Heavyweight: Anthony Joshua added the first defense of his second run as a three-belted titlist but, more importantly, his knockout of Kubrat Pulev clears the way for a showdown with history’s king. It’s hard to imagine the sport could produce a bigger global event in 2021 than Tyson Fury versus Joshua.
Super Middleweight: Already their sub-titlist in the division, Saul Alvarez won the WBA’s primary belt, a vacant WBC strap, and Ring magazine recognition as the leader at super middleweight. The lineal throne remains open for now. David Benavidez is likely to be the highest rated contender behind Alvarez in both the TBRB and Ring magazine ratings. Promoter Eddie Hearn has made clear he will try to make an Alvarez-Suander unification. Letting the bidding wars begin.
Middleweight: Alvarez remains the lineal king until he formally abdicates but it seems all but a formality now. As to Gennady Golovkin setting a ‘record’ for middleweight title defenses, note there is a distinct difference between total defenses with losses in between and a record for consecutive defenses in a reign, as is a record that includes defenses of WBA sub-titles.
Jr. Lightweight: Gervonta Davis retained his WBA sub-title at lightweight and regained the WBA’s primary title at 130 lbs. with his knockout over Leo Santa Cruz. Where Davis fights from here will be interesting.
Featherweight: Leo Santa Cruz remains as the WBA primary titlist at featherweight but hasn’t fought in the division in quite some time. If he returns, it would be a surprise with money to be made at 130 lbs.
Bantamweight: Reymart Gaballo moved himself along in the WBC ratings but it wasn’t a moment of glory. His victory over Emanuel Rodriguez for an interim strap may have been the worst decision of 2020.
Jr. Bantamweight: Since the last update, Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez both made defenses of their respective titles and the rematch is now signed for March, more than eight years in the making. The lineal crown will be on the line in what may turn out to be the biggest fight of all time at 115 lbs.
Flyweight: The vacant WBO belt was filled and remains in Japanese hands. Junto Nakatani looked rock solid in handing Giemel Magramo his first stoppage defeat.
Strawweight: The “0” had to go. Longtime WBC titlist Wanheng Menayothin ran his record to 54-0 before running into Petchmanee CP Freshmart. The veteran kept it close but ultimately saw his long reign ended by unanimous decision.
Last Update: October 19, 2020
For the full update: https://www.boxingscene.com/forums/view.php?pg=boxing-ratings
Cliff Rold is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene, a founding member of the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, a member of the International Boxing Research Organization, and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. He can be reached at roldboxing@hotmail.com
