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From the time I started as the boxing writer at USA Today in early 2000 until leaving ESPN in April 2020, I was responsible for the divisional rankings during my time at each outlet. At USA Today, I updated them once a month until leaving in early 2005. At some point during my time at ESPN they became weekly. Now I am doing my own thing here at Fight Freaks Unite, where I publish division top 10s from time to time. Given how stacked the 154-pound division is currently and the slate of notable fights that have either recently happened or are in varying stages of being planned for the near future it seemed like a good time to update the rankings, so here they are:
Note: Results through Aug. 27. Terrence Crawford, who has boxed just once in the division, does not appear as he has not fought in more than one year and is also moving up two weight classes for his next fight to challenge Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super middleweight title on Sept. 13.
Junior middleweights (154 pounds)
1. Sebastian Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs)
Last: W (TKO7) Tim Tszyu, July 19
Next: Oct. 25 vs. Keith Thurman
Rafael’s remark: In a loaded division, “The Towering Inferno” has risen to the top with any number of attractive fights that can be made. He narrowly outpointed Tszyu in their first battle, a March 2024 bloodbath as a late replacement for injured Keith Thurman, to take his WBO title and win the vacant WBC crown. Fundora defended the belts by one-sided fourth-round knockout of Chordale Booker this past March and then vacated the WBO belt to face Tszyu in a rematch rather than complete a deal to face mandatory challenger Xander Zayas.
Fundora looked outstanding against Tszyu and had a much easier time with him in the rematch, beating him down until making him retire on his stool after the seventh round. Next up will be a fight with former unified welterweight titlist Thurman, who is back from injury and looked good winning his debut in the division by knockout in March. At 6-foot-5½, Fundora is a nightmare for anyone in division. He has massive size, massive reach, good power, and a big heart.
