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The Ring 2024 Ratings: Flyweight

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5 months ago

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Shining Edwards (left) vs. Felix Alvarado. (Photo: George Wood/Getty Images)

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 made up of a dozen experts from around the world. Opinions are exchanged, debates are held, and the final decision on who should be rated is made democratically every week. It sounds basic, but it can be a tedious and time-consuming process.

I’ll go through each division in reverse order, starting with strawweight through heavyweight to look at each fighter’s accomplishments and peer into the crystal ball to see what lies ahead.

Next up is the flyweight (112 pounds), where IBF/WBO kingpin Jesse Rodriguez vacated his titles and moved up a weight class, which in turn paved the way for others. As always, enjoy the debate and respect the opinions of others.

No. 1 – SUNNY EDWARDS

RECORD: 21-1 (4 knockouts)

PAST: Edwards was a successful amateur, winning titles in the UK before turning pro in 2016. He followed in the footsteps of his older brother Charlie, who won the world flyweight title when he used his expert footwork and quick hands to shock IBF champion Moruti Mthalane (UD 12). Edwards defended his title four times, most notably defeating Felix Alvarado (UD 12). The 28-year-old dared to be great and travelled to America, only to lose to WBO champion Jesse Rodriguez (RTD 9) in a unification fight, but has since returned with a victory over former junior flyweight titleholder Adrian Curiel (TD 9).

FUTURE: The Briton’s fight with Galal Yafai is expected to come soon, but if it doesn’t happen, he can count on winning his second world title.

No. 2 – ANGEL AYALA

RECORD: 18-0 (8 KOs)

PAST: The 24-year-old Mexican burst onto the world stage with an impressive win over former titleholder Cristofer Rosales (UD 12). The still largely unknown fighter became the first man to stop 32-fight veteran Miguel Angel Herrera (TKO 1). He had to come off the board to get past Felix Alvarado (SD 12) but came through impressively stopping Dave Apolinario (KO 6) to win the IBF title.

FUTURE: Now he enjoys the glory of being world champion, although we can expect him to defend his title in the fall.

No. 3 – SEIGO YURI AKUI

RECORD: 20-2-1 (11 KOs)

PAST: The Japanese fighter began his career with 11 wins in 12 fights, the blemish being a draw, before losing his undefeated status to future two-division titleholder Junto Nakatani (TKO 6). He bounced back impressively, stopping future junior flyweight champion Masamichi Yabuki (TKO 1). However, he then suffered another defeat, this time to Jaysever Abcede (TKO 8). The 28-year-old won a domestic title and has wins over Taku Kuwahara (TKO 10), Takuya Kogawa (TKO 10) and a immaculate sheet over Jayson Vayson (UD 10). He beat Artem Dalakian (UD 12) to win the WBA title and followed it up with a win over Kuwahara (UD 12).

FUTURE: Probably in the last quarter of this year he will have to defend the title for the second time at one of the biggest shows in Japan.

Dalakian’s flying counter-punching style gave Akui (left) a tough time, but it didn’t earn him any points from the official judges. Photo by Naoki Fukuda

NO. 4 – ARTEM DALAKIAN

RECORD: 22-1 (15 KOs)

PAST: Dalakian was quietly minding his own business in Ukraine before coming to the US and impressively defeating Brian Viloria (UD 12) for the vacant WBA title in February 2018. The 36-year-old has since defended six titles, all but one of which came in Ukraine, mostly against middleweight opponents. His activity has been badly affected by the Covid pandemic and then the war in his homeland. Dalakian returned to action in England and defeated David Jimenez (UD 12), but lost the title in his last outing in controversial fashion to Yuri Akua (UD 12).

FUTURE: He moved to Los Angeles and is currently considering his options.

NO 5 – DAVID JIMENEZ

RECORD: 16-1 (11 KOs)

PAST: Jimenez fought internationally for Costa Rica as an amateur before turning pro in early 2019. The 32-year-old was able to move relatively quickly. However, it was his win over Ricardo Sandoval (MD 12) in a WBA title eliminator, in which he scored an 11th-round knockout, that made the difference, and he earned praise for it. He lost to Dalakian (UD 12), but returned to winning ways with four more wins, most notably over the usually hard-wearing Rosendo Hugo Guarneros (RTD 7), and recently moved up to 115 pounds, where he defeated John Ramirez (UD 12).

FUTURE: He hasn’t decided yet whether his future is at 112 or 115 pounds. He could fight in Costa Rica in December.

No. 6 – RICARDO SANDOVAL

RECORD: 25-2 (18 KOs)

PAST: The 25-year-old Californian turned pro overseas in Mexico in 2016. He bounced back from an early loss to score victories over the once-beaten Oscar Vasquez (UD 8) and stop the experienced Raymond Tabugon (KO 7). He traveled to the UK and defeated former world title challenger Jay Harris (KO 8) in an IBF eliminator. He took a risk that didn’t pay off when he faced unknown David Jimenez (MD 12). “El Niño” has since returned with five wins, including victories over experienced former world title challenger Carlos Buitrago (RTD 8) and former junior flyweight champion Angel Acosta (KO 10).

FUTURE: Sandoval is ranked in the top 15 by all four major sanctioning organizations and will soon be fighting for a world title shot.

No. 7 – FELIX ALVARADO

RECORD: 41-4 (35 KOs)

PAST: Alvarado lost world title shots to Kazuto Ioka (UD 12) and Juan Carlos Reveco (UD 12) early in his career. “El Gemelo” rebounded with 15 wins, earning himself a shot at the vacant IBF 108-pound belt. He stopped Randy Petalcorin (TKO 7) in October 2018 and successfully defended the title twice. The aggressive 35-year-old vacated his title to move up a weight class, losing an IBF title fight to Edwards (UD 12). He headed to Mexico and seemed unlucky in the fight with Ayala (L UD 12), but he did pick up two wins in Nicaragua.

FUTURE: A risky boxer who is a tough opponent for anyone, he may have to fight his way into a mandatory position to get a chance to fight for the world title.

Galal Yafai (left) and Miguel Cartagena fight at Madison Square Garden. – Photo: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.

No. 8 – ANTHONY OLASCUAGA

RECORD: 7-1 (5 KOs)

PAST: Olascuaga turned pro in 2019 and has moved quickly, defeating former world title challengers Saul Juarez (UD 8) and Gilberto Pedroza (UD 8) in his second and third fights, respectively. The Los Angeles-born fighter received tardy notice after just five professional fights to challenge for a world title against ring champion and WBA/WBC titleholder Kenshiro Teraji, and although he was stopped in nine rounds, he performed well. He returned with a knockout win over Giemel Magramo (TKO 7) and most recently knocked out Riku Kano (KO 3) to win the vacant WBO belt.

FUTURE: It looks like he will have to face mandatory challenger Jonathan Gonzalez in October.

No. 9 – CRISTOFER ROSALES

RECORD: 37-6 (22 knockouts)

PAST: The Nicaraguan cut his teeth fighting at home and gaining international experience, losing to future world titleholder Kal Yafai (PTS 8) and the once-vaunted Andrew Selby (UD 12). He came back in style to stun the highly regarded but underweight Haigo Higa (TKO 9) to become the WBC titleholder. He defended the title once before losing it to Charlie Edwards (UD 12). He was stopped by Julio Cesar Martinez (TKO 9) when the two fought for the vacant WBC title. He then lost to Ayala (UD 12) in a WBC title eliminator, but is riding a five-fight winning streak, including breaking the unbeaten record of Joselito Velazquez (UD 10).

FUTURE: This year he is scheduled to face Kenshiro Teraji for the vacant WBC belt.

No. 10 – GALAL YAFAI

RECORD: 7-0 (5 knockouts)

PAST: Yafai was unable to medal at the 2016 Olympics, but returned in 2020 (delayed until 2021) and took gold. The youngest of three fighting brothers, he famously turned pro in a 10-round fight and has been a quick riser. The 31-year-old left-hander has wins over Rocco Santomauro (UD 10) and the once-vaunted Agustin Gauto (TKO 8).

FUTURE: A potential all-British fight with Edwards could take place in the fall, otherwise Edwards will continue his efforts to fight for a world title.

At the bend: Dave Apolinario, Angelino Cordova, Vince Paras, Tobias Reyes and Francisco Rodriguez Jr.

YOU MAY MISS:

The Ring 2024 Ratings: Pound for Pound – The Ring (ringtv.com)

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

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

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Boxing

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

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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

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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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