory, a decision win over Prograis in October. He’s lined up for a reported Feb. 15 combat with Barboza in a WBO title eliminator.
24. Juan Francisco Estrada, 34, junior bantamweight
Record: 44-4, 28 KOs
Last combat: June 29 – L, KO7 vs. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 15
A future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Estrada won’t have a lot left within the tank following a lopsided KO loss to “Bam” Rodriguez. Estrada owns two wins over Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez and loved an excellent run at 115 kilos. If he continues on, Estrada may discover himself in one other title combat within the stacked junior bantamweight division.
25. Errol Spence Jr., 34, welterweight
Record: 28-1, 22 KOs
Last combat: July 29, 2023 – L, TKO9 vs. Terence Crawford
Next combat: TBA vs. Sebastian Fundora
Previous rating: No. 17
Spence hasn’t competed since he was systematically picked apart by Crawford of their July 2023 undisputed title combat. When he does return, it will likely be towards Sebastian Fundora, as Spence makes an attempt to grow to be a two-division champion in his 154-pound debut (he is spent his whole profession at 147). That bout is slated for April as he’ll look to as soon as once more overcome the percentages. Already, he is returned from a serious car crash and surgical procedure to restore a detached retina.
26. Daniel Dubois, 27, IBF heavyweight champion
Record: 22-2, 21 KOs
Last combat: Sept. 21 – W, KO5 vs. Anthony Joshua
Next combat: Feb. 22 vs. Joseph Parker
Previous rating: N/R
1:01
The numbers behind Daniel Dubois’ KO of Anthony Joshua
Check out a number of the key statistics from Daniel Dubois’ beautiful knockout victory over Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium.
Since Dubois was KOed by Oleksandr Usyk in his first heavyweight title problem, he has seemed to be a special fighter. Perhaps it was the expertise of sharing the ring with an elite boxer. Whatever it was, Dubois went on to defeat Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller and Filip Hrgovic earlier than he earned the life-changing victory in September, a fifth-round KO of Joshua at Wembley Stadium to win the IBF heavyweight title. His first protection shall be a tricky job as he takes on former champion Parker on Feb. 22.
27. Vergil Ortiz Jr., 26, junior middleweight
Record: 22-0, 21 KOs
Last combat: Aug. 10 – W, MD12 vs. Serhii Bohachuk
Next combat: Feb. 22 vs. Israil Madrimov
Previous rating: No. 42
Following a 2023 the place he did not combat in any respect as he dealt with the effects of rhabdomyolysis, Ortiz moved as much as 154 kilos and fought 3 times this yr. After two tune-up bouts the place he scored first-round KOs, Ortiz handed his hardest check but with a majority-decision victory over Bohachuk. Ortiz was knocked down twice by Bohachuk — the primary time he is ever been knocked down — however got here away with the win in a slugfest. Now, he strikes onto a good greater challenger with a February date vs. Madrimov.
28. Rafael Espinoza, 30, WBO featherweight champion
Record: 26-0, 22 KOs
Last combat: Dec. 7 – W, TKO6 vs. Robeisy Ramirez
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 53
0:47
Rafael Espinoza claims victory after Robeisy Ramirez quits in sixth spherical
Robeisy Ramirez voluntarily quits in Round 6 of his bout vs. Rafael Espinoza, letting Espinoza retain.
The 6-foot-1 Mexican owns great measurement for a 126-pounder and there is discuss he may transfer as much as 130 in 2025, the place he may meet countryman Emanuel Navarrete, a junior light-weight champion. Espinoza burst onto the scene when he outpointed Ramirez final December in ESPN’s Upset of the Year. Espinoza proved it was no fluke this yr with another win over Ramirez, this time by way of sixth-round TKO after he broke the Cuban’s orbital bone. Espinoza is ESPN’s No. 1 featherweight.
29. Jai Opetaia, 29, IBF cruiserweight champion
Record: 26-0, 20 KOs
Last combat: Oct. 12 – W, TKO6 vs. Jack Massey
Next combat: Jan. 8 vs. David Nyika
Previous rating: No. 31
The Aussie possesses a powerful mix of hand velocity and energy that has helped launch him to the highest of the division. A title unification with Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez ought to materialize in 2025. And if Opetaia can clear out cruiserweight, a transfer to heavyweight may come afterward.
30. Fernando Martinez, 33, IBF junior bantamweight champion
Record: 17-0, 9 KOs
Last combat: July 7 – W, UD12 vs. Kazuto Ioka
Next combat: Dec. 31 vs. Kazuto Ioka
Previous rating: No. 67
The Argentine picked up his finest win but this yr when he outpointed longtime champion Kazuto Ioka in July. They’ll meet in a New Year’s Eve rematch in Japan the place Martinez will look to as soon as once more win preventing on the highway. If he does, a title unification with WBC champ Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez would loom as an intriguing risk. Martinez is No. 2 within the division behind Rodriguez.
31. Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, 33, WBA/WBO cruiserweight champion
Record: 47-1, 30 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 16 – W, UD12 vs. Chris Billam-Smith
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 78
“Zurdo” Ramirez has discovered new life at cruiserweight after stable however unspectacular runs at tremendous middleweight and light-weight heavyweight. At 200 kilos, Ramirez has the velocity to beat opponents to the punch but nonetheless owns the requisite measurement and energy to punish them. His November title unification victory over Billam-Smith was his finest win but.
32. Ryan Garcia, 26, junior welterweight
Record: 24-1, 20 KOs
Last combat: April 20 – NC vs. Devin Haney
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 41
Garcia delivered a breakthrough efficiency towards Haney, fulfilling his huge promise by scoring three knockdowns towards one of many sport’s finest defensive fighters. His vaunted left hook produced the harm, a lightning-quick shot that is among the best in boxing. But it was all for naught as Garcia tested positive for a banned substance. He was suspended one yr and shall be eligible to return in April. And when he does come again, it may very well be at 147 kilos.
33. Seigo Yuri Akui, 29, WBA flyweight champion
Record: 21-2-1, 11 KOs
Last combat: June 24 – W, SD12 vs. Thananchai Charunphak
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
Akui ended Artem Dalakian’s lengthy title reign in January with a snug determination victory and adopted up with two profitable title defenses in Japan. Next up may very well be a 112-pound title unification vs. countryman Kenshiro Teraji.
34. Kazuto Ioka, 35, junior bantamweight
Record: 31-3-1, 16 KOs
Last combat: July 7 – L, UD12 vs. Fernando Martinez
Next combat: Dec. 31 vs. Martinez
Previous rating: No. 26
Ioka has been a 115-stalwart with eight consecutive title defenses earlier than he dropped a lopsided determination to Martinez in July. Ioka has the chance to regain his title with a rematch in Tokyo on New Year’s Eve.
35. Joseph Parker, 32, WBO interim heavyweight titlist
Record: 35-3, 23 KOs
Last combat: March 8 – W, MD12 vs. Zhilei Zhang
Next combat: Feb. 22 vs. Daniel Dubois
Previous rating: N/R
The former heavyweight champion loved a profession resurgence during the last 12 months. First, Parker scored a major upset when he dominated Deontay Wilder over 12 rounds final December and even threatened to cease him. Then, Parker survived two knockdowns to outpoint Zhang in March. Parker will try and grow to be a two-time heavyweight champ when he meets Dubois on Feb. 22.
36. Janibek Alimkhanuly, 31, WBO/IBF middleweight champion
Record: 16-0, 11 KOs
Last combat: Oct. 4 – W, TKO9 vs. Andrei Mikhailovich
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 44
The Kazakh solely fought as soon as in 2024 after a failed weight reduce led to a canceled combat with Mikhailovich. Months later, Alimkhanuly scored a ninth-round TKO within the rescheduled bout within the challenger’s homeland, Australia. Alimkhanuly has held a middleweight title for years however has but to face a notable opponent.
37. Richardson Hitchins, 27, IBF junior welterweight champion
Record: 19-0, 7 KOs
Last combat: Dec. 7 – W, SD12 vs. Liam Paro
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: 94
Hitchins’ decision victory over Paro earlier this month earned him the IBF junior welterweight title and landed Brooklyn, New York, its first world champion in years. The easy boxer beforehand scored a disputed determination over Gustavo Lemos in an April slugfest. Against Paro, Hitchins returned to his box-and-move fashion.
38. Keyshawn Davis, 25, light-weight
Record: 12-0, 8 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 8 – W, KO2 vs. Gustavo Lemos
Next combat: Feb. 14 vs. Denys Berinchyk
Previous rating: N/R
2:02
Keyshawn Davis comes up with brutal 2nd-round KO in homecoming win
Keyshawn Davis knocks out Gustavo Lemos with a sequence of brutal knockdowns in his hometown of Norfolk, Virginia.
The Olympic silver medalist is lined up for his first title shot, a planned Feb. 14 bout with Berinchyk in New York. Davis showcased his rising recognition in November in a sold-out homecoming in Norfolk, Virginia, with a second-round KO of Lemos, who missed weight by 6.5 kilos.
39. Zhilei Zhang, 41, heavyweight
Record: 27-2-1, 22 KOs
Last combat: June 1 – W, TKO5 vs. Deontay Wilder
Next combat: Feb. 22 vs. Agit Kabayel
Previous rating: 32
A southpaw with imposing measurement at 6-foot-6, 280-plus kilos, Zhang was in a position to ground Joseph Parker twice of their March assembly however lost virtually every other round in a choice setback. Zhang, of China, rebounded properly with a spectacular fifth-round TKO of Wilder in June that successfully ended the American’s hopes of one other title shot. Next up is a coin-flip combat with Germany’s Kabayel, and the winner may face Anthony Joshua.
40. Caleb Plant, 32, tremendous middleweight
Record: 23-2, 14 KOs
Last combat: Sept. 14 – W, TKO9 vs. Trevor McCumby
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 35
Plant possesses a superb jab together with deft footwork that permits him to outbox opponents from the skin. He was out of the ring for 18 months following a brutal beatdown versus. David Benavidez and struggled with McCumby earlier than he stopped him in an entertaining combat.
41. Brandon Figueroa, 27, WBC featherweight champion
Record: 25-1-1, 19 KOs
Last combat: May 4 – W, KO9 vs. Jessie Magdaleno
Next combat: Feb. 1 vs. Stephen Fulton
Previous rating: No. 38
Figueroa fought solely as soon as in 2024 and scored a ninth-round KO of Magdaleno. The volume-puncher, a former interim champion at 122 kilos, was elevated to featherweight champion and can meet Fulton in a rematch of their 2022 slugfest. Fulton eked by in that bout, however it’s Figueroa who has the momentum now.
42. Christian Mbilli, 29, tremendous middleweight
Record: 28-0, 23 KOs
Last combat: Aug. 17 – W, UD10 vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: 56
The Canadian motion fighter was lastly examined with an August determination victory over sturdy former champion Derevyanchenko. Mbili may subsequent face Jaime Munguia in what shapes up as among the best motion fights that may be made in boxing. The WBC ordered the combat as a title eliminator, and with each fighters promoted by Top Rank, it ought to occur.
43. Nick Ball, 27, WBA featherweight champion
Record: 21-0-1, 12 KOs
Last combat: Oct. 5 – W, TKO10 vs. Ronny Rios
Next combat: March 15 vs. TJ Doheny
Previous rating: N/R
The Englishman is simply 5-foot-2 and makes use of his diminutive measurement to stress opponents and tough them up on the within. Rey Vargas loved a 5.5-inch peak benefit and was dropped twice in a bout Ball appeared to win. The draw denied Ball his first world title, however he got here by means of in his subsequent combat with a split-decision victory over Ray Ford to win the WBA belt.
44. Ray Ford, 25, junior light-weight
Record: 16-1-1, 8 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 9 – W, UD10 vs. Orlando Gonzalez
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
0:36
‘What a end!’ Ray Ford turns into champion in last seconds of bout
Ray Ford will get a TKO on Otabek Kholmatov to win the vacant WBA featherweight title.
The Camden, New Jersey, native received his first world title with an exhilarating victory over Otabek Kholmatov in March, stopping his opponent with simply seven seconds left after being down on the scorecards. Ford dropped a decent determination to Ball in his first title protection and now campaigns within the weak 130-pound division, the place he figures to grow to be a two-division champ.
45. Carlos Adames, 30, WBC middleweight champion
Record: 24-1, 18 KOs
Last combat: June 25 – W, UD12 vs. Terrell Gausha
Next combat: Feb. 22 vs, Hamzah Sheeraz
Previous rating: No. 39
The Dominican was elevated to acknowledged champion after Jermall Charlo was lastly stripped by the WBC. Adames fought solely as soon as in 2024, a snug determination victory over Gausha. Adames faces his hardest check but on Feb. 22 towards Sheeraz, when he would be the underdog.
46. Hamzah Sheeraz, 25, middleweight
Record: 21-0, 17 KOs
Last combat: Sept. 21 – W, TKO2 vs. Tyler Denny
Next combat: Feb. 22 vs. Carlo Adames
Previous rating: N/R
Sheeraz has scored 15 consecutive wins inside the space and stepped up his competitors this yr with a Eleventh-round TKO of Austin “Ammo” Williams. Sheeraz will problem for his first world title in his subsequent bout, a February assembly with Adames.
47. Serhii Bohachuk, 29, junior middleweight
Record: 24-2, 23 KOs
Last combat: Oct. 10 – L, MD12 vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr.
Next combat: Dec. 21 vs. Ishmael Davis
Previous rating: N/R
The Ukrainian delivered a career-best efficiency in August with two knockdowns of Ortiz in a thriller. Bohachuk discovered himself on the improper finish of a controversial decision after which suffered extra dangerous luck when his Dec. 21 scheduled fight with Israil Madrimov was canceled . He’s in line for a shot on the winner of the Feb. 22 Ortiz-Madrimov contest.
48. Stephen Fulton, 30, featherweight
Record: 22-1, 8 KOs
Last combat: Sept. 14 – W, SD10 vs. Carlos Castro
Next combat: Feb. 1 vs. Brandon Figueroa
Previous rating: No. 29
Fulton returned from the brutal loss to Naoya Inoue along with his 126-pound debut and didn’t impress as he was dropped by Castro in a split-decision victory. He’ll look to grow to be a two-division champion with a rematch towards Figueroa on Feb. 1.
49. Martin Bakole, 32, heavyweight
Record: 21-1, 16 KOs
Last combat: Aug. 3 – W, KO5 vs. Jared Anderson
Next combat: TBA vs. Efe Ajagba
Previous rating: 98
Bakole fights within the mould of George Foreman: with affected person and thudding photographs from his huge body. He rose to the event in August with a fifth-round destruction of undefeated heavyweight Anderson. Bakole is clearly a heavyweight nobody needs to face. He’ll meet fellow African large man Efe Ajagba in a heavyweight title eliminator in his subsequent bout.
50. Liam Paro, 28, junior welterweight
Record: 25-1, 15 KOs
Last combat: Dec. 7. – L, SD12 vs. Richardson Hitchins
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
The Australian picked up one of many largest upsets of the yr this summer season when he outpointed Puerto Rican boogeyman Subriel Matias. However, Paro misplaced the 140-pound title in his first protection when he met Hitchins.
51. Eimantas Stanionis, 30, WBA welterweight champion
Record: 15-0, 9 KOs
Last combat: May 4 – W, UD12 vs. Gabriel Maestre
Next combat: TBA vs. Shakram Giyasov
Previous rating: N/R
Stanionis lastly returned to the ring after an intriguing combat with Vergil Ortiz Jr. was canceled three separate instances, which stored him inactive for all of 2023. The Lithuanian is predicted to subsequent face necessary challenger Giyasov.
52. Oscar Collazo, 27, WBO/WBA strawweight champion
Record: 11-0, 8 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 16 – W, TKO7 vs. Knockout CP Freshmart
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
The smallest unified champion in boxing, Puerto Rico’s Collazo picked up a second 105-pound title with a seventh-round stoppage of CP Freshmart final month. The power-punching strawweight must ultimately transfer as much as 112 kilos for a matchup worthy of his expertise.
53. Murodjon Akhmadaliev, 30, junior featherweight
Record: 13-1, 10 KOs
Last combat: Dec. 14 – W, TKO3 vs. Ricardo Espinoza
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 48
The Uzbek’s lone combat of 2024 was Saturday, a third-round TKO of Ricardo Espinoza in a stay-busy combat. He stays in necessary place for a shot at Naoya Inoue that would happen in 2025. Akhmdaliev has sat on that No. 1 contender standing and prevented taking up robust fights that would spoil an Inoue payday, although he seems to be the clear-cut second finest fighter within the division.
54. Bakhram Murtazaliev, 31, IBF junior middleweight champion
Record: 23-0, 17 KOs
Last combat: Oct. 19 – W, TKO3 vs. Tim Tszyu
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
The Russian wasn’t even ranked in ESPN’s prime 10 at 154 kilos heading into the yr. He by no means impressed towards restricted opposition and accepted step-aside cash a number of instances relatively than combat Jermell Charlo. When Charlo finally vacated following his combat with Canelo Alvarez, Murtazaliev capitalized.
The bruising puncher broke out in 2024 with a much-improved sport. Following an Eleventh-round KO over Jack Culcay in April to win the vacant title, he earned a career-best win with a shocking upset of Tszyu via third-round KO in October. Murtazaliev is in a pleasant place to land a unification combat in 2025.
55. Erislandy Lara, 41, WBA middleweight champion
Record: 31-3-3, 19 KOs
Last combat: Sept. 14 – W, TKO9 vs. Danny Garcia
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
Boxing’s oldest champion, Lara proved he is nonetheless on prime of his sport after a misplaced 2023 the place he did not combat as soon as. He delivered a brutal KO of top-10 contender Michael Zerafa in May and adopted up with a beatdown of pale former champion Danny Garcia in September by way of ninth-round TKO.
The Cuban southpaw was usually criticized for his box-and-move fashion earlier in his profession, however he is engaged in a number of firefights in recent times, together with ESPN’s 2018 Fight of the Year loss to Jarrett Hurd.
56. William Zepeda, 28, WBC interim light-weight champion
Record: 32-0, 27 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 16 – W, SD10 vs. Tevin Farmer
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 51
Zepeda is without doubt one of the sport’s most-reliable motion fighters as nicely one among its most devastating physique punchers. He impressed with a string of early stoppages earlier this yr: a fourth-round TKO of Maxi Hughes adopted by a third-round KO of Giovanni Cabrera.
The Mexican’s largest scare got here in his final combat, a split-decision win over Farmer, a former champion, who floored him in Round 4. That was the fourth consecutive southpaw Zepeda confronted as Golden Boy prepares him for a title shot towards Shakur Stevenson. That bout was slated for February earlier than Zepeda suffered an arm damage.
57. Subriel Matias, 32, junior welterweight
Record: 21-2, 21 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 9 – W, TKO2 vs. Roberto Ramirez
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 24
Matias was thought to be one among boxing’s most-avoided fighters till he was upset by Liam Paro by way of determination again in June. Paro confirmed the blueprint to defeat Matias; he threw straight punches down the center and backed up the quantity puncher. Matias rebounded with a second-round TKO of Ramirez in November in his native Puerto Rico and may discover himself again in title competition in 2025.
58. Anthony Joshua, 35, heavyweight
Record: 28-4, 25 KOs
Last combat: Sept. 21 – L, KO5 vs. Daniel Dubois
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 28
Joshua stays one among boxing’s prime stars, however following one other upset TKO defeat, it is uncertain he can regain his footing as one of many sport’s elite fighters. The latest such loss came to Dubois in September earlier than almost 100,000 followers at Wembley Stadium.
Joshua’s punch resistance has been a priority since his beautiful defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, however he confirmed in two aggressive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk that he has the boxing abilities to hold with anybody. A bout with Deontay Wilder has misplaced its attraction however a showdown with Tyson Fury continues to be a blockbuster within the U.Okay., particularly if Fury loses to Usyk once more.
59. Agit Kabayel, 32, heavyweight
Record: 25-0, 17 KOs
Last combat: May 18 – W, KO7 vs. Frank Sanchez
Next combat: Feb. 22 vs. Zhilei Zhang
Previous rating: N/R
The German broke out during the last 12 months to determine himself as a severe participant within the heavyweight division. With his fast toes and arms, Kabayel knocked off two far slower, greater top-15 heavyweights. First, it was Arslanbek Makhmudov by way of fourth-round TKO. Then, Kabayel ended the Frank Sanchez hype prepare in May on the Usyk-Fury undercard that led to a seventh-round KO.
Kabayel is about for his first marquee combat, a Feb. 22 coin-flip showdown with Zhang, who matches the archetype of huge, gradual heavyweights he confronted in his earlier two bouts. Zhang, after all, is much extra achieved than the prior two.
60. Jose Valenzuela, 25, WBA junior welterweight champion
Record: 14-2, 9 KOs
Last combat: Aug. 3 – W, SD12 vs. Isaac Cruz
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
Valenzuela used his peak, attain and stable jab to maintain the hard-charging “Pitbull” Cruz on the skin and capture his first world title in August. The bout was Valenzuela’s 140-pound debut and adopted among the best KOs of 2023 as he exacted revenge towards Chris Colbert.
61. Anthony Cacace, 35, IBF junior light-weight champion
Record: 23-1, 8 KOs
Last combat: Sept. 21 – W, UD12 vs. Josh Warrington
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
Cacace was an unknown commodity exterior Ireland and the U.Okay. coming into the yr, however he modified his profession with back-to-back marquee victories. Cacace sprang the upset in May with an eighth-round TKO of Joe Cordina to assert a 130-pound world title.
Cacace proved he was legit as he turned again former champion Josh Warrington by way of unanimous determination in September.
62. Galal Yafai, 32, WBC interim flyweight champion
Record: 9-0, 7 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 30 – W, TKO6 vs. Sunny Edwards
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
The youthful brother of former champion Kalal Yafai, Galal introduced his arrival earlier this month with a sixth-round TKO of former No. 1 flyweight Edwards. The 112-pounder has simply 9 professional fights below his belt, however at 32, the Olympic gold medalist is able to problem for a world title.
63. Alberto Puello, 30, WBC junior welterweight champion
Record: 23-0, 10 KOs
Last combat: June 5 – W, SD12 vs. Gary Antuanne Russell
Next combat: March 1 vs. Sandor Martin
Previous rating: N/R
The Dominican southpaw confirmed off his easy boxing capability as he cruised previous junior welterweight contender Gary Antuanne Russell in June to win the WBC interim title (he was later upgraded to full champion). Puello faces one other formidable problem in his first title protection with a March 1 showdown towards fellow tough southpaw Martin.
64. Denys Berinchyk, 36, WBO light-weight champion
Record: 19-0, 9 KOs
Last combat: May 18 – W, SD12 vs. Emanuel Navarrete
Next combat: Feb. 14 vs. Keyshawn Davis
Previous rating: N/R
The Ukrainian grew to become a first-time champion with an upset victory over Navarrete in May by way of break up determination. In the win, Berinchyk displayed good footwork and a stable jab together with the power to neutralize Navarrete’s dizzying punch output.
He’ll once more be an underdog in his first protection as he heads again to the U.S. for a fight against Davis on Feb. 14.
65. Phumlele Cafu, 26, WBO junior bantamweight champion
Record: 11-0-3, 8 KOs
Last combat: Oct. 14 – W, SD12 vs. Kosei Tanaka
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
Cafu is now South Africa’s lone champion after he upset Japanese stalwart Tanaka to win a 115-pound title.
The southpaw possesses imposing measurement for the division at 5-foot-6. There’s discuss of him touchdown a combat with the legendary Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez in 2025.
66. Yoshiki Takei, 28, WBO bantamweight champion
Record: 10-0, 8 KOs
Last combat: Sept. 3 – W, UD12 vs. Daigo Higa
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
The Japanese motion fighter pulled off a pair of huge wins in 2024 to enter the Top 100. He grew to become a first-time champion with a May victory over Jason Moloney earlier than the southpaw turned again Daigo Higa in his first protection in September.
67. Tim Tszyu, 30, junior middleweight
Record: 24-2, 17 KOs
Last combat: Oct. 15 – L, TKO3 vs. Bakhram Murtazaliev
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 20
Tszyu’s fast star ascent got here to a crashing halt in 2024, although it is too quickly to put in writing the Aussie off. The son of Hall of Fame boxer Kostya Tszyu, Tim fought with restricted imaginative and prescient in a split-decision loss to Sebastian Fundora in one of many bloodiest battles in current reminiscence. The combat may have simply been stopped early on because of the ugly reduce on his brow.
Tszyu tried to regain a 154-pound title in his subsequent bout — and was closely favored to take action –but confirmed little protection as he was clubbed by Murtazaliev in three rounds. Tszyu must be rebuilt in Australia subsequent yr with a couple of confidence-building bouts earlier than he re-enters the title image in 2026.
68. Angelo Leo, 30, IBF featherweight champion
Record: 25-1, 12 KOs
Last combat: Aug. 10 – W, KO10 vs. Luis Alberto Lopez
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
1:46
Angelo Leo flattens Venado Lopez for KO of the yr candidate
Angelo Leo wants one punch to flatten Venado Lopez and declare the IBF belt for the knockout of the yr candidate.
Leo confirmed his mettle when he unloaded greater than 800 punches — and confronted almost 1,200 in return — in his first title combat, a lopsided determination defeat towards Stephen Fulton.
Leo was way more ready for his second shot as he scored one of many yr’s most spectacular knockouts when he lifted the featherweight title from Luis Alberto Lopez in August.
69. Anthony Olascuaga, 25, WBO flyweight champion
Record: 8-1, 6 KOs
Last combat: Oct. 14 – W, TKO1 vs. Jonathan Gonzalez
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
Olascuaga was unsuccessful in his first title bid, a ninth-round TKO loss to Teraji final yr.
Despite simply eight earlier professional bouts, Olascuaga, of Los Angeles, made good along with his second title problem as he KOed Jonathan Gonzalez in just one spherical.
70. O’Shaquie Foster, 31, WBC junior light-weight champion
Record: 23-3, 12 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 2 – W, SD12 vs. Robson Conceicao
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 57
All three of Foster’s fights in 2024 resulted in a break up determination. He floored Abraham Nova within the last spherical of their February assembly to seal the victory earlier than he dropped a disputed determination to Conceicao in June.
Foster exacted revenge by way of break up determination over Conceicao in November to regain his title. There’s discuss of Foster assembly Navarrete in a title unification subsequent yr.
71. Chris Billam-Smith, 34, cruiserweight
Record: 20-2, 13 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 16 – L, UD12 vs. Gilberto Ramirez
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 62
England’s Billam-Smith seemed aggressive towards “Zurdo” Ramirez, however was in the end outgunned in a title unification. Still, Billam-Smith greater than held his personal and may land one other title crack within the close to future.
72. Joshua Buatsi, 31, WBO interim gentle heavyweight champion
Record: 19-0, 13 KOs
Last combat: Sept. 21 – W, SD12 vs. Willie Hutchinson
Next combat: Feb. 22 vs. Callum Smith
Previous rating: No. 82
Buatsi loved his finest marketing campaign but in 2024 with high quality wins over Dan Azeez and Willy Hutchinson. He steps as much as his hardest opponent but with a Feb. 22 date with former champion Callum Smith.
73. Isaac Cruz, 26, junior welterweight
Record: 26-3-1, 18 KOs
Last combat: Aug. 3 – L, SD12 vs. Jose Valenzuela
Next combat: Feb. 1 vs. Angel Fierro
Previous rating: No. 65
“Pitbull” Cruz is without doubt one of the most entertaining fighters in boxing, however his split-decision loss to Valenzuela was something however. That loss halted his momentum after a blistering TKO March victory over Rolando “Rolly” Romero to win a title at 140 kilos. He’ll stay at junior welterweight for what shapes up as a can’t-miss motion combat towards fellow Mexican Fierro on Feb. 1.
74. Robson Conceicao, 36, junior light-weight
Record: 19-3-1, 9 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 2 – L, SD12 vs. O’Shaquie Foster
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 72
The Brazilian Olympic gold medalist lastly struck gold in his fourth title shot, scoring a split-decision victory over Foster this summer season, although the combat lacked motion. The rematch was higher, however it additionally meant Conceicao’s title reign was short-lived. He figures to land yet one more title shot within the shallow 130-pound division.
75. Marlon Tapales, 32, junior featherweight
Record: 39-4, 20 KOs
Last combat: Sept. 7 – W, UD10 vs. Saurabh Kumar
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 45
The Filipino southpaw broke out in 2023 with a split-decision upset victory over Murodjon Akhmadaliev to grow to be a unified champion at 122 kilos. He parlayed that career-best win right into a showdown with Naoya Inoue. And whereas Tapales loved some moments, he was knocked out by the generational expertise within the tenth spherical.
76. Ryosuke Nishida, 28, IBF bantamweight champion
Record: 10-0, 2 KOs
Last combat: Dec. 15 – W, KO7 vs. Anuchai Donsua
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
Nishida is one among 4 Japanese champions at 118 kilos; he joined his countrymen for the clear sweep after a win over longtime top-10 bantamweight Emmanuel Rodriguez again in May.
77. Seiya Tsutsumi, 28, WBA bantamweight
Record: 12-0-2, 8 KOs
Last combat: Sept. 7 – W, UD12 vs. Takuma Inoue
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
Tsutsumi, like Nishida, is a Japanese bantamweight champion. He received the title with an upset victory over Naoya Inoue’s brother, Takuma, in September..
78. Angel Ayala, 24, IBF flyweight champion
Record: 18-0, 8 KOs
Last combat: Aug. 9 – W, KO6 vs. Dave Apolinario
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
The Mexican champion at 112 kilos received the title in 2023 with a victory over Felix Alvarado and fought solely as soon as in 2024.
79. Pedro Taduran, 28, IBF strawweight champion
Record: 17-4-1, 13 KOs
Last combat: July 28 – W, TKO9 vs. Ginjiro Shigeoka
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
The 105-pounder continued the storied historical past of lower-weight champions from the Philippines with an upset victory over Japan’s Ginjiro Shigeoka.
80. Arnold Barboza Jr., 33, junior welterweight
Record: 31-0, 11 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 16 – W, UD10 vs. Jose Ramirez
Next combat: Feb. 15 vs. Jack Catterall
Previous rating: N/R
Barboza appeared to lose to the unheralded Sean McComb in April however obtained what was broadly thought-about a present determination. Barboza left little question within the rematch with a surprisingly lopsided determination win over former champion Ramirez in November.
81. Diego Pacheco, 23, tremendous middleweight
Record: 22-0, 18 KOs
Last combat: Aug. 31 – W, KO6 vs. Maciej Sulecki
Next combat: Jan. 25 vs. Steven Nelson
Previous rating: No. 100
Pachecho has great measurement for the 168-pound division at 6-foot-4. He solidified himself as a contender in 2024 with a powerful sixth-round KO of gatekeeper Maciej Sulecki.
82. Chris Eubank Jr., 35, middleweight
Record: 34-3, 25 KOs
Last combat: Oct. 12 – W, TKO7 vs. Kamil Szeremeta
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 79
The son of British legend Chris Eubank, he is in talks to as soon as once more combat Conor Benn in a high-stakes U.Okay. grudge match.
83. Mark Magsayo, 29, junior light-weight
Record: 27-2, 18 KOs
Last combat: Dec. 14 – W, KO2 vs. Bryan Mercado
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 59
The former champion moved as much as 130 kilos final December and stayed busy with two wins in 2024. He may land a title shot within the wide-open division subsequent yr.
84. Sam Goodman, 26, junior featherweight
Record: 19-0, 8 KOs
Last combat: July 7 – W, UD12 vs. Thachtana Luangphon
Next combat: Jan. 24 vs. Naoya Inoue
Previous rating: No. 96
The Australian must wait one month for his showdown with Inoue in Tokyo after a cut suffered in sparring postponed the Christmas Eve combat.
85. Conor Benn, 28, welterweight
Record: 23-0, 14 KOs
Last combat: Feb. 3 – W, UD12 vs. Peter Dobson
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 69
Benn was lastly reinstated from suspension for a failed drug check this fall and may get his profession again on observe in 2025, whether or not it is towards Chris Eubank Jr. at 160 kilos or with a 147-pound title shot.
86. Raymond Muratalla, 27, light-weight
Record: 22-0, 17 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 2 – W, TKO2 vs. Jesus Antonio Perez
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
1:10
Raymond Muratalla nearly knocks out Tevin Farmer in tenth on solution to win
Raymond Muratalla grabs the unanimous-decision victory over Tevin Farmer after a 10-round combat in Top Rank Boxing.
Muratalla’s finest profession win got here in 2024 with a choice victory over former champion Tevin Farmer in July. The contender ought to step up once more in 2025.
87. Josh Taylor, 33, junior welterweight
Record: 19-2, 13 KOs
Last combat: May 25 – L, UD12 vs. Jack Catterall
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 34
The former undisputed junior welterweight champion hasn’t received a combat since his controversial determination victory over Catterall in February 2022. Taylor misplaced the rematch in May however was aggressive.
88. Callum Smith, 34, gentle heavyweight
Record: 30-2, 22 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 30 – W, TKO5 vs. Carlos Galvan
Next combat: Feb. 22 vs. Joshua Buatsi
Previous rating: No. 49
Smith tried to grow to be a two-division champion in January however was bludgeoned by Artur Beterbiev inside the space. The Englishman has an opportunity to revive his profession with a win over Buatsi on Feb. 22.
89. Lamont Roach, 29, junior light-weight
Record: 25-1-1, 10 KOs
Last combat: June 28 – W, TKO8 vs. Feargal McCrory
Next combat: March 1 vs. Gervonta Davis
Previous rating: No. 83
The 130-pound titleholder stayed busy this yr with a win over a long-odds underdog. He was set to combat Davis within the largest combat of his profession in December, however it was postponed with out rationalization to March.
90. Anthony Yarde, 33, gentle heavyweight
Record: 26-3, 24 KOs
Last combat: Oct. 19 – W, UD10 vs. Ralf Vilcans
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
Yarde gave Artur Beterbiev all he could handle in a stoppage loss final yr. The Brit collected two stay-busy wins in 2024.
91. Brian Norman Jr., 24, WBO interim welterweight champion
Record: 26-0, 20 KOs
Last combat: May 18 – W, KO10 vs. Giovani Santillan
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
Norman pulled off the upset with a brutal TKO victory over Santillan in May to win a welterweight title. Norman was in talks to combat Jaron Ennis this fall in a title unification earlier than talks fell aside.
92. Jin Sasaki, 23, welterweight
Record: 18-1-1, 17 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 3 – W, TKO7 vs. Qamil Balla
Next combat: Jan. 24 vs. Shoki Shakai
Previous rating: N/R
Sasaki is Japan’s largest contender at 147 kilos. He’s racked up six consecutive TKO wins since a attract 2022.
93. Andy Cruz Jr., 29, light-weight
Record: 4-0, 2 KOs
Last combat: Aug. 3 – W, KO7 vs. Antonio Moran
Next combat: Jan. 25 vs. Omar Salcido
Previous rating: N/R
The Olympic gold medalist from Cuba is on the quick observe for a title shot that would materialize in 2025.
94. Charles Conwell, 27, junior middleweight
Record: 21-0, 16 KOs
Last combat: Dec. 14 – W, KO7 vs. Gerardo Vergara
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
The hard-nosed junior middleweight contender is steadily progressing however is badly in want of a real step-up combat the place he can showcase his improved sport.
95. Rey Vargas, 34, featherweight
Record: 36-1-1, 22 KOs
Last combat: March 8 – D, SD12 vs. Nick Ball
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 71
The lanky featherweight was floored twice by Ball in a March firefight the place pulled out a draw to retain his title. He was later named champion in recess by the WBC with out rationalization.
96. Luis Alberto Lopez, 31, featherweight
Record: 30-3, 17 KOs
Last combat: Aug, 10 – L, KO10 vs. Angelo Leo
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 46
Lopez’s stable title reign got here to a crashing halt in August in one of the crucial spectacular KOs of the yr.
97. Jaime Munguia, 28, tremendous middleweight
Record: 44-2, 35 KOs
Last combat: Dec. 14 – L, KO6 vs. Bruno Surace
Next combat: TBA vs. Surace
Previous rating: No. 52
0:56
Bruno Surace scores beautiful win over Jaime Munguia in sixth spherical
Bruno Surace by some means comes up with the unimaginable upset of Jaime Munguia by way of knockout in Round 6.
Munguia fought 4 instances this yr in an period the place fighters usually compete solely as soon as, however he is misplaced two of his final three bouts. He dropped a decision to Canelo Alvarez in May earlier than was on the improper finish of the yr’s largest upset earlier this month with a sixth-round KO loss to Frenchman Bruno Surace.
98. Mario Barrios, 29, WBC welterweight champion
Record: 29-2-1, 18 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 15 – D, SD12 vs. Abel Ramos
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 60
Barrios held onto his WBC welterweight title with a stunning draw with Ramos the place he was floored.
99. Abel Ramos, 33, welterweight
Record: 28-6-3, 22 KOs
Last combat: Nov. 15 – D, SD12 vs. Mario Barrios
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: N/R
Ramos had three loses in his final 5 fights coming into the Barrios title shot, and regardless of lengthy odds, exchanged knockdowns to accept a draw.
100. George Kambosos Jr., 31, light-weight
Record: 21-3, 10 KOs
Last combat: May 12 – L, TKO11 vs. Vasiliy Lomachenko
Next combat: TBA
Previous rating: No. 50
The former light-weight champion was stopped by Lomachenko in May. The Aussie star later signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom and can make his 140-pound debut subsequent yr.
