From the time I started working as the boxing writer at USA Today in early 2000 until leaving ESPN in April 2020, one of my responsibilities was to provide divisional rankings for each outlet. At USA Today, I updated the rankings once a month until leaving in early 2005. At some point during my time at ESPN they became weekly, but I have not done a set of divisional rankings since.
One bad night for Povetkin and he’s out yet his last 5 fights he has fough AJ drew with Hunter and won and lost against Dillian Whyte but barring that not a bad list
I agree with 90% of the list. The one pick that stands out is Hunter. If Hunter fought Hrgovic, the Croatian would be an overwhelming favourite. Hrgovic would be my number 10.
I used to enjoy following this on ESPN, so would be good to see more divisions, perhaps starting with 135 and then 168. Outside Fury and Joshua, I have the same fighters but in different order. Ortiz being the exception, who has no business being there. An excellent amateur record, yes. But who's he beaten professionally to warrant such a high ranking? I accept my opinion is in the minority, as most respected lists feature him.
Don't go along with Anthony and Dillan ahead of Deantay and Andy should be ahead of Anthony..He beat Anthony by knock out and Anthony beat by points...
There seems to be no mention of Ruiz losing to Joshua in the rematch that doesn't also mention Andy's excuses after the fight of not training properly and not losing enough weight.
If Joshua wanted to he could have banged on about the health problem that he went into the (first) fight with - but he decided not to make any excuses - it's a shame Andy didn't learn from Joshua's example.
Ortiz - is vastly overrated imo, he has only fought 1 top heavyweight and a huge number of D-level heavyweights. I don't buy the avoided excuse for this & nor will anyone who saw his Malik Scott and (young) Dave Allen fights.
Usyk - a poor pair of performances at heavyweight - imo Chisora deserved a draw.
Michael Hunter has fought and beaten or drawn against better heavyweight opposition than Ortiz, Usyk and Joyce - imo his loss to Usyk at cruiserweight 4 years ago is irrelevant now.
So for me Ortiz and Usyk (at heavyweight) haven't really proved themselves to be any better than the likes of Wallin, Helenius & Kownacki, while Yoka, Hrgovic and Sanchez are closing in fast.
Numbers 8-9-10 tell the tale, none have a lengthy body of work to draw from and only have a fight or two that propels them into the top 10. It’s a shallow pool, the lack of depth and activity of the top ten have heavyweight fight fans starving for more. There was a time then the heavyweight division set the tone for boxing. If that is still the case you can see why boxing is losing market share to MMA.
AnEnglishmanInLA I totally agree with you on Ortiz his only notable win is over the respectable not elite Bryan Jennings !!!
Bam! Dan has the rankings back. I've always loved his detailed rankings.
One bad night for Povetkin and he’s out yet his last 5 fights he has fough AJ drew with Hunter and won and lost against Dillian Whyte but barring that not a bad list
I agree with 90% of the list. The one pick that stands out is Hunter. If Hunter fought Hrgovic, the Croatian would be an overwhelming favourite. Hrgovic would be my number 10.
I used to enjoy following this on ESPN, so would be good to see more divisions, perhaps starting with 135 and then 168. Outside Fury and Joshua, I have the same fighters but in different order. Ortiz being the exception, who has no business being there. An excellent amateur record, yes. But who's he beaten professionally to warrant such a high ranking? I accept my opinion is in the minority, as most respected lists feature him.
I like the list just have to disagree with Whyte being #3
Don't go along with Anthony and Dillan ahead of Deantay and Andy should be ahead of Anthony..He beat Anthony by knock out and Anthony beat by points...
I agree but to have Whyte over Wilder. C'mon man. Wilder lost once and Whyte was ko twice in his losses.
Without many amateur fights, your very limited. Power only goes so far without skills.
Your the best writer ever. And I know boxing. Glad to be on your email list. Your second to none sir !!! JIMBRavO
Dan, please consider getting Ortiz, the heck outta that list... Thanks for the daily updates to my email!
There seems to be no mention of Ruiz losing to Joshua in the rematch that doesn't also mention Andy's excuses after the fight of not training properly and not losing enough weight.
If Joshua wanted to he could have banged on about the health problem that he went into the (first) fight with - but he decided not to make any excuses - it's a shame Andy didn't learn from Joshua's example.
Ortiz - is vastly overrated imo, he has only fought 1 top heavyweight and a huge number of D-level heavyweights. I don't buy the avoided excuse for this & nor will anyone who saw his Malik Scott and (young) Dave Allen fights.
Usyk - a poor pair of performances at heavyweight - imo Chisora deserved a draw.
Michael Hunter has fought and beaten or drawn against better heavyweight opposition than Ortiz, Usyk and Joyce - imo his loss to Usyk at cruiserweight 4 years ago is irrelevant now.
So for me Ortiz and Usyk (at heavyweight) haven't really proved themselves to be any better than the likes of Wallin, Helenius & Kownacki, while Yoka, Hrgovic and Sanchez are closing in fast.
I'd love your thoughts on the best of the rest? Yoka , Walin etc. Also would love you to do something about a potential super cruiser division
Numbers 8-9-10 tell the tale, none have a lengthy body of work to draw from and only have a fight or two that propels them into the top 10. It’s a shallow pool, the lack of depth and activity of the top ten have heavyweight fight fans starving for more. There was a time then the heavyweight division set the tone for boxing. If that is still the case you can see why boxing is losing market share to MMA.
Whyte over Wilder??? I respect the hell out of you Dan but that is mind boggling to me.