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The Ring 2024 Ratings: Airy

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4 months ago

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Gervonta Davis (left) lands a hook on Hector Garcia – Photo by Showtime/Amanda Wescott

The Ring first introduced divisional classifications in 1925. Nearly a century later, it would be no exaggeration to say that these independent classifications are the most respected and most talked about in world boxing.

The Ring Ratings Panel is comprised of a dozen or so experts from around the world. Opinions are exchanged, debates are held, and the final decision on who should be ranked is made democratically every week. It sounds basic, but it can be a tedious and time-consuming process.

I will go through each division in reverse order and move from strawweight to heavyweight. Then I will look at the accomplishments of each of the fighters I am evaluating and look into my crystal ball to see what lies ahead.

Next up is the lightweight division (135 pounds), which is one of the strongest divisions in boxing, loaded with stars and a great lineup. As always, enjoy the debate and respect the opinions of others.

No. 1 – GERVONTA DAVIS

RECORD: 30-0 (28 KOs)

PAST: Davis dominated his opponents on his way to the top before impressively ripping the IBF 130-pound title from Jose Pedraza (TKO 7). Since then, his star has risen to become one of the most popular attractions in America, regularly selling out arenas across the country. The 29-year-old left-handed powerhouse is coming off a spectacular knockout win over Leo Santa Cruz (KO 6) and showed that his vaunted power comes with a weight class, standing powerful to stop the much larger future WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios (TKO 11) at 140 pounds. “Tank” also won when he wasn’t at his best, against Isaac Cruz (UD 12), handled Rolando Romero (TKO 6), WBA 130-pound champion Hector Luis Garcia (TKO 9), shined in his fight against Ryan Garcia (KO 7) and most recently stopped Frank Martin (KO 8).

FUTURE: He will likely return in November, although it is not yet known who will sit in the opposite corner.

NO. 2 – Vasily Lomachenko

RECORD: 18-3 (12 KOs)

PAST: The incredibly talented Ukrainian left-hander was one of the most decorated amateurs in history, winning Olympic gold medals in London 2012 and Rio 2016. An early setback to Orlando Salido (SD 12) in his second pro outing turned into a rapid rise, with Loma taking the vacant WBO featherweight title from Gary Russell Jr. (MD 12) and earning back-to-back titles at 130 and 135. He had solid wins over Roman Martinez (KO 5), Nicholas Walters (RTD 7), Guillermo Rigondeaux (RTD 6) and Jorge Linares (TKO 10). He lost to Teofimo Lopez (UD 12) but bounced back with comprehensive wins over Masayoshi Nakatani (TKO 9) and Richard Commey (UD 12). In the eyes of most, he did enough to beat Devin Haney (UD 12), but the three people whose opinions mattered the most saw the American as the winner. The 36-year-old returned to claim the vacant IBF title with a dominant win over George Kambosos Jr. (TKO 11) in Australia.

FUTURE: He held talks about a match with Davis but ultimately dropped the idea and will not play until the end of the year.

No. 3 – WILLIAM ZEPEDA

RECORD: 31-0 (27 knockouts)

PAST: The hard-hitting Mexican left-hander won his first 20 fights in Mexico before signing with Golden Boy Promotions. Since then, the 28-year-old has continued to impress, most notably defeating previously unbeaten Hector Tanajara (RTD 6). He then scored quality rounds against seasoned veteran Rene Alvarado (UD 10), and further legitimized himself with dominant wins over former 130-pound champion Joseph Diaz (UD 12), as well as Mercito Gesta (KO 6), Maxim Hughes (RTD 4) and most recently Giovanni Cabrera (KO 3).

FUTURE: He is expected to face Stevenson if the talented American defeats Joe Cordina.

Shakur Stevenson (left) and Shuichiro Yoshino (right) exchange punches during their lightweight fight at the Prudential Center on April 8, 2023 in Newark, Up-to-date Jersey – Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images

No. 4 – SHAKUR STEVENSON

RECORD: 22-0 (10 KOs)

PAST: The 2016 Olympic silver medalist adapted to the pro game and his star quickly rose. Stevenson stopped previously undefeated Joet Gonzalez (UD 12) to win the vacant WBO featherweight title. He immediately moved up to 130 pounds and was awarded The Ring Performance of the Year for dominating and stopping WBO champion Jamel Herring (TKO 10). He added The Ring and WBC titles by defeating previously undefeated Oscar Valdez (UD 12). He missed weight in a fight with Robson Conceicao (UD 12) and lost his titles on the scale. The 27-year-old left-hander decided to move up to 135 pounds, where he was ideal in a fight with Shuichiro Yoshino (TKO 6). However, he did not make an impression when he won the WBC title from Edwin De Los Santos (UD 12) and defended it in a fight with Artem Harutyunyan (UD 12).

FUTURE: He will begin the next chapter of his Matchroom career by defending his WBC belt against former IBF junior lightweight champion Joe Cordina in Riyadh on October 12.

No. 5 – DENYS BERINCHYK

RECORD: 19-0 (9 knockouts)

PAST: Berinchyk was part of the 2012 Ukrainian boxing dream team that also included Oleksandr Usyk, Oleksandr Gvozdyk and Vasiliy Lomachenko. Berinchyk won silver and then turned pro. However, while his illustrious compatriots quickly gained recognition, he was forced to take a slower path. He won the European title on the Usyk-Joshua undercard, defeating Yvan Mendy (UD 12) and successfully defended it against Anthony Yigit (UD 12). The 36-year-old, who has been actively fighting for Ukraine in the ongoing war with Russia, finally got his gigantic break and headed to San Diego, where he defeated Emanuel Navarrete (UD 12) for the vacant WBO title in May.

FUTURE: Currently on the front lines helping his country. Whether he will fight again this year is uncertain.

No. 6 – RAYMOND MURATALLA

RECORD: 21-0 (16 knockouts)

PAST: Muratalla turned pro in September 2016. After winning his first three fights in Mexico, the California native rose through the ranks. He scored wins over Jeremy Hill (KO 3), Jair Valtierra (UD 8) and Humberto Galindo (KO 9). He faced Jeremiah Nakathila and showed he was ready for the occasion, stopping the Namibian in two rounds. He defeated Diego Torres with an unbeaten record by knockout in the eighth round and has since scored wins over Xolisani Ndongeni (UD 10) and the tricky former junior lightweight champion Tevin Farmer (UD 10).

FUTURE: He said he would like to face Berinchyk, which could be his next fight.

Keyshawn Davis (right) lands a punch on Jose Pedraza – Mike Williams Photo – Top Rank

NO. 7 – KEYSHAWN DAVIS

RECORD: 11-0 (7 knockouts)

PAST: Davis was a decorated amateur who won silver at the 2019 Pan American Games, World Championships and 2020 Olympics, losing to Andy Cruz in the final on each occasion. He turned pro in February 2021. Since then, he has developed rapidly and has attracted attention with victories over Anthony Yigit (TKO 9), former two-division champion Jose Pedraza (TKO 6) and most recently Miguel Madueño (UD 10).

FUTURE: On November 8 he will play at home against the defeated Gustavo Lemos.

No. 8 – FRANK MARTIN

RECORD: 18-1 (12 KOs)

PAST: He won his first 11 fights and began working with then-unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. and his trainer Derrick James. That advantage benefited Martin, who continued to grow stronger, beating undefeated record holder Jerry Perez (KO 7), stopping former contender Romero Duno (TKO 4) and Jackson Marinez (TKO 10). He was extremely impressive, dominating Michel Rivera (UD 12) in a matchup of undefeated prospects. The 29-year-old lefty had a tougher task than expected, coming in delayed to defeat Artem Harutyunyan (UD 12). He was the WBC mandatory but ultimately dropped out of the Stevenson fight and eventually faced WBA heavyweight Davis (KO 8) in an intra-PBC fight in June.

FUTURE: He is still licking his wounds from the loss to Davis, but could return delayed this year or early next year.

No. 9 – MARK CHAMBERLAIN

RECORD: 16-0 (12 KOs)

PAST: Chamberlain turned pro in 2018 from Frank Warren’s Queensberry and rose through the ranks. He particularly impressed Turki Alalshikh, who said Chamberlain was his favourite fighter. The power puncher has made the most of the opportunities he’s been given this year, picking up early knockout victories over Gavin Gwynne (TKO 4) and Joshua Wahab (TKO 1).

FUTURE: The Briton will appear at Riyadh’s gigantic spectacle, at Wembley Stadium, in a match against Josh Padley on September 21.

No. 10 – ANDY CRUZ

RECORD: 4-0 (2 knockouts)

PAST: The Cuban has been one of the most successful amateurs in recent history, winning gold at the 2020 Olympics, gold at the 2017, 2019 and 2021 World Championships, and a slew of other gold medals at various tournaments. He holds a 4-0 advantage over Davis dating back to when both were in the unpaid ranks. The 29-year-old decided to make a change and turned pro in July 2023. He has developed rapidly since then and has recently caught the eye, stopping the experienced Antonio Moran (TKO 7) in his last outing.

FUTURE: Possibility of returning in December.

At the bend: Zaur Abdullaev, Edwin De Los Santos, George Kambosos Jr., Gustavo Lemos and Sam Noakes.

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The Ring 2024 Ratings: Junior Flyweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)

The Ring 2024 Ratings: Flyweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)

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The Ring 2024 Ratings: Junior Featherweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)

The Ring 2024 Ratings: Featherweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)

The Ring 2024 Ratings: Junior Lightweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)

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Boxing

Manny Pacquiao remains the favorite to win the title against Mario Barrios

Published

5 days ago

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January 6, 2025

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Manny Pacquiao vs Barrios

WBN understands that despite alternative options emerging, it is more likely that Manny Pacquiao will face Mario Barrios next.

Bob Santos, coach of WBC welterweight champion Barrios, told World Boxing News that he is currently in contact with Pacquiao’s team. Asked by WBN if he had spoken to Pacquiao or representatives of any other challenger, Santos replied: “Yes, Pacquiao’s promoter, Sean Gibbons.” Pressed on whether Barrios vs Pacquiao might happen next, he added: “It’s challenging to say. We’ll have to see how this plays out.”

WBN contacted Santos after Conor Benn emerged as a potential alternative to Barrios. The British fighter, who recently returned from a suspension following two positive drug tests, is keen to return to competition.

Benn showed favor with the World Boxing Council at the recent WBC Convention, the WBC Evaluation Committee and during an interview with the sanctioning body over the weekend. “The Destroyer” is ranked second in the rankings at 147 pounds, despite less than solid opponents during his time in exile, during which Benn competed twice in the United States while his career in the United Kingdom was in doubt.

As he battled to clear his name and with the British Anti-Doping Authority finding no evidence that Benn had intentionally taken ostarine, the 28-year-old’s career took a pointed nosedive. Despite this, he remains highly rated and at least one step away from fighting for an eliminator or one of the remaining championship titles.

However, Pacquiao remains Barrios’ favorite. Now it’s up to the boxing legend and Hall of Famer who got the first votes to secure his shot. WBN believes a July date – most likely at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas – is the most realistic date for a Nevada swan song.

Pacquiao could extend his record as the oldest welterweight champion by six years if he can secure a huge victory over the 29-year-old world champion. At 46 years antique, such a scenario remains unlikely, but he can never be compared to one of the greatest players of this generation.

Unlike heavier boxers and his training regiment, Pacquiao looks in great shape despite his advanced age. Everything is set for a massive return to the boxing capital of the world, provided Pacquiao and his team can manage his political ambitions, which are expected to run from this month until May. After that time, Pacquiao could find himself in the summer finals and become the all-time champion, regardless of the result.

Barrios is based in the city, where he trained with Santos, and would be the perfect opponent to see out the career of one of the greatest fighters in history.

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Boxing

A report about Deontay Wilder retiring at the age of 39 has been confirmed as false

Published

1 week ago

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January 2, 2025

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Deontay Wilder masked up

Deontay Wilder has not retired from boxing at the age of 39, and the former WBC heavyweight champion has not issued any official statement.

World Boxing News can confirm that reports circulating on social media are false and originated from a imitation account on Up-to-date Year’s Day. As of January 2, 2025, WBN has had no word from Wilder that he plans to hang up his gloves.

As usual, WBN also asked Shelly Finkel for comment. However, Finkel has repeatedly said in the past that Wilder is not retiring. This case seems to be no different.

The last time Wilder spoke publicly was while promoting a mental health app, the Brown Bomber was unveiling plans to return to the sport.

He said: “The push-up protocol has been disabled. Strengthen your body and train your mind; no paid subscription required! It’s not about money. It’s about a mission to strengthen mindsets and improve mental health for all.
To everyone: operate your services and achieve greatness.

“There will be people who tell you, ‘No, you can’t.’ [No] People trying to stop you or putting up stop signs. [No] People who want to bring you down and keep you down. But you can’t give up.

“No matter how many times you fall, no matter how many times you get knocked down, it’s a resilient mind, a confident mind, a powerful mind that gets back up and keeps moving forward to achieve your greatness.

“Apply your service. Achieve your greatness,” he added.

Deontay Wilder could announce his retirement tomorrow if he changed his mind, but at the time of the report, there was no truth to it.

When Zhilei Zhang knocked him out on June 1 in Saudi Arabia, the formidable top-flight contender needed time to assess his situation. WBN understands that Wilder has received offers, including contact from Francis Ngannou, regarding a possible boxing match with the MMA star.

The Wilder vs. Ngannou fight only makes sense for an American his age. Many voluntary positions [of which Wilder is WBC number 13] are occupied by threatening opponents who would start each clash as favorites.

Meanwhile, the Ngannou fight is winnable with less risk and more rewards, meaning Wilder can still earn a significant payday before hanging up his gloves for good.

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Boxing

Paddy Donovan is looking forward to his clash with Lewis Crocker on March 1

Published

2 weeks ago

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December 30, 2024

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Crocker vs Donovan

Rising Irish boxing star Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-0, 11 KO), the current World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight continental champion, had to withdraw from his scheduled December “stay busy” fight due to a minor injury but now is preparing to fight his biggest rival in what may be the most anticipated Irish boxing match in history.

The All-Ireland fight between Donovan, who fights in Limerick and trains in Dublin, and Lewis “The Croc” Crocker (20-0, 11 KO) of Belfast, Northern Ireland, is scheduled for March 1. “Point of Pride” will headline the Matchroom Boxing card, which will be broadcast live on DAZN from the SES Arena as part of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) world title eliminator. Just two fights away, Donovan could win a world title if he defeats Crocker as the IBF mandatory challenger.

“There is something different about a good Irish fighter and I believe I will be next,” Donovan declared. “I think turning pro at 19 and now 25 has required a lot of life changes since I turned pro. What matters most is what I learned in the gym, because it was the ups and downs in life – being a husband and father, losing loved ones – that helped me improve. I improved as a person, which helped me become a better fighter.”

A true fighter from the past, Donovan is currently rated by three of the four major sanctioning bodies: WBA No. 5, IBF No. 6 and World Boxing Council No. 14. He has dreamed of being a world champion since he was seven years senior.

“I’m in an amazing position, so I thank God for that and my team, Andy Lee (head coach/co-manager) and (Up-to-date York lawyer) Keith Sullivan (co-manager),” Donovan noted. “It’s great to be ranked so highly at this stage of my career, but I’m where I need to be. To be ranked so high on three major sanctioning bodies is great. I know I won’t stop until I become world champion.

“I’m always at the gym thinking about the next challenge. I say it’s time. I love what I do. I am very grateful to God for being in this situation. I believe in God’s plan for me to become world champion.”

“It’s definitely going to be an explosive fight,” commented Up-to-date York attorney Keith Sullivan, who co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee, who is also Paddy’s head trainer. “Two tough, resilient Irishmen who have a lot to prove to the world. We were worried about the injury, but we are sure it will not be a problem during the March 1 battle. Paddy is locked down and training difficult under the watchful eye of coach Andy Lee.

Donovan has dedicated several of his recent fights to Pieta, using his boxing platform to promote the suicide prevention charity, which provides mental health services across Ireland. Paddy lost two relatives to suicide. The Pietra Crisis Helpline, at 1-800-247-247, offers crisis intervention support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, as well as support for those grieving as a result of suicide.

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