Why is Bute ranked #2 at 168?

My first post on these forums, so hi Boxingscene :boxing: Just wondering why Bute is ranked #2 over Froch and others in the SMW division. It seems odd because I hadn't heard much of Bute, and after going through some of his most "notable fights" it doesn't look seem like he has proven himself enough to even be at this position. Is it because he has the IBF belt? Froch was universally known as one of the best two fighters, with Ward, at 168 before the s6 final. But because of his loss to Ward, Bute is ranked higher? I don't quite see the logic there. Froch's resume is quite arguably one of the best in boxing today, he'll fight anyone anywhere where possible. You can't realistically say that about Bute. Undefeated, IBF belt or not. Hope this doesn't come across as a troll thread (theres a few on here), its something ive been wondering about for a while Liam

Comments (20)

techliam

This is why I asked. Froch is pure class

14y ago

boliodogs

Bute did not jump ahead of Froch because Froch lost to Ward. Bute was always ranked ahead of Froch. When the tournament began Bute was already ranked #1 at 168. Ward past him for the #1 spot with his impressive run of wins. Froch beat Johnson by scores of 116 112, 117 111, and 114 114. Five months later Bute beat him by scores of 120 108, 120 108, and 119 109. Bute has defended his tittle successfully 9 times. He has wins over Andrade, Bika, and Johnson, all ranked #8 or higher at the time he fought them. Kessler may have been #1 when the tournament started by some rankings but everybody ranked Bute #1 or #2.

14y ago

boliodogs

Number two behind Ward and ahead of Froch is exactly where he should be ranked. Froch lost two fights during the tournament. Bute has never lost a fight and has defended his tittle against 3 or 4 guys ranked in the top 10 when he fought them, so he is proven. He just got through winning every round from Glen Johnson, who gave Froch a close, hard fight.

14y ago

Bushbaby

I don't see how anyone can hold the Kessler fight against Froch, imo it could have gone either way.

14y ago

techliam

-Abraham lost a few to top 168lbers and I think isn't sure of 168 -Taylor dropped after KO losses -Dirrell hasn't been active -Kessler lost steam in losses to Calzaghe and Ward -Froch lost steam in losses to Kessler and Ward Bute, while he hasn't faced those top guys (soon Froch), is undefeated. Meaning it's "his turn" to prove he belongs. Or a loss would drop him. Thats a very interesting way of putting it, thanks. I see it a bit differently now

14y ago

TechN9ne84

It's actually pretty impressive how far Froch has gone because I don't think too highly of him either. I expect him to lose to Bute and start winding down his career. He's done well for himself. I think Froch has very overrated power. Last person he knocked out was Jermain Taylor who hasn't been able to take a punch since Pavlik.

14y ago

Alec900

It's actually pretty impressive how far Froch has gone because I don't think too highly of him either. I expect him to lose to Bute and start winding down his career. He's done well for himself. I agree he has done well despite having so little ability

14y ago

Kev

Good list, but i think bute could kick Dirrel's ass. I think Dirrel is overated just a bit. bute has power and kicks like a mule. Just my :2 cents: Dirrell isn't highly rated to be overrated. Just about every one hates him. I don't see any Dirrell fans here. Actually I have seen like about 2 fans. I don't know how you can call him overrated. He's also #8 in The Ring's top 10 SMWs. He's underrated if anything.

14y ago

TyrantT316

14y ago

IMDAZED

people tend to overrate Froch a bit Dirrell - lost but was given a gift Kessler - lost Ward - lost was on the edge of losing vs taylor It's actually pretty impressive how far Froch has gone because I don't think too highly of him either. I expect him to lose to Bute and start winding down his career. He's done well for himself.

14y ago

Alec900

people tend to overrate Froch a bit Dirrell - lost but was given a gift Kessler - lost Ward - lost was on the edge of losing vs taylor

14y ago

Light_Speed

Had Froch not been dominated in that fight but still lost, would he still be #2? Had Froch lost a close fight he'd still be #2 in my book.

14y ago

jazluvr

That's just how rankings work. If you ask me, the best SMW's are as follows: Champion: Ward 1. Dirrell 2. Bute 3. Froch 4. Johnson 5. Bika Good list, but i think bute could kick Dirrel's ass. I think Dirrel is overated just a bit. bute has power and kicks like a mule. Just my :2 cents:

14y ago

Russian_Crushin

He's obviously the 2nd best SMW in the world and will prove it on Saturday :)

14y ago

Kev

That's just how rankings work. If you ask me, the best SMW's are as follows: Champion: Ward 1. Dirrell 2. Bute 3. Froch 4. Johnson 5. Bika

14y ago

MJ223

Being the longest reigning SMW titlest can't hurt........

14y ago

techliam

I'm sure that can be debated with his resume Dirk. @Light Speed and other guy... Yea he was dominated more or less. I just don't see why him being beat by Ward means that Bute is better than Froch. I'm not saying that Froch deserves #2, i'm just saying why is Bute decisively ranked #2, when it should be more of a blur between Froch/Bute for that position. Had Froch not been dominated in that fight but still lost, would he still be #2? Though I guess thats what the upcoming fight will make clear. Thx for the replies guys

14y ago

Dirk_Diggler_UK

Because funnily enough, he's the 2nd best Super Middleweight in the world.

14y ago

Light_Speed

It would be weird for Froch to keep his #2 spot after being thoroughly dominated by Ward so it was logical to move him down a notch and have Bute take his spot.

14y ago

LarryX

hummm cause Froch lost his last fight maybe????Ward was #1,froch was #2 and bute was #3.froch lost soooooooooothat made Bute who has never lost #2.makes sense to me

14y ago