Kenshiro Teraji Takes the Top Spot in Flyweight Rankings
In the world of boxing, rankings can shift dramatically with just one fight, and that’s exactly what happened in the flyweight division. Kenshiro Teraji has ascended to the No. 1 position in ESPN’s flyweight rankings following a spectacular 12th-round TKO victory over Seigo Yuri Akui. This win not only unified the WBC and WBA titles but also marked a thrilling come-from-behind triumph for Teraji. For those who missed the action, you can catch up on the details of this dramatic fight here.
Seigo Yuri Akui, who was previously ranked No. 1, has now switched places with Teraji and finds himself at No. 2. It’s a testament to the unpredictable nature of boxing, where one fight can change everything.
Meanwhile, on the undercard, Anthony Olascuaga successfully defended his WBO flyweight title with a decision victory over Hiroto Kyoguchi. This win has propelled Olascuaga to the No. 5 spot, while Kyoguchi retains his No. 10 position. In another notable bout, Shokichi Iwata lost his junior flyweight title to Rene Santiago, who now enters the 108-pound rankings at No. 4. Unfortunately for Iwata, this loss has caused him to drop out of the rankings entirely.
In other boxing news, former welterweight champion Keith Thurman made a comeback in Sydney after a three-year hiatus. Thurman moved up to 154 pounds and secured a third-round TKO victory over Brock Jarvis. This win sets the stage for a potential summer showdown with Tim Tszyu in Australia. However, for now, Thurman remains unranked.
Over in Liverpool, Nick Ball retained his WBA featherweight title and maintained his No. 2 position in ESPN’s 126-pound rankings with a 10th-round TKO victory over TJ Doheny. Doheny, who was stopped by Naoya Inoue in September in a bid for the undisputed 122-pound championship, now exits the junior featherweight rankings.
In Orlando, Florida, Edgar Berlanga made a triumphant return to the ring after his loss to Canelo Alvarez last September. Berlanga secured a first-round TKO victory over journeyman Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz, solidifying his position as the fifth-ranked super middleweight.
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 those interested in the current champions across all weight classes, you can find the list here. Additionally, ESPN’s women’s divisional rankings are available 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, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and unexpected outcomes. Stay tuned for more updates and rankings as the year progresses.
Originally Written by: Mike Coppinger
