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
It is an issue that is dividing football, a classic example of one generation questioning the choices of another, but the sight of a former Tottenham and Germany player rolling on the pitch in agony with a severely gashed leg earlier this month might end up changing opinions about the ever-decreasing size of shin guards.
Until recently, shin guards covered the entire shin — sometimes up to 9 inches long — and they were made of foam or rubber with a hard plastic shell. But in recent years, some players have abandoned the protective element completely, wearing only tiny pieces of foam under their socks, and it seems only a matter of time before a serious injury leads to a rethink in what players are wearing.
Lewis Holtby‘s injury, sustained while playing for Dutch team NAC Breda against Fortuna Sittard in the Eredivisie on April 12, looks to have ended the 35-year-old’s season due to the depth of the wound on his left shin following a challenge with an opposition defender. It also led to a blame game centered on Holtby’s shin guards.
“I think it’s ridiculous that the referee [Jeroen Manschot] says something about it,” Breda coach Carl Hoefkens said after the game. “In the tunnel, it was said [by Manschot] that Holtby should just wear shin guards, or better shin guards. The officials also check the shin guards before the match, so it’s their responsibility as well.”
La aparatosa lesión de Lewis Holtby este fin de semana. 😬
Vía ESPNnl/X pic.twitter.com/WgHl4PL5xo
— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) April 14, 2026
Breda defender Denis Odoi spoke about Holtby’s “small shin guards” and said “You’re never too old to learn,” when asked about players wearing “normal” shin guards again, while ESPN NL analyst, former Ajax and PSV Eindhoven winger Kenneth Perez, was more critical.
“They [players] are now wearing those tiny things, or basically toilet paper, just to have something there,” Perez said. “I have absolutely no sympathy for injuries that result from that.
“As a club, you can simply say: We require our players to wear proper shin guards.”
Watch any top-level fixture this season and you’re likely to see players with socks rolled down almost to their ankles — Everton‘s Jack Grealish and Tyler Dibling wear them low, covering tiny shin guards. Others have their socks just below the knee, but still sport shin guards half the size of a cellphone, as shown by Burnley midfielder Marcus Edwards during a game against West Ham in February. Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has spoken this season about his preference for tiny shin guards — “I’m a fan of them; I don’t like big shin pads” — though Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk harbors a more cautious approach to protecting his lower leg.
“If you get kicked on your shin and your shin pad is that size of an AirPod, then obviously that’s a big problem,” Van Dijk said.
Brighton forward Danny Welbeck has said that his younger teammates ridicule his old-school shin guards — “They say to me ‘Your shinnies are massive,’ but you need a bit more safety, you know?” — but just like Saka, Fulham winger Alex Iwobi prefers the small, lightweight guards because “I just don’t like having something heavy on my shin.”
Former England and Liverpool forward Peter Crouch regularly raises the shin guard issue on his podcast, That “Peter Crouch Podcast,” under the light-hearted “Make Shin Pads Great Again” banner, with Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson saying this season that some of his teammates “cut up the sponge you get from the physio and use that.”
If a high-profile player sustains this type of injury thanks to tiny shin guards, the kind of injury that forces them to miss the World Cup or that happens on the biggest stage this summer — the debate about the shrinking move towards smaller pads will likely increase in volume.
The trend toward smaller shin guards — and away from larger models that would also include ankle protectors — is rooted in many things, including the game becoming less physical with fewer tackles and players wanting to feel as light as possible to boost their sprinting speed. But it is also a result of a change in the Laws of the Game in July 2024 when IFAB (the International Football Association Board) amended the rule covering shin guards (Law 4) to place the responsibility on the player rather than the match officials to ensure sufficient shin protection was worn.
Prior to the change, the responsibility was on referees to police the rule, but many were being ignored by players and clubs and then criticized — or even sometimes challenged in court — for failing to impose the rules if a player was subsequently injured. But the Law remains vague and open to interpretation. There is no minimum size required, only that the shin guards are “covered entirely by the socks, are made of suitable material (rubber, plastic or similar substances) and provide a reasonable degree of protection.”
“The reason we changed the Law was because it is impossible to legislate and say a shin pad must be a certain size,” David Elleray, IFAB technical director and former Premier League referee told ESPN. “So two years ago, we put the responsibility on the players that they should wear something which they believe protects them.
“The challenge we had was partly legal. If we left the responsibility with the referees and the referees said, “Okay, that shin guard is okay,” then the player got injured, the player might decide to take action. So we put that very firmly in the court of the players and the coaches, and for young players, the parents.”
The change of the Law has led to players placing speed and aesthetics — many dislike the bulk of larger shin pads — above safety, however, and Elleray admits it has not led to a sensible approach by players and clubs.
“We [IFAB] had hoped, or expected, that they would take a responsible attitude to it, but there was one recently [Marcus Edwards] that was almost like a sticking plaster,” Elleray said. “The pressure needs to go on the individual players, the coaches and the clubs to make sure their players are protected because it’s impossible to legislate for.”
Former leading referee Pierluigi Collina, now the Chair of the FIFA referees’ committee, has urged players to be more mindful of their well-being when choosing their shin guards. “At the end of the day, the shin pad rule is for their own safety,” Collina told ESPN. “So they should care of what is really safe for them.”
But as shocking as Holtby’s injury was, it perhaps generated such attention because of the rarity of such incidents. Broken legs and deep cuts and gashes seem less prevalent despite the reduction in shin pad sizes, with muscle tears and ligament injuries to ankle and knee more likely to sideline a player.
The argument put forward by those who favor small shin guards is that players no longer suffer serious impact injuries, and that might be a valid point. In a recent example of a bad impact injury, Liverpool’s Alexander Isak was wearing small — but not tiny — shin guards when he suffered a fractured leg in a challenge with Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven last December, but it would be difficult to argue that larger shin pads would have diminished the severity of Isak’s injury.
Sources at the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) have told ESPN that “primary decisions around safety are taken by players in consultation with their club and medical teams” and that players ultimately “feel comfortable with different shapes and sizes of shin pads.” There is certainly no drive within the game to force players to re-think the protection being offered by their shin pads.
Football trends have changed since larger and heavier shin pads were the go-to model for top players. The Umbro Armadillo, which was manufactured during the early-2000s, was a large plastic guard with ankle protectors and was worn by Michael Owen and Alan Shearer, while Brazil forward Ronaldo wore Nike’s T90 model. Both designs were significantly larger, heavier and stronger than the pads now being preferred.
Today’s younger players prefer small, lightweight pads and the shifting trend led two brothers — Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Ethan Chislett and Zack, who plays for UAE-based Palm City — to develop their brand of Joga shinpads, which are tiny, much lighter and softer than traditional shin guards. The Joga Shinpad Sleeve, worn by Chelsea‘s João Pedro, is a cellphone-sized soft pad within a fabric sleeve that’s worn to cover the shin. Everton midfielder Grealish wears Joga’s Breathe pads that measure just 6 centimeters x 10 centimeters (2 inches x 4 inches).
“We were the first ones to make a mini shin pad that you could buy,” Zack Chislett told ESPN. “I was playing nonleague at the time, my brother Ethan was playing for AFC Wimbledon, and we noticed that pads were getting smaller and smaller, but there was no-one giving players an option to buy them. They were just using anything they could find in the physio’s bag, so the demand was obviously there.”
But why do young players want their shin guards to be so small and lacking in protection?
“When you’re training the whole week without shin pads and you then put the big pad on, sometimes with ankle pads, on a Saturday, it doesn’t feel natural like when you’re training,” Zack said. “Some players will feel better with the big shin pad, but a lot of the younger, more attacking players don’t feel that way and they don’t want to feel as restricted when they go on the pitch.
“And the game has changed, 100%. The tackles aren’t coming in like they used to, it isn’t as aggressive or as physical. I’m 23, and players of my generation just don’t want to wear big shin pads — it would be like wearing old, heavy leather boots. It just isn’t going to happen.”
The likes of Welbeck and Van Dijk are being usurped by players such as Saka, Iwobi, Grealish and Joao Pedro when it comes to the size and protective elements of their shin pads.
Perhaps Holtby’s injury will prompt some players to think about the risks of playing without suitable protection and a high-profile injury at this summer’s World Cup could also lead to FIFA imposing stricter guidelines on what can, and can’t, be worn by players. But right now, footballers are putting risk to one side in favour of speed and freedom of movement, so shin pads could get smaller and smaller.
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Danhausen made his debut at Elimination Chamber in February when he appeared out of a mysterious box that was set up on the stage.
The pro wrestling star’s entrance came with a puzzled fan base and questions about who this guy was and how he was going to fit on a crowded roster filled with talented wrestlers all vying for championships and time on the major premium live events, “Monday Night Raw” and “Friday Night SmackDown.”
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Danhausen made his WWE debut during the Elimination Chamber event at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Feb. 28, 2026. (Craig Melvin/WWE)
Danhausen came out with his faced painted and several women, known at the time as the Danhausenettes. It was his first appearance since he left All Elite Wrestling, where he had the same gimmick – putting a “curse” and emerging as more of a comedy act than anything.
In the weeks leading up to WrestleMania, Danhausen caught on with the fans. He “cursed” The Miz, Kit Wilson, Dominik Mysterio, the New York Mets and Stephen A. Smith in between his debut and WrestleMania 42. In Las Vegas, his T-shirts were everywhere and dozens of fans painted their faces to match the “very nice, very evil” superstar.
“I’ve only been here for about two months, and look at the impact Danhausen’s made,” he told Fox News Digital before WrestleMania Night 1. “He’s got a merchandise stand at WrestleMania. He’s going to be at WrestleMania. And his face is on everything. Gotta get it on the side of the truck still. But what was your question? I was talking about how great I am.”
Danhausen came out with his faced painted and several women, known at the time as the Danhausenettes. (Craig Melvin/WWE)
ROMAN REIGNS, CM PUNK PUT ON PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING MASTERCLASS AT WRESTLEMANIA 42
Danhausen also provided an update on the Danhausenettes, who haven’t been seen since they were dancing and performing on the stage at Elimination Chamber.
“Well, we gave them a vacation,” he said. “A great reception. We gave them their human monies to go off and do whatever they want for the time being. Perhaps we’ll see them again. Perhaps we won’t. I don’t know. It’ll be a surprise.”
Danhausen appeared at WrestleMania Night 2 – his first WrestleMania.
He came out to a huge reaction in a segment that involved John Cena, The Miz and Wilson. He was accompanied by pro wrestlers from Micro Wrestling. They also got involved as Danhausen struck The Miz in the groin. The Micro Wrestling performers carried The Miz out of the ring.
Danhausen and John Cena celebrate during WrestleMania 42: Night 2 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026. (Andrew Timms/WWE)
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It was one of the funniest moments of the weekend. One thing is for sure, Danhausen is in WWE to stay.
More than 100,000 fans gathered in the streets of San Sebastian, Spain, on Monday to celebrate Real Sociedad‘s Copa del Rey win over the weekend — a first major trophy for the Basque team since 2021.
Real Sociedad defeated Atlético Madrid on penalties Saturday to secure the title, marking a historic milestone for American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, who earned his first trophy just four months after taking over the squad. In doing so, he became the first U.S.-born manager to win a major European tournament.
Matarazzo received one of the loudest ovations of the day. He further endeared himself to the local supporters by attempting a speech in Euskera, the Basque regional language.
“We are champions! I will try to do this in Basque, so I apologize for any mistakes I may make,” Matarazzo said from the balcony of San Sebastian’s town hall. “What a wonderful start on this path we are taking together. I feel that this is just the beginning! With your help, these players can achieve many great things.”
The “Blue and White” crowd chanted “Rino, Rino, Rino Matarazzo,” to which the New Jersey native responded that no one lifted the trophy as “high as I have,” due to his 6’6″ height and the proudness he feels.
Another moment of peak euphoria occurred when club captain Mikel Oyarzabal raised the trophy. The Spain striker thanked the fans for their unwavering support, while being frequently interrupted by the crowd chanting “Ballon d’Or” in his honor.
“Firstly, thank you very much for being here with us. It’s great to see how happy you look,” Oyarzabal said. “Here we are again, saying we are the champions of the Copa del Rey.”
Matarazzo — who previously coached Stuttgart and Hoffenheim in Germany — took charge of Real Sociedad as they struggled last December and has lifted them to seventh in LaLiga, and now a major trophy.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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