Sports
Boxing divisional rankings: Nakatani makes debut at 122 pounds; Joshua re-enters at heavyweight
The holiday season is normally slow in boxing but not this year.
The end of 2025 saw some movement as a former heavyweight champion made his way back into the rankings and an undisputed champion cemented his dominance, while a future opponent wasn’t quite as impressive in his divisional debut.
Anthony Joshua got back to his winning ways with a knockout win over Jake Paul on Dec. 19. Joshua, who had been out of action since losing by knockout to Daniel Dubois in 2024, returned to the rankings at No. 6. The highly anticipated all U.K. showdown with Tyson Fury appears to finally have some motion as “The Gypsy King” announced his return to the ring and their clash could happen before the end of the year.
Naoya Inoue was his usual dominant self as he earned a wide unanimous decision win over David Picasso on Dec. 27 to defend his undisputed junior featherweight crown, cementing his No. 1 spot in the division. He picked up his fourth win of 2025 and is now set for a collision course with Junto Nakatani in early 2026. Meanwhile, Nakatani wasn’t quite as impressive in his junior featherweight debut as he narrowly squeezed past Sebastian Hernandez in the co-main event. Nakatani debuts at No. 4 at junior featherweight. Whether it was the move up in weight or an extremely determined and underrated opponent has yet to be determined. But the win secures one of the biggest showdowns in Japanese boxing history.
Here are the first divisional rankings of 2026.
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
HEAVYWEIGHT (UNLIMITED)
2:52
Oleksandr Usyk unanimously defeats Tyson Fury in rematch
Oleksandr Usyk retains the heavyweight championship with another decision victory over Tyson Fury on Saturday, this time unanimously in an epic rematch.
1. Oleksandr Usyk 
Previous ranking: 1
Record: 24-0, 15 KOs
Last: W (KO5) Daniel Dubois, July 19
Next: TBA
2. Tyson Fury Previous ranking: 2
Record: 34-2-1, 24 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Oleksandr Usyk, Dec. 21
Next: TBA
3. Daniel Dubois Previous ranking: 3
Record: 22-3, 21 KOs
Last: L (KO5) Oleksandr Usyk, July 19
Next: TBA
4. Fabio Wardley Previous ranking: 4
Record: 20-0-1, 19 KOs
Last: W (TKO11) Joseph Parker, Oct. 25
Next: TBA
5. Joseph Parker Previous ranking: 5
Record: 36-4, 24 KOs
Last: L (TKO11) Fabio Wardley, Oct. 25
Next: TBA
6. Anthony Joshua 
Previous ranking: NR
Record: 29-4, 26 KOs
Last: W (KO6) Jake Paul, Dec. 19
Next: TBA
7. Agit Kabayel 
Previous ranking: 6
Record: 26-0, 18 KOs
Last: W (KO6) Zhilei Zhang, Feb. 22
Next: Jan. 10 vs. Damian Knyba
8. Filip Hrgovic Previous ranking: 7
Record: 19-1, 14 KOs
Last: W (UD10) David Adeleye, Aug. 16
Next: TBA
9. Moses Itauma Previous ranking: 8
Record: 14-0, 12 KOs
Last: W (TKO1) Dillian Whyte, Aug. 16
Next: Jan. 24 vs. Jermaine Franklin Jr.
10. Zhilei Zhang Previous ranking: 9
Record: 27-3-1, 22 KOs
Last: L (KO6) Agit Kabayel, Feb. 22
Next: TBA
Editor’s note: Andy Ruiz Jr. has been removed for inactivity.
CRUISERWEIGHT (UP TO 200 POUNDS)
1. Jai Opetaia Previous ranking: 1
Record: 29-0, 23 KOs
Last: W (KO8) Huseyin Cinkara, Dec. 6
Next: TBA
2. Gilberto Ramirez Previous ranking: 2
Record: 46-1, 30 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Yuniel Dorticos, June 28
Next: Jan. 16 vs. Robin Sirwan Safar
3. Chris Billam-Smith Previous ranking: 3
Record: 21-2, 13 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Brandon Glanton, April 26
Next: TBA
4. Noel Mikaelian Previous ranking: 4
Record: 28-3, 12 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Badou Jack, Dec. 13
Next: TBA
5. Badou Jack Previous ranking: 5
Record: 29-4-3, 17 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Noel Mikaelian, Dec. 13
Next: TBA
6. Aleksei Papin Previous ranking: 6
Record: 19-1, 17 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Miljan Rovcanin, July 19
Next: TBA
7. Michal Cieslak Previous ranking: 7
Record: 28-2, 22 KOs
Last: W (TKO4) Jean Pascal, June 28
Next: TBA
8. Leonardo Mosquea Previous ranking: 10
Record: 18-0, 11 KOs
Last: W (KO8) Jeison Troncoso, Dec. 19
Next: TBA
9. Viddal Riley Previous ranking: NR
Record: 13-0, 7 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Cheavon Clarke, April 26
Next: TBA
10. Robin Sirwan Safar Previous ranking: NR
Record: 19-0, 13 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Derick Miller Jr., Nov. 8
Next: TBA
Editor’s note: Ryan Rozicki and Yamil Alberto Peralta have been removed for inactivity.
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT (UP TO 175 POUNDS)
1:01
The numbers behind Bivol’s rematch victory against Beterbiev
Take a look at the statistics from Dmitry Bivol’s win against Artur Beterbiev.
1. Dmitry Bivol Previous ranking: 1
Record: 24-1, 12 KOs
Last: W (MD12) Artur Beterbiev, Feb. 22
Next: TBA
2. Artur Beterbiev Previous ranking: 2
Record: 21-1, 20 KOs
Last: L (MD12) Dmitry Bivol, Feb. 22
Next: TBA
3. David Benavidez Previous ranking: 3
Record: 31-0, 25 KOs
Last: W (TKO7) Anthony Yarde, Nov. 22
Next: TBA
4. Callum Smith Previous ranking: 4
Record: 31-2, 22 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Joshua Buatsi, Feb. 22
Next: TBA
5. David Morrell Jr. Previous ranking: 5
Record: 12-1, 9 KOs
Last: W (SD12) Imam Khataev, July 12
Next: TBA
6. Imam Khataev Previous ranking: 6
Record: 11-1, 10 KOs
Last: W (KO3) Adam Deines, Dec. 11
Next: TBA
7. Anthony Yarde Previous ranking: 7
Record: 27-4, 24 KOs
Last: L (TKO7) David Benavidez, Nov. 22
Next: TBA
8. Oleksandr Gvozdyk Previous ranking: 8
Record: 21-2, 17 KOs
Last: W (KO3) Anthony Hollaway, April 19
Next: TBA
9. Albert Ramirez Previous ranking: 9
Record: 22-0, 19 KOs
Last: W (TKO7) Jerome Pampellone, Aug. 8
Next: Feb. 5 vs. TBA
10. Joshua Buatsi Previous ranking: 10
Record: 20-1, 13 KOs
Last: W (MD10) Zach Parker, Nov. 1
Next: TBA
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT (UP TO 168 POUNDS)
1. Canelo Alvarez Previous ranking: 2
Record: 63-3-2, 39 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Terence Crawford, Sept. 13
Next: TBA
2. Hamzah Sheeraz Previous ranking: 4
Record: 22-0-1, 18 KOs
Last: W (KO5) Edgar Berlanga, July 12
Next: TBA
3. Christian Mbilli Previous ranking: 5
Record: 29-0-1, 24 KOs
Last: D (Split draw 10) Lester Martinez, Sept. 13
Next: TBA
4. Lester Martinez Previous ranking: 6
Record: 19-0-1, 16 KOs
Last: D (Split draw 10) Christian Mbilli, Sept. 13
Next: TBA
5. Diego Pacheco Previous ranking: 3
Record: 25-0, 18 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Kevin Lele Sadjo, Dec. 13
Next: TBA
6. Jermall Charlo Previous ranking: 7
Record: 34-0, 23 KOs
Last: W (TKO6) Thomas LaManna, May 31
Next: TBA
7. Jose Armando Resendiz Previous ranking: 9
Record: 16-2, 11 KOs
Last: W (SD12) Caleb Plant, May 31
Next: TBA
8. Osleys Iglesias Previous ranking: NR
Record: 14-0, 13 KOs
Last: W (TKO8) Vladimir Shishkin, Sept. 4
Next: TBA
9. Caleb Plant Previous ranking: 10
Record: 23-2, 14 KOs
Last: L (SD12) Jose Armando Resendiz, March 31
Next: TBA
10. Edgar Berlanga Previous ranking: 8
Record: 23-2, 18 KOs
Last: L (KO5) Hamzah Sheeraz, July 12
Next: TBA
Editor’s note: Terence Crawford announced his retirement in December and has been removed from the rankings.
MIDDLEWEIGHT (UP TO 160 POUNDS)
1:08
Alimkhanuly lands two ferocious shots for TKO win
Janibek Alimkhanuly wins in stunning style over Anauel Ngamissengue in the fifth round.
1. Janibek Alimkhanuly Previous ranking: 1
Record: 17-0, 12 KOs
Last: W (TKO5) Anauel Ngamissengue, April 5
Next: TBA
2. Carlos Adames Previous ranking: 2
Record: 24-1-1, 18 KOs
Last: D (Split draw 12) Hamzah Sheeraz, Feb. 22
Next: Jan. 31 vs. Austin Williams
3. Erislandy Lara Previous ranking: 3
Record: 32-3-3, 19 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Johan Gonzales, Dec. 6
Next: TBA
4. Jesus Ramos Previous ranking: 4
Record: 24-1, 19 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Shane Mosley Jr., Dec. 6
Next: TBA
5. Conor Benn Previous ranking: 5
Record: 23-1, 14 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Chris Eubank Jr., Nov. 15
Next: TBA
6. Chris Eubank Jr. Previous ranking: 6
Record: 35-4, 25 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Conor Benn, Nov. 15
Next: TBA
7. Anauel Ngamissengue Previous ranking: 7
Record: 14-1, 9 KOs
Last: L (TKO5) Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, April 5
Next: TBA
8. Etinosa Oliha Previous ranking: 8
Record: 22-0, 10 KOs
Last: W (TKO3) Ivan Njegac, Sept. 12
Next: TBA
9. Fiodor Czerkaszyn Previous ranking: 9
Record: 26-1, 16 KOs
Last: W (TKO2) Patrick Allotey, Feb. 1
Next: TBA
10. Yoenli Hernandez Previous ranking: 10
Record: 9-0, 8 KOs
Last: W (TKO1) Ramon de la Cruz Sena, Oct. 12
Next: TBA
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT (UP TO 154 POUNDS)
1. Vergil Ortiz Jr. Previous ranking: 1
Record: 24-0, 22 KOs
Last: W (TKO2) Erickson Lubin, Nov. 8
Next: TBA
2. Sebastian Fundora Previous ranking: 2
Record: 23-1-1, 14 KOs
Last: W (TKO8) Tim Tszyu, July 19
Next: TBA vs. Keith Thurman
3. Jaron Ennis Previous ranking: 3
Record: 35-0, 31 KOs
Last: W (TKO1) Uisma Lima, Oct. 11
Next: TBA
4. Xander Zayas Previous ranking: 4
Record: 22-0, 13 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Jose Garcia Perez, July 26
Next: Jan. 31 vs. Abass Baraou
5. Israil Madrimov Previous ranking: 5
Record: 10-2-1, 7 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Vergil Ortiz Jr., Feb. 22
Next: Jan. 24 vs. Luis David Salazar
6. Keith Thurman Previous ranking: 7
Record: 31-1, 23 KOs
Last: W (TKO3) Brock Jarvis, March 12
Next: TBA vs. Sebastian Fundora
7. Abass Baraou Previous ranking: 9
Record: 17-1, 9 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Yoenis Tellez, Aug. 23
Next: Jan. 31 vs. Xander Zayas
8. Brandon Adams Previous ranking: 10
Record: 26-4, 16 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Serhii Bohachuk, Sep. 13
Next: TBA
9. Serhii Bohachuk Previous ranking: NR
Record: 26-3, 24 KOs
Last: L (UD10) Brandon Adams, Sept. 13
Next: TBA
10. Bakary Samake Previous ranking: NR
Record: 19-0, 11 KOs
Last: W (KO5) Alejandro Ortiz, Oct. 25
Next: TBA
Editor’s note: Tim Tszyu has moved up to the middleweight division. Bakhram Murtazaliev has been removed for inactivity.
WELTERWEIGHT (UP TO 147 POUNDS)
1. Devin Haney Previous ranking: 1
Record: 33-0-1 NC, 15 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Brian Norman Jr., Nov. 22
Next: TBA
2. Mario Barrios Previous ranking: 2
Record: 29-2-2, 18 KOs
Last: Draw (Majority draw 12) Manny Pacquiao, July 19
Next: Feb. 21 vs. Ryan Garcia
3. Brian Norman Jr. Previous ranking: 3
Record: 28-1, 22 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Devin Haney, Nov. 22
Next: TBA
4. Manny Pacquiao Previous ranking: 4
Record: 62-8-3, 39 KOs
Last: Draw (Majority draw 12) Mario Barrios, July 19
Next: TBA
5. Liam Paro Previous ranking: 5
Record: 27-1, 16 KOs
Last: W (UD12) David Papot, Sept. 18
Next: Jan. 16 vs. Paddy Donovan
6. Shakhram Giyasov Previous ranking: 6
Record: 17-0, 10 KOs
Last: W (KO4) Franco Ocampo, April 12
Next: TBA
7. Giovani Santillan Previous ranking: 7
Record: 34-1, 18 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Angel Beltran, May 10
Next: Jan. 31 vs. Courtney Pennington
8. Rolando Romero Previous ranking: 8
Record: 17-2, 13 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Ryan Garcia, May 2
Next: TBA
9. Souleymane Cissokho Previous ranking: 9
Record: 18-0, 9 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Egidijus Kavaliauskas, May 10
Next: TBA
10. Lewis Crocker Previous ranking: 10
Record: 22-0, 11 KOs
Last: W (SD12) Paddy Donovan, Sept. 13
Next: TBA
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT (UP TO 140 POUNDS)
1. Teofimo Lopez Previous ranking: 1
Record: 22-1, 13 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Arnold Barboza Jr., May 2
Next: Jan. 31 vs. Shakur Stevenson
2. Richardson Hitchins Previous ranking: 2
Record: 20-0, 8 KOs
Last: W (TKO8) George Kambosos Jr., June 14
Next: TBA
3. Subriel Matias Previous ranking: 3
Record: 23-2, 22 KOs
Last: W (MD12) Alberto Puello, July 12
Next: Jan. 10 vs. Dalton Smith
4. Alberto Puello Previous ranking: 4
Record: 24-1, 10 KOs
Last: L (MD12) Subriel Matias, July 12
Next: TBA
5. Gary Antuanne Russell Previous ranking: 5
Record: 18-1, 17 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Jose Valenzuela, March 1
Next: TBA
6. Arnold Barboza Jr. Previous ranking: 6
Record: 31-2, 11 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Teofimo Lopez, May 2
Next: TBA
7. Sandor Martin Previous ranking: 7
Record: 42-4, 15 KOs
Last: L (SD12) Alberto Puello, March 1
Next: TBA
8. Dalton Smith Previous ranking: 8
Record: 18-0, 13 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Mathieu Germain, April 25
Next: Jan. 10 vs. Subriel Matias
9. Adam Azim Previous ranking: 9
Record: 14-0, 11 KOs
Last: W (TKO12) Kurt Scoby, Nov. 15
Next: Jan. 31 vs. Gustavo Lemos
10. Lamont Roach Jr. Previous ranking: 10
Record: 25-1-3, 10 KOs
Last: Draw (Majority draw 12) Isaac Cruz, Dec. 6
Next: TBA
LIGHTWEIGHT (UP TO 135 POUNDS)
1. Shakur Stevenson Previous ranking: 1
Record: 24-0, 11 KOs
Last: W (UD12) William Zepeda, July 12
Next: Jan. 31 vs. Teofimo Lopez Jr.
2. Gervonta Davis Previous ranking: 2
Record: 30-0-1, 28 KOs
Last: Draw (Majority draw 12) Lamont Roach, March 1
Next: TBA
3. Keyshawn Davis Previous ranking: 3
Record: 13-0, 9 KOs
Last: W (KO4) Denys Berinchyk, Feb. 14
Next: Jan. 31 vs. Jamaine Ortiz
4. William Zepeda Previous ranking: 4
Record: 33-1, 27 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Shakur Stevenson, July 12
Next: TBA
5. Andy Cruz Previous ranking: 5
Record: 6-0, 3 KOs
Last: W (TKO5) Hironori Mishiro, June 14
Next: Jan. 24 vs. Raymond Muratalla
6. Raymond Muratalla Previous ranking: 6
Record: 23-0, 17 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Zaur Abdullaev, May 10
Next: Jan. 24 vs. Andy Cruz
7. Abdullah Mason Previous ranking: 7
Record: 20-0, 17 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Sam Noakes, Nov. 22
Next: TBA
8. Floyd Schofield Previous ranking: 8
Record:19-0, 13 KOs
Last: W (KO1) Tevin Farmer, June 28
Next: TBA
9. Denys Berinchyk Previous ranking: 9
Record: 19-1, 9 KOs
Last: L (KO4) Keyshawn Davis, Feb. 14
Next: TBA
10. Sam Noakes Previous ranking: 10
Record: 17-1, 15 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Abdullah Mason, Nov. 22
Next: TBA
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT (UP TO 130 POUNDS)
1:17
Emanuel Navarrete wins via technical decision despite injury
Emanuel Navarrete outlasts Charly Suarez despite a major cut to his head in the main event.
1. Emanuel Navarrete Previous ranking: 1
Record: 39-2-1, 31 KOs
Last: NC (no contest) Charly Suarez, May 10
Next: Feb. 28 vs. Eduardo Nunez
2. O’Shaquie Foster Previous ranking: 2
Record: 24-3, 12 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Stephen Fulton, Dec. 6
Next: TBA
3. Anthony Cacace Previous ranking: 3
Record: 24-1, 9 KOs
Last: W (TKO9) Leigh Wood, May 10
Next: March 14 vs. James Dickens
4. Ray Ford Previous ranking: 4
Record: 18-1-1, 8 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Abraham Nova, Aug. 16
Next: TBA
5. Robson Conceicao Previous ranking: 5
Record: 20-3-1 1 NC, 10 KOs
Last: W (KO6) Yonnaiquer Rondon, Aug. 2
Next: TBA
6. Eduardo Nunez Previous ranking: 6
Record: 29-1 27 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Christopher Diaz, Sept. 6
Next: Feb. 28 vs. Emanuel Navarrete
7. Andres Cortes Previous ranking: 7
Record: 24-0, 13 KOs
Last: W (KO4) Derlyn Hernandez-Gerarldo, Oct. 18
Next: TBA
8. Charly Suarez Previous ranking: 8
Record: 18-0, 10 KOs
Last: NC (No contest) Emanuel Navarrete, May 10
Next: TBA
9. James Dickens Previous ranking: 9
Record: 36-5, 15 KOs
Last: W (KO4) Albert Batyrgaziev, July 2
Next: March 14 vs. Anthony Cacace
10. Joe Cordina Previous ranking: 10
Record: 19-1, 9 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Gabriel Flores Jr., Dec. 13
Next: TBA
FEATHERWEIGHT (UP TO 126 POUNDS)
1. Rafael Espinoza Previous ranking: 1
Record: 28-0, 24 KOs
Last: W (KO11) Arnold Khegai, Nov. 15
Next: TBA
2. Nick Ball Previous ranking: 2
Record: 23-0-1, 13 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Sam Goodman, Aug. 16
Next: Feb. 7 vs. Brandon Figueroa
3. Angelo Leo Previous ranking: 3
Record: 26-1, 12 KOs
Last: W (MD12) Tomoki Kameda, May 24
Next: TBA
4. Bruce Carrington Previous ranking: 4
Record: 16-0, 9 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Mateus Heita, July 26
Next: Jan. 31 vs. Carlos Castro
5. Luis Alberto Lopez Previous ranking: 5
Record: 32-3, 18 KOs
Last: W (TKO3) Miguel Arevalo Mejia, Dec. 13
Next: TBA
6. Brandon Figueroa Previous ranking: 6
Record: 26-2-1, 19 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Joet Gonzalez, July 19
Next: Feb. 7 vs. Nick Ball
7. Sam Goodman Previous ranking: NR
Record: 21-1, 8 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Tyler Blizzard, Dec. 17
Next: TBA
8. Tomoki Kameda Previous ranking: 7
Record: 42-5, 23 KOs
Last: L (MD12) Angelo Leo, May 24
Next: TBA
9. Mirco Cuello Previous ranking: 8
Record: 16-0, 13 KOs
Last: W (TKO2) Sergio Rios Jimenez, Aug. 8
Next: TBA
10. Nathaniel Collins Previous ranking: 9
Record: 17-0-1, 8 KOs
Last: Draw (Split draw 12) Cristobal Lorenta, Oct. 4
Next: TBA
JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT (UP TO 122 POUNDS)
1. Naoya Inoue Previous ranking: 1
Record: 32-0, 27 KOs
Last: W (UD12) David Picasso, Dec. 27
Next: TBA
2. Marlon Tapales Previous ranking: 2
Record: 41-4, 22 KOs
Last: W (KO6) Fernando Toro, Oct. 29
Next: TBA
3. Murodjon Akhmadaliev Previous ranking: 3
Record: 14-2, 11 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Naoya Inoue, Sept. 14
Next: TBA
4. Junto Nakatani Previous ranking: NR
Record: 32-0, 24 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Sebastian Hernandez, Dec. 27
Next: TBA
5. Luis Nery Previous ranking: 5
Record: 36-2, 28 KOs
Last: W (TKO7) Kyonosuke Kameda, Feb. 22
Next: TBA
6. David Picasso Previous ranking: 6
Record: 32-1-1, 17 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Naoya Inoue, Dec. 27
Next: TBA
7. Ramon Cardenas Previous ranking: 7
Record: 26-2, 15 KOs
Last: W (TKO5) Erik Robles Ayala, Dec. 18
Next: TBA
8. Shabaz Masoud Previous ranking: 8
Record: 15-0, 4 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Peter McGrail, Dec. 6
Next: TBA
9. TJ Doheny Previous ranking: 9
Record: 26-6, 20 KOs
Last: L (TKO10) Nick Ball, March 15
Next: TBA
10. Ra’eese Aleem Previous ranking: 10
Record: 23-1, 12 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Mikito Nakano, Nov. 24
Next: TBA
Editor’s note: Sam Goodman has moved up to the featherweight division.
BANTAMWEIGHT (UP TO 118 POUNDS)
1. Ryosuke Nishida Previous ranking: 2
Record: 10-1, 2 KO
Last: L (TKO6) Junto Nakatani, June 8
Next: Feb. 15 vs. Bryan Mercado Vazquez
2. Christian Medina Previous ranking: 3
Record: 26-4, 19 KOs
Last: W (TKO4) Yoshiki Takei, Sept. 14
Next: TBA
3. Seiya Tsutsumi Previous ranking: 5
Record: 13-0-3, 8 KOs
Last: W (SD12) Nonito Donaire, Dec. 17
Next: TBA
4. Yoshiki Takei Previous ranking: 4
Record: 11-1, 9 KOs
Last: L (TKO4) Christian Medina Jimenez, Sept. 14
Next: TBA
5. Takuma Inoue Previous ranking: 6
Record: 21-2, 5 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Tenshin Nasukawa, Nov. 24
Next: TBA
6. Daigo Higa Previous ranking: 7
Record: 21-3-3, 19 KOs
Last: Draw (Unanimous draw 12) Antonio Vargas, July 30
Next: TBA
7. Antonio Vargas Previous ranking: 8
Record: 19-1-1, 11 KOs
Last: Draw (Unanimous draw 12) Daigo Higa, July 30
Next: TBA
8. Tenshin Nasukawa Previous ranking: 9
Record: 7-1, 2 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Takuma Inoue, Nov. 24
Next: TBA
9. Kazuto Iokaa Previous ranking: NR
Record: 32-4-1, 17 KOs
Last: W (KO4) Maikel Ordosgoitti, Dec. 31
Next: TBA
10. Jason Moloney Previous ranking: 10
Record: 28-4, 20 KOs
Last: W (TKO4) Herlan Gomez, Dec. 6
Next: TBA
Editor’s note: Junto Nakatani has moved up to the junior featherweigh division. Roman Gonzalez, Juan Francisco Estrada and Emmanuel Rodriguez have been removed for inactivity.
JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT (UP TO 115 POUNDS)
1. Jesse Rodriguez Previous ranking: 1
Record: 23-0, 16 KOs
Last: W (KO10) Fernando Martinez, Nov. 22
Next: TBA
2. Fernando Martinez Previous ranking: 2
Record: 18-1, 9 KOs
Last: L (KO10) Jesse Rodriguez, Nov. 22
Next: TBA
3. Phumelele Cafu Previous ranking: 4
Record: 11-1-3, 8 KOs
Last: L (TKO10) Jesse Rodriguez, July 19
Next: TBA
4. David Jimenez Previous ranking: 6
Record: 18-1, 12 KOs
Last: W (KO11) Kenbun Torres, July 20
Next: TBA
5. Willibaldo Garcia Perez Previous ranking: 7
Record: 23-6-2, 13 KOs
Last: W (SD12) Rene Calixto Bibiano, May 23
Next: TBA
6. Tomoya Tsuboi Previous ranking: NR
Record: 3-0, 2 KOs
Last: W (TKO8) Carlos Cuadras, Nov. 24
Next TBA
7. Andrew Moloney Previous ranking: 8
Record: 28-4, 18 KOs
Last: W (TKO5) Pawan Kumar Arya, Nov. 1
Next: TBA
8. Carlos Cuadras Previous ranking: 5
Record: 44-6-1, 28 KOs
Last: L (TKO8) Tomoya Tsuboi, Nov. 24
Next: TBA
9. Charlie Edwards Previous ranking: 9
Record: 21-2, 7 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Salvador Juarez, Sept. 5
Next: TBA
10. Rene Calixto Bibiano Previous ranking: 10
Record: 24-1-1, 10 KOs
Last: W (TKO4) Ruben Lezama Gonzalez, Dec. 6
Next TBA
Editor’s note: Kosei Tanaka retired and has been removed. KJ Cataraja has been removed for inactivity.
FLYWEIGHT (UP TO 112 POUNDS)
1. Ricardo Sandoval Previous ranking: 1
Record: 27-2, 18 KOs
Last: W (SD12) Kenshiro Teraji, July 30
Next: TBA
2. Kenshiro Teraji Previous ranking: 2
Record: 25-2, 16 KOs
Last: L (SD12) Ricardo Sandoval, July 30
Next: TBA
3. Seigo Yuri Akui Previous ranking: 3
Record: 22-3-1, 12 KOs
Last: W (KO3) Vencent Lacar, Dec. 17
Next: TBA
4. Francisco Rodriguez Jr. Previous ranking: 4
Record: 41-6, 28 KOs
Last: W (TKO2) Jesus Faro, Oct. 25
Next: TBA
5. Anthony Olascuaga Previous ranking: NR
Record: 11-1, 8 KOs
Last: W (TKO4) Taku Kuwahara, Dec. 21
Next: TBA
JUNIOR FLYWEIGHT (UP TO 108 POUNDS)
1. Rene Santiago Previous ranking: 1
Record: 15-4, 9 KOs
Last: W (SD12) Kyosuke Takami, Dec. 17
Next: TBA
2. Kyosuke Takami Previous ranking: 2
Record: 10-1, 8 KOs
Last: L (SD12) Rene Santiago, Dec. 17
Next: TBA
3. Carlos Canizales Previous ranking: 3
Record: 28-3-1, 20 KOs
Last: W (KO5) Petchmanee CP Freshmart, Aug. 1
Next: TBA
4. Knockout CP Freshmart Previous ranking: 4
Record: 29-1, 11 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Junior Leandro Zarate, Dec. 4
Next: TBA
5. Erik Badillo Mares Previous ranking: 5
Record: 19-0, 8 KOs
Last: W (UD10) Elwin Soto, Nov. 29
Next: TBA
STRAWWEIGHT (UP TO 105 POUNDS)
1. Oscar Collazo Previous ranking: 1
Record: 13-0, 10 KOs
Last: W (TKO7) Jayson Vayson, Sept. 20
Next: TBA
2. Pedro Taduran Previous ranking: 2
Record: 19-4-1, 13 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Christian Balunan, Oct. 26
Next: TBA
3. Melvin Jerusalem Previous ranking: 3
Record: 25-3, 12 KOs
Last: W (UD12) Siyakholwa Kuse, Oct. 29
Next: TBA
4. Yudai Shigeoka Previous ranking: 4
Record: 9-2, 5 KOs
Last: L (UD12) Melvin Jerusalem, March 30
Next: TBA
5. Ryusei Matsumoto Previous ranking: 5
Record: 7-0, 4 KOs
Last: W (TD5) Yuni Takeda, Sep. 14
Next: TBA
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Veteran sports agent Leigh Steinberg believes John Harbaugh’s recent availability as an NFL head coach is comparable to that of Bill Belichick.
Steinberg told Fox News Digital in a recent interview that Harbaugh is far and away the best candidate for all eight teams currently with head coaching vacancies.
“He will be the hottest free agent coach in years,” Steinberg said. “He’s the quintessential perfect hire for multiple teams this year, which is going to give him lots of leverage.”
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Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens looks on in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Oct. 2, 2022. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump even endorsed Harbaugh in a Truth Social post Wednesday, writing, “HIRE JOHN HARBAUGH, FAST.”
Steinberg revealed how he thinks Trump’s endorsement may affect the demand for Harbaugh’s services.
“I don’t really think so,” Steinberg said when asked if Trump’s comments would increase Harbaugh’s market value. “It’s quite flattering to have the President of the United States as a fan, so that part’s a positive. But as I said before, I don’t think a coach has had this much leverage and options in years.”
With Harbaugh bound to be the most accomplished coach in the cycle, and eight teams looking to hire, one match in particular stands out to Steinberg.
“I don’t know why, but the New York Giants stand out to me,” Steinberg said.
The agent said the Giants are an intriguing destination specifically because of the emergence of quarterback Jaxson Dart.
“To win in contemporary football, it’s necessary to have a franchise quarterback,” Steinberg said. “It’s impossible to win consistently in the NFL without that franchise quarterback. So that would be high on my list.”
The Giants were the odds-on favorite to hire Harbaugh up until at least Thursday morning. However, once the Miami Dolphins fired their head coach Mike McDaniel on Thursday, Harbaugh quickly became the favorite to be the next Dolphins coach, according to Kalshi.
Whether Harbaugh decides between the Giants and Dolphins will come down to the chemistry that occurs in the upcoming interviews, and whichever franchise the coach believes will provide the most synergy and support.
“It will be the chemistry that occurs in those interviews,” Steinberg said. “If it’s narrowed down to a couple [options] then I’m sure a coach will look for that chemistry, that mind meld, that shared vision, and to have a feeling that he will be coming into a supported space.”
Harbaugh is coming off an 18-year tenure with the Baltimore Ravens that included a Super Bowl XLVII win, 12 playoff appearances, four AFC Championship games, six division titles, the most wins in franchise history (over 193 total, 180 regular season), and only three losing seasons in 18 years.
Still, Harbaugh is now fired as a head coach for the first time in his career and is navigating those waters as a terminated head coach for the first time.
Steinberg’s analysis of the fired Harbaugh comes at a time when Steinberg himself is publishing a book about bouncing back from low points in life and careers.
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Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens walks the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on Jan. 4, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
“We all go through life. Inevitably, we’ll go through a reverse at some point… there will be a crash of some sort where someone loses the arc of where their life is in darkness and desperation,” Steinberg said.
The book, titled “The Comeback” will be published on March 3.
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What can you remember about the 2019 January transfer window? Brighton & Hove Albion signed midfielder Alexis Mac Allister for £6.5 million, Peter Crouch moved to Burnley and Liverpool transferred striker Dominic Solanke to Bournemouth for £19 million. But Bristol City technical director Brian Tinnion remembers a move that failed to materialize.
Chelsea, then managed by Maurizio Sarri, spent £57 million to sign USMNT star Christian Pulisic and loaned him back to Borussia Dortmund, but also had eyes on a winger at Bristol City. Chelsea offered £1 million to land the 19-year-old version of Antoine Semenyo, but City wanted a touch more. “There was just too much potential there to even consider an offer like that,” Tinnion told ESPN.
Seven years later, Semenyo has been at the forefront of January transfer talk again after Manchester City snapped up the Bournemouth winger for £65 million (£62.5 million initially, £1.5 million in add-ons, plus 10% of next transfer) on Thursday, activating his release clause before it expired on Saturday.
Gone are the days when Premier League teams would haggle over a measly million here or there for him; he has become a genuine box office attraction. But talk to those who’ve seen his rise from when he stepped away from the game a decade ago — disillusioned by having so many academy doors slammed in his face — to now, and there’s no miracle story. It’s a story of hard work, faith, dedication and an unwavering positive attitude.
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‘When he struck a ball, it stayed struck’
Semenyo’s path to the Etihad Stadium started with him navigating his way through the West Country. After failing to latch on at Fulham and Crystal Palace, he took a year out of the game to play basketball. But at age 16, he was tempted back and ended up at a trial day at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre. Ex-Leeds boss Dave Hockaday was there scouting for talent for South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS), where he was head of football. Hockaday was impressed by the confident central midfielder and thought he’d be better suited as a forward.
Tinnion was a frequent visitor to SGS matches, scouting for academy talent in his role as head of recruitment at Bristol City back in 2017. “[Semenyo] took our attention straight away, to be honest,” he said. “He really stood out. You could see he had pace and a hell of a shot on him, but there was a lot of work to be done — so that suited us just fine.”
Semenyo was loaned to Bath City in 2017-18 and had to bide his time, but a hat trick against Welton Rovers in the quarterfinal of the Somerset Premier Cup in February 2018 caught attention; it’s still making the rounds on social media.
Four years ago Antoine Semenyo was playing for Bath City in a Somerset Cup quarter-final against Welton Rovers.
Today, the 22-year-old is on the bench for Ghana at a #FIFAWorldCup 🇬🇭#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup https://t.co/E28BBEYBzh
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 24, 2022
You can see glimpses of the player he is now on his first goal as he measures his run onto the through ball from Andy Watkins, glides over the pockmarked pitch and tucks the shot into the near corner, having evaded a late challenge. Behind the Bristol End at Twerton Park, there were 19 supporters — you can count them — and he celebrated in front of the sole photographer.
Then-Bath City manager Jerry Gill watched that goal recently. “He was really spindly back then,” he told ESPN. “But he’d have no fear physically in going up against big defenders … He had the physical attributes then, but you can see how much technical work he’s done. But when he struck a ball, it stayed struck.”
The next season, in 2018-19, Semenyo went on loan to League Two’s Newport County. “I think they played Leicester in the FA Cup on the telly, and he was a real handful,” Tinnion said. “Everybody started talking about him a little bit then, and that’s when the offer from Chelsea came in.”
Semenyo spent half of the 2019-20 campaign on loan with Sunderland. Tinnion said he struggled a bit there, but came back to Bristol City and worked hard, breaking out during the 2020-21 campaign. About four years after that hat trick against ninth-tier Welton Rovers, Semenyo came off the bench for Ghana in the 2022 World Cup against Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Portugal.
“After coming back from there, he had a brilliant spell just before [the January move] for us,” Tinnion said — Semenyo scored four in four matches. “He’d arrived on the stage.” A year later, Bournemouth beat out Crystal Palace to snap him up for £10.5 million as a backup striker to Solanke.
Though he played as a midfielder at school and as a striker at Bristol City, he settled on the flanks. When Solanke was injured for a spell in 2023-24, Semenyo spoke to Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola about returning up front. Training didn’t go to plan, so Semenyo stayed out wide. “I came to Bournemouth with intentions of playing as a striker, but playing out wide, I felt I was more effective getting on the ball,” he said. “So it was a case of coming to that realization that, ‘OK, I am a wide man now.'”
He evolved with Bournemouth’s direct, attacking style. They look to strip the game back to one-on-one duels in attack, and Semenyo has flourished. He contributed 11 goals plus assists in the 2023-24 season, and 20 in 2024-25. “His finishing is so much better,” Tinnion said. “He was always a little bit erratic and would look to hammer and smash everything, but now you see him just placing them in the corner with his right foot, with his left foot, and he’s so much more controlled.”
At the start of the 2025-26 season, he wrote down his aims in his journals. He had already signed a new deal with Bournemouth, saying at the time that he liked to feel appreciated and that it was “God’s work,” so his targets for the season were double-figure goals and assists, and fine-tuning his decision-making on when to pass and shoot. He always keeps an eye on the goalkeeper’s legs and how far apart they are, looking for an angle through them. As of Thursday, he is already at 13 goal contributions this season.
What Semenyo brings to Man City
By Tor-Kristian Karlsen
0:55
What will Antoine Semenyo bring to Man City?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens debate what Antoine Semenyo will bring to Manchester City ahead of his potential move from AFC Bournemouth.
The Bournemouth winger has turned into one of the league’s most uncomfortable opponents for defenders because of his ability to get through on goal with a variety of skills and threats. Iraola has used him across the front line, and Semenyo can fill practically any role without his level dropping — even as a center forward — though he still looks most natural starting from the left and shifting inside onto his right foot.
His most impactful aspect is arguably his ball carrying due to his explosiveness over the first five meters, plus his ability to reach top speed quickly. Once he finds space, Semenyo tends to go for the direct impact rather than controlled, low-risk progression.
More of a momentum forward who turn games through bursts and dashes, Semenyo is not conceptually a high-volume goal scorer. Yet the trend line is interesting as he’s on 10 league goals from 20 appearances, reaching double figures once again. His expected goals tally (6.7) points to an efficient finisher, while his shot involvement — usually clean, right-footed efforts — and chance-creation numbers match his constantly active presence around the box.
While his dribbling volume is decent (4.1 take-ons per 90 minutes) rather than exorbitant, his off-the-ball work also makes him stand out. With his knack for well-timed “third-player runs” and his willingness to wholeheartedly sprint beyond the ball, he’s an important part of Bournemouth’s direct attack by often giving them a second wave in transition that is difficult to defend. He consistently attacks space with maximum intensity, stretching defensive lines and creating space for others.
Semenyo also offers defensive value as he constantly engages in duels. Even when he struggles to impose himself on the attacking rhythm, the pressing and willingness to regain possession is always present.
While he can function in settled possession sides, he’s clearly at his most dangerous in open, end-to-end matches where the pitch opens up and his power, timing and directness become decisive weapons.
‘Real enthusiasm and energy’
Those who’ve worked with Semenyo talk about his humility, work ethic and eagerness to leave a positive legacy in the sport. Back in August, he reported that he had been racially abused in a match against Liverpool (the individual has denied the allegation and a trial will take place in April). In November, Semenyo met a young Bournemouth supporter named Mylo who had been racially abused at school. The two bonded, vowing to help each other out.
Gill, who was assistant manager at Yeovil until early December, still hears from Semenyo often. “He was messaging me about a player he knew who was looking for an opportunity,” Gill said. “He was saying he’s been a bit unlucky — you know, usual story with injuries and things.
“He’s always inviting me and my boys to come and watch him play. He’s still a very humble young man.”
Jerry Gill (right) was manager of Bath City during Antoine Semenyo’s 2018 stint at the club. Photo credit: Simon Howe/Bath City FC.
All the while, other clubs have monitored him. One expert said he’s a player who hasn’t yet found his ceiling, citing Bayern Munich‘s Michael Olise as a similar example and noting how playing for the German team has improved him. There’s a feeling that Semenyo could likewise flourish; though he’ll need time to adjust after being so attuned to Bournemouth’s style, he has the potential to get even better.
That potential and the personality are why City are open to paying the transfer fee, much to Bournemouth’s sadness. “It’s no secret he is a massive player for us,” Iraola said in late December.
When he makes his Manchester City debut, there’ll be a host of figures who have tracked his journey watching eagerly. From the Somerset Premier Cup to playing for Pep Guardiola, it has been an incredible trajectory.
“He’s had to do the hard yards,” Gill said. “He was excellent in everything he did, the way he carried himself, the way he trained, and has this wonderful smile with real enthusiasm and energy for the game. … If anyone deserves it, it’s definitely him.”
BRISBANE:
World number one Aryna Sabalenka said she still had room for improvement after a second dominant win in the Brisbane International on Thursday.
Sabalenka was pushed at times by 36-year-old Sorana Cirstea, but was never really troubled by the Romanian as she notched a 6-3, 6-3 win in 70 minutes.
The Belarusian will next play either 21-year-old Russian Diana Shnaider or Madison Keys, the American who beat Sabalenka in last year’s Australian Open final.
Sabalenka said she aimed to get better as she targets a third Australian Open title in four years when the first Grand Slam of the year begins in Melbourne on January 18.
“I think there is always room to improve, and I’m definitely not at my peak,” Sabalenka said.
“Of course I prefer to win every match 6-0, 6-0, like everyone probably prefers, but at the end of the day you only get better when someone pushes you and you have to deal with moments under pressure.”
Sabalenka said tournaments such as Brisbane, which features seven of the top 10 women, were perfect preparation for a Grand Slam.
“I think by bringing and having seven top players in the draw, it definitely helps to prepare better for the Australian Open,” she said.
“I think it’s important to have quality matches before heading to the big event, just so you’re preparing yourself mentally for fights, for battles.
“And playing against top players is definitely a huge help heading into the Grand Slam tournament.”
Another of the top names is former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, who also reached the quarter-finals with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Spain’s Paula Badosa.
World number five Rybakina took control at 3-3 in the first set, winning nine of the next 11 games to seal victory.
“It’s always a tough battle against Paula, she has great shots, plays really fast and has a great serve,” Kazakhstan’s Rybakina said.
“I have a lot of things to work on for my next match but hopefully it’s going to be better.”
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