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 light heavyweight. As always, enjoy the discussion and respect the opinions of others.
No. 1 DMITRY BIVOL
RECORD: 20-0 (11 KOs)
THE PAST: Bivol was a standout amateur before turning pro in November 2014. The 31-year-old Kyrgyzstan-born coach claimed the WBA light heavyweight title in 2017 and has made nine successful defenses. He has wins over Sullivan Barrera (TKO 12), Isaac Chilemba (UD 12), Jean Pascal (UD 12) and Joe Smith Jr. (UD 12). However, his career best win over Canelo Alvarez (UD 12) is what propelled Bivol into the pound-for-pound rankings.
THE FUTURE: He will face his mandatory challenger Gilberto Ramirez in the United Arab Emirates on November 5.
No. 2 ARTURO BETERBIEV
RECORD: 18-0 (18 KOs)
THE PAST: Beterbiev was a standout amateur, winning gold at the 2009 World Championships and competing in the 2012 Olympics. The physically imposing Russian moved fast like a pro. He won the IBF light heavyweight title, stopping Enrico Koelling (KO 12) and defending against Callum Johnson (KO 4) and Radivoje Kalajdzic (KO5). His big win came against then-WBC champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk (TKO 10) in a unification fight. The 37-year-old clocked time against Adam Deines (TKO 10) and Marcus Browne (KO 9) before demolishing his WBO counterpart Joe Smith Jr. (TKO 2).
THE FUTURE: He is likely to face WBO mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde in England in early 2023.
Joe Smith Jr (L) and Artur Beterbiev (R) exchange blows during their WBC, IBF and WBO light heavyweight championship fight at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on June 18, 2022 in New York City. from New York. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
No. 3 GILBERTO RAMIREZ
RECORD: 44-0 (30 KOs)
THE PAST: Ramírez won the WBO super middleweight title by knocking out two-weight world champion Arthur Abraham (UD 12). “Zurdo” made five successful defenses, notably he beat Jesse Hart (UD 12 / RM 12) twice. However, the strain of making 168 pounds forced him to vacate and move up in weight. He has settled in nicely with five wins, all within the distance, including a pair of wins over experienced Cuban Sullivan Barrera (KO 4) and Yunieski Gonzalez (TKO 10) to become the WBA’s mandatory challenger.
THE FUTURE: He called Bivol for a while and he will get his wish when they collide on November 5th.
#4 CALLUM SMITH
RECORD: 29-1 (20 KOs)
THE PAST: Smith won the British and European super middleweight titles in impressive fashion and got his big break in WBSS. He defeated Erik Skoglund (UD 12) and late substitute Nieky Holzken (UD 12) to earn a safe passage to the final where he stopped George Groves (KO 7) to become The Ring Magazine champion and WBA titleholder. The Englishman struggled to capitalize on that momentum, easily defeating little Hassan N’dam N’Jikam (TKO 3) and working John Ryder (UD 12) in subsequent title defenses before losing to boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez (UD 12). ). The 32-year-old has since moved up to 175 pounds and won both starts and looks like a real threat.
THE FUTURE: As the WBC mandate he will probably get his shot in 2023, but he may need to take a fight first to keep himself busy.
No. 5 MARCUS BROWN
RECORD: 24-2 (16 KO)
THE PAST: The 2012 US Olympian scored impressive wins over Thomas Williams Jr. (KO 6), Sean Monaghan (KO 2) and Fracy Ntetu (KO 1) before securing an impressive win over Jack (UD 12). However, he was immediately stalled by Jean Pascal (TD 8), but he bounced back with a win over once-contender Denis Grachev (UD 10). The New York native gave a good account of himself before swooning against Beterbiev (KO 9) in an IBF/WBC title tilt.
THE FUTURE: He needs to get back in action soon or risk screwing up his world ranking.
Jean Pascal catches Marcus Browne.
No. 6 JOE SMITH JR.
RECORD: 28-4 (22 KOs)
THE PAST: The Long Island native stunned Andrzej Fonfara (TKO 1) and became the first fighter to stop the legendary Bernard Hopkins (KO 8). However, Smith has since gone 2-2, dropping decisions against Sullivan Barrera (UD 10) and WBA champion Dmitry Bivol (UD 12). He earned a much-needed win over Jesse Hart (SD 10) and then impressively stopped former WBO champion Eleider Alvarez (TKO 9). He outpointed Maxim Vlasov (MD 12) to claim the vacant WBO title. He was due to face Callum Johnson, but instead he fought backup Steve Geffard (KO 9) in his only title defense before losing to Beterbiev (TKO 2) in his unification earlier this year.
THE FUTURE: Taking time out after losing to Beterbiev. It is likely that he will then return in 2023 and then try to get back into title contention.
No. 7 JOSHUA BUATSI
RECORD: 16-0 (13 KOs)
THE PAST: Buatsi won bronze at the 2016 Olympics before turning pro. He won the vacant British title in his tenth fight, but never defended it. He began training with Virgil Hunter in California and has shown promise, but his career has stalled. He has wins over the undefeated Marko Calic (TKO 7), Richards Bolotniks (TKO 11) and most recently Craig Richards (UD 12).
THE FUTURE: He was hoping to face Bivol, but the WBA ruled in favor of the Russian instead of facing Ramirez. That led him to go in the direction of the IBF. He was booked to face Jean Pascal. However, when the two sides were unable to come to an agreement, an auction was held which was won by Lou DiBella. When Matchroom failed to do their part, by not signing the contract, they breached Buatsi’s position, leaving Buatsi on the outside looking in.
No. 8 ANTHONY YARDE
RECORD: 22-2 (21 KOs)
THE PAST: The powerhouse steamroller from London blasted through moderate opposition to earn a shot at WBO mandatory against Sergey Kovalev in Russia. Unfazed, he put up a solid effort and rocked Kovalev before he was stopped in the eleventh round. He returned to the winner’s circle before being overtaken by the skillful Lydon Arthur (SD 12). However, a year later he exercised his demons by being extremely aggressive and knocked Arthur out in the fourth round.
THE FUTURE: Waiting for Beterbiev to face him in early 2023.
Anthony Yarde (left) lands a hard hook to Lyndon Arthur – Photo courtesy of BT Sports – Queensberry
No. 9 JEAN PASCAL
RECORD: 36-6-1 (20 KOs)
THE PAST: In 2009, the popular Canadian won the WBC title by outpointing Adrian Diaconu and making four defenses. However, losses to Bernard Hopkins (UD 12), Kovalev (TKO 8 and RTD 7) and Bivol (UD 12) suggested his time at the top was over. To his immense credit, Pascal, now 39, has revived his career by posting wins over Marcus Browne (TD 8), Badou Jack (SD 12) and Fanlong Meng (UD 12).
THE FUTURE: He will most likely meet Michael Eifert in an IBF eliminator at a date and location to be decided.
No. 10 CRAIG RICHARDS
RECORD: 17-3-1 (10 KOs)
THE PAST: Richards lost his first attempt at the British title against Frank Buglioni (UD 12). He learned from experience and wouldn’t back down on his second shot against Shakan Pitters (TKO 9). That was enough to earn him a world title shot against WBA champion Dmitry Bivol. Richards gave a good account of himself by losing a unanimous decision in 12 rounds. That performance helped him feud with countryman Joshua Buatsi. Once again, Richards exceeded expectations by losing a 12-round unanimous decision.
THE FUTURE: He could return later this year or early 2023. Can he become the bride or is he destined to be the almost man?
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 Magazine Ratings Revised: Junior Welterweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)
The Ring Ratings Revised in 2022: Welterweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)
The Ring Ratings Revised: Junior Middleweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)
The Ring Ratings Revised in 2022: Middleweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)
The Ring Ratings Reviewed: Super Middleweight – The Ring (ringtv.com)
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