Spence unified three titles with his superb performance against Ugas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The Ring first introduced its divisional rankings in 1925. Nearly a century later, it is no exaggeration to say that these independent rankings are the most respected and accurate in world boxing.
The ratings panel is made up of a dozen experts from around the world. Opinions are shared, debated and the final decision on who should qualify where is decided democratically each week. It sounds easy, but this can be a time-consuming and arduous process.
A couple of years ago, during the pandemic, we reviewed and broke down each division in its entirety. In a two-pronged approach, we looked at the respective achievements of the world’s greatest fighters and looked at what was to come.
Now, with enough time having elapsed and with a busy final quarter through 2022 ahead of us, we have decided to compile another divisional breakdown.
Next up is welterweight. As always, he enjoys the debate and respects the opinions of others.
No. 1 ERROL SPENCE JR.
RECORD: 28-0 (22 KOs)
THE PAST: Spence represented the US at the 2012 London Olympics. After making the switch to the pro ranks, he proved himself by stopping Kell Brook (TKO 11) in England to win the welterweight title of the IBF. The 32-year-old has made six defenses and has added WBA and WBC titles. He has championship wins over Mikey Garcia (UD 12), Shawn Porter (SD 12), Danny Garcia (UD 12) and Yordenis Ugas (TKO 10).
THE FUTURE: Still in negotiations to face Terence Crawford.
#2 TERENCE CRAWFORD
RECORD: 38-0 (29 KOs)
THE PAST: The super-talented American switch hitter has won titles at 135, 140 and 147. However, it was his work at junior welterweight, where he became the undisputed champion, that helped set him apart from the rest. Since moving up to welterweight, the 34-year-old Nebraska native has reclaimed the WBO title and made five successful defenses. Notable wins at 147 include Amir Khan (TKO 6), Kell Brook (TKO 4), and most recently Shawn Porter (TKO 10).
THE FUTURE: Still in negotiations to face Errol Spence.
Jaron Ennis (pink shorts) opens up about Custio Clayton. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
No. 3 JARON ENNIS
RECORD: 29-0 (27 KOs)
THE PAST: The brilliant American switch-hitter could be boxing’s next big star. He learned to box at a very young age, in Philadelphia, with his father and his brothers. “Boots” has an elite combination of power and speed that has been a nightmare for anyone he has faced thus far. In fact, the way he viciously dispatched former junior welterweight champion Sergey Lipinets (KO 6), Thomas Dulorme (KO 1) and Custio Clayton (KO 2) tells him everything he needs to know.
THE FUTURE: Like everyone else, Ennis, the IBF mandatory challenger, is waiting to see how negotiations between Spence and Crawford play out. He is likely to face Cody Crowley in the fall before fighting for the title in 2023.
No. 4 YORDENIS UGAS
RECORD: 27-5 (12 KOs)
THE PAST: The Cuban amateur standout won gold at the 2005 World Championships and bronze at the 2008 Olympics. He turned pro at 140 pounds and initially struggled with transition, losing three times. However, Ugas has since flourished at welterweight, beating the likes of Jamal James (UD 10), Bryan Perrella (TKO 4), Thomas Dulorme (UD 10) and Ray Robinson (TKO 7) to earn a title shot. long awaited. He gave then-WBC champion Porter everything he could handle before losing a split decision. The 36-year-old bounced back with three wins before posting a career-best win over Manny Pacquiao (UD 12) to become the WBA champion. In his first defense, he put up a game effort before relinquishing his title to Spence Jr. (TKO 10) in a unification fight.
THE FUTURE: He’ll be hoping to get back in the mix after his strong showing against Spence.
No. 5 VERGIL ORTIZ JR.
RECORD: 19-0 (19 KOs)
THE PAST: The aggressive 24-year-old Texan has become a popular local ticket seller. Ortiz’s hard-hitting power has seen him stop every opponent he has faced to date. He has wins over former junior welterweight champion Antonio Orozco (KO 6), former 140-pound champion Maurice Hooker (KO 7) and an impressive beating of former welterweight title challenger Egidijus Kavaliauskas (TKO 8). Ortiz was due to face Michael McKinson in March, but had to withdraw due to rhabdomyolysis. After receiving the nod, Ortiz came back and overcame a slow start to stop the Briton in nine rounds.
THE FUTURE: As a WBO mandatory challenger, Ortiz wants to face Crawford. That won’t be next unless Spence Jr.-Crawford doesn’t materialize.
Stanionis (right) attacks Radzab Butaev. Photo by Ryan Hafey/PBC
Good 6TH STATIONARY FLOOR
RECORD: 14-0 (9 KOs)
THE PAST: Turned pro after a terrific amateur career that concluded at the 2016 Olympics. The Lithuanian moved to America and his aggressive style allowed him to quickly adapt to the professional ranks. He owns victories over Justin DeLoach (KO 9), Dulorme (UD 12) and, most recently, defeated previously undefeated Radzhab Butaev by a 12-round split decision.
THE FUTURE: Waiting to see how the Spence Jr.-Crawford talks play out. It is likely to appear in some form in the coming months.
#7 KEITH THURMAN
RECORD: 30-1 (22 KOs)
THE PAST: Thurman scored impressive victories over former world champions Carlos Quintana (TKO 4) and Jan Zaveck (UD 12) before securing the WBA 147-pound title. Since then he outclassed Shawn Porter (UD 12) and was unified with WBC champion Danny Garcia (SD 12). He lost his undefeated record to Pacquiao, but “One Time” has been plagued by persistent hand injuries and inactivity. He snapped a two-and-a-half-year streak of inactivity when he outpointed Mario Barrios (UD 12) in February.
THE FUTURE: He’s likely to be the biggest beneficiary if Spence-Crawford doesn’t happen. In that case, Thurman is likely to face Spence. Alternatively, he could headline later this year as he awaits a title shot.
No. 8 DAVID AVANESYAN
RECORD: 29-3-1 (17 KOs)
THE PAST: The aggressive Russian grew strong fighting at home. Beating a shell of former boxing superstar Shane Mosley (UD 12), he then pushed Lamont Peterson close, narrowly losing a 12-round decision. He was stopped by Kavaliauskas (TKO 6) but recovered to win six fights, including a road win over Kerman Lejarraga (TKO 9) to claim the European title. He also took the undefeated record from the talented Josh Kelly (TKO 6).
THE FUTURE: He will defend his EBU title against Jon Miguez before the end of the year.
Conor Benn (right) against Adrian Granados. Photo by Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
No. 9 CONOR BENN
RECORD: 21-0 (14 KOs)
THE PAST: Nigel Benn’s son initially looked down the road to nowhere. However, to his immense credit, he has proven to be a chip off the old block. The 25-year-old is very aggressive and heavy-handed. Sounds familiar? He has displayed that vaunted power against Samuel Vargas (TKO 1), former world champion Chris Algieri (KO 4) and perennial contender Chris Van Heerden (TKO 2).
THE FUTURE: Step up to take on Chris Eubank Jr. in a massive grudge match in the UK on October 8.
No. 10 RADZHAB BUTAEV
RECORD: 14-1 (11 KOs)
THE PAST: Excellent amateur, who showed some promise when he took the unbeaten record from Janer González (UD 8). The Russian lost to Alexander Besputin only for his compatriot to test positive for a banned substance afterwards. The result was changed to a no-contest. The 28-year-old bounced back to impressively defeat Jamal James (TKO 9) before losing to Stanionis (SD 12).
THE FUTURE: He showed enough against Stanionis to prove he belongs. He could look to get back into the win column before aiming for a rematch.
YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
The Ring Ratings Reviewed in 2022: Pound for Pound – The Ring (ringtv.com)
The Ring Ratings Revised in 2022: Strawweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)
The Ring Magazine Revised Ratings: Junior Flyweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)
The Ring Ratings Reviewed 2022: Flyweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)
The Ring Ratings Revised in 2022: Junior Bantamweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)
The Ring Ratings Revised in 2022: Bantamweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)
The Ring Ratings Revised in 2022: Junior Featherweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)
The Ring Ratings Revised in 2022: Featherweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)
The Ring Ratings Revised in 2022: Junior Lightweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)
The Ring Ratings Revised in 2022: Lightweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)
The Ring Ratings Reviewed 2022: Junior Welterweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)
Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at [email protected] and you can follow him on Twitter @AnsonWainwright
