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 for 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, but I had not done any divisional rankings until I recently did an updated top 10 heavyweights. Reader reaction was overwhelming, which I appreciate. So, I’ve been doing other divisions as they’re in the news. Here are updated rankings for the lightweight division, which had a key fight between Devin Haney and Jorge Linares on Saturday night.
I’m glad to see Loma ranking in top 5 as many dismissed all his accomplishments based on recent loss.