Boxing is not known for its consistency and unfortunately that extends to how fighters are ranked in their respective weight classes.
At present, there are four recognized governing bodies in the sport (IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO). In many instances these organisations have separate champions and completely different rankings, which only creates confusion among fight fans.
There are also independent rankings such as BoxRec, The Ring Magazine ratings and the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board. BoxRec works off an algorithm system, while the other two have a selection of boxing experts who decide their respective ratings by demographic vote.
The Sporting News has made the decision to compile its own top 12 rankings across men's weight divisions, as well as men’s and women’s pound-for-pound lists.
Similar to The Ring and the TBRB, these ratings will be decided by our very own global boxing team on a weekly basis. As is the case with any rankings system in sport, there should be complete transparency with regard to how the decisions are made.
The following is a list of rules that are now operational for the Sporting News' boxing ratings:
- A fighter will enter/exit the ratings based on results. However, the primary caveat is contentious/controversial verdicts rendered by judges. Such decisions would be at the discretion of the Sporting News' panel.
- A fighter’s ascent, decent or retention of a position within the ratings can also be dependent on performance level. For example, if a fighter dominates a quality opponent, that could lead to them moving up several positions. Conversely, if a fighter underperforms in a win, then they might drop in the ratings.
- A fighter can drop in the ratings if they do not face adequate competition or refuse to face the best in their weight class.
- If a fighter is inactive for over 12 months, then they will be removed from the ratings unless circumstances are out of their control. For example, injury or health issues, fight cancellation, promoter/manager/broadcaster conflict.
- If a rated fighter is competing outside of their division, then they can lose their position in the ratings if they do not compete in a particular weight class for 18 months. Again, extenuating circumstances will be taken into the account by the panel.
- If a rated fighter moves from one weight class to another, then they must earn a rating in the new division. Success at other weights does not guarantee a position.
- A fighter will be removed from the ratings if they test positive for performance enhancing drugs. Each case is different and will be discussed by the panel. If an explanation is deemed satisfactory by a sanctioning board (for example, contamination or prescribed medication), then the fighter may return to the ratings. A fighter can also return to the ratings when their career resumes and they’re cleared to fight by the appropriate commission.
- A fighter can be removed from the ratings if they bring the sport into disrepute.
The Sporting News' Boxing Ratings
Rules | Men's P4P | Women's P4P
Heavyweight | Cruiserweight | Super Middleweight | Super Lightweight | Lightweight | Super Featherweight | Featherweight | Light Flyweight | Minimumweight