BoxingScene Ratings Update: Thompson, Chemito, More
by Cliff Rold
It was hardly a hectic weekend, but we did get one significant change. In a bit of a surprise, we have a new titlist at 105 lbs. forcing the one notable change. Other than that, this week was about keeping position with an eye on the weeks ahead as some of the major players at Light Heavyweight and Welterweight come to scratch soon.
This is the BoxingScene ratings update.
Heavyweight: Tony Thompson returned to the winner’s circle and while it wasn’t a thriller, it keeps him in the mix. Could he be a factor down the road for the winner of Bermane Stiverne-Chris Arreola II? The WBC ratings might say so. Wouldn’t he also be an excellent test for Deontay Wilder? Defeating Odlanier Solis doesn’t move him up but it holds serve. Hopefully, folks can stop waiting for Solis to become a serious professional. He’s never been one, never defeated anyone worth getting excited about, and the amateur he was many moons ago simply never surfaced in the pro ranks.
Several readers posed questions last week about the high rating of Steve Cunningham, a product of what should have been a win in his rematch against Tomasz Adamek and a competitive loss to Tyson Fury. He stays put for now but a keen eye is on his upcoming bout with Amir Mansour to see if he should drop or maintain his slot.
Bantamweight: Anselmo Moreno scored a couple early knockdowns and showed again what makes him the best of the Bantamweights. It would be nice to see him show that against better fare. Moreno gave two excellent accounts of himself in the US and needs to be back against the top tier. Talent only lasts so long. It would be a shame to see him waste away on the vine.
Strawweight: Add Francisco Rodriguez to the list of foes Roman Gonzalez has walked through who turned out better in retrospect. The new WBO 105 lb. titlist scored a big upset against undefeated Merlito Sabillo and enters the top ten. Sabillo slips just out of the ratings.
The full results of note and the total impact on the ratings are a click away.
Cliff Rold is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene, a founding member of the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. He can be reached at roldboxing@hotmail.com
