Boxing Divisional Rankings: Roach’s Remarkable Feat and Controversial Draw with ‘Tank’ Davis
In the world of boxing, where every punch counts and every decision is scrutinized, Lamont Roach has managed to carve out a unique place for himself. Following Saturday’s controversial draw with Gervonta “Tank” Davis in Brooklyn, Roach has become the only fighter in ESPN’s men’s rankings to appear in multiple divisions. This is no small feat, considering the competitive nature of the sport and the caliber of fighters he is up against.
Roach is now ranked No. 6 at 135 pounds after he fought on even terms with Davis, the WBA champion who remains ESPN’s No. 1 lightweight. Typically, when fighters enter new weight classes, they are no longer ranked in their previous division. However, Roach remains the WBA junior lightweight titleholder and as such maintains his No. 5 ESPN ranking at 130 pounds. This dual ranking is a testament to his skill and versatility in the ring.
But the story doesn’t end there. Roach also has a case that he deserved the decision against Davis. If referee Steve Willis correctly ruled a knockdown in Round 9 after Davis took a knee, Roach would have won the fight on the scorecards. Two judges scored the fight 114-114, and the third had his card 115-113 in Davis’ favor. This controversial decision has left fans and analysts alike debating the outcome and eagerly anticipating a rematch.
Instead, Roach will have to wait for a possible rematch to settle matters. Davis said Monday on X he would push for a rematch that could take place in late May. This potential rematch is already generating buzz and promises to be a must-watch event for boxing enthusiasts.
On the undercard, Gary Antuanne Russell outpointed Jose Valenzuela in dominant fashion to lift the WBA junior welterweight title. The Russell family has accomplished much in boxing and now boasts two champions (Gary Antuanne’s brother and trainer, Gary Russell Jr., a former featherweight champion). Russell is now rated No. 6 at 140 pounds while Valenzuela falls off the top 10. This victory further cements the Russell family’s legacy in the sport.
In the other 140-pound title fight on the undercard, Alberto Puello retained his WBC title with a split-decision victory over Sandor Martin. Puello is now ranked No. 4. It’s yet another disputed decision defeat for Martin in a high-profile fight. In December 2022, Martin dropped a split decision to Teofimo Lopez. Martin enters the rankings at No. 10, even in defeat. This ongoing saga of close calls and controversial decisions keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
ESPN’s divisional boxing rankings highlight the best in the sport in every weight class. Rankings will change based on recent results and performances. Fighters who have announced they are moving to a different weight class will be ranked in that new division, if warranted, only once they fight in that weight class. Fighters who currently own titles in two divisions can be ranked in both.
Fighters who haven’t competed in the past 12 months — and don’t have a fight scheduled — will be dropped from the rankings until they fight again. Any fighter who tests positive for a performance-enhancing substance will also be removed. That boxer will be eligible to reenter the rankings after his next bout.
For a list of the current champions in all weight classes, click here. For ESPN women’s divisional rankings, click here.
- Heavyweight
- Cruiserweight
- Light heavyweight
- Super middleweight
- Middleweight
- Junior middleweight
- Welterweight
- Junior welterweight
- Lightweight
- Junior lightweight
- Featherweight
- Junior featherweight
- Bantamweight
- Junior bantamweight
- Flyweight
- Junior flyweight
- Strawweight
As the boxing world continues to evolve, these rankings provide a snapshot of the current landscape, highlighting the fighters who are making waves and those who are on the rise. With potential rematches and new matchups on the horizon, fans can look forward to more thrilling bouts and unforgettable moments in the ring.
Originally Written by: Mike Coppinger
