SportsRatings: Boxing/MMA

Chihiro Suzuki vs. Vugar Karamov: Rizin will crown first SportsRatings divisional champ (FW) on Nov. 4

Once again, Alexander Volkanovski's foray into Lightweight has created a vacuum at the top of the Featherweight division, and if things go to plan then Rizin will have its first weight class champion after Saturday. Let me explain.

Volk's 2nd failed attempt to capture the Lightweight crown leaves him ranked #6 in that division, while Movlid Khaybulaev of the PFL moves into the vacant Featherweight top spot. This happened the last time Volk moved up to Lightweight (February 11, 2023); first Patricio Freire occupied the slot, but when he fought Sergio Pettis at Bantamweight (June 16), Khaybulaev finished his move from #3 to #2 to #1—and held the belt about 3 weeks, before Volkanovski returned to the division by beating Yair Rodriguez on July 8.

Khaybulaev didn't fight during his 22-day reign, but this year he's defeated Ryoji Kudo and Tyler Diamond.

Meanwhile, Freire jumped to lightweight to take on Chihiro Suzuki, a featherweight moving up just for that clash in Rizin. Rizin and Bellator have been doing several cross-promotions; Freire's win over Kleber Koike Erbst was a cross-promotion under the Rizin name.

Suzuki shocked people by winning that fight, Freire's 2nd loss in a row. Suzuki moved to the top 10 in the Lightweight division, but he's returning to Featherweight on the 4th against Vugar Karamov.

Karamov has won four in a row in Rizin on his way to a #8 overall ranking at Featherweight.

With the division's two former whales (Volk and Freire) currently ranked at Lightweight, the top of the division is very tight and Khaybulaev's reign will again be short. When Suzuki and Karamov fight on Saturday it will be for the SportsRatings Featherweight belt, as either winner will have enough points to get past Khaybulaev.

It will be the first time a Rizin fighter has occupied the #1 spot in any weight class on SportsRatings. When Freire was champ (Feb-June) he had technically last fought under the Rizin banner, but that was due to the cross-promotion where Bellator fighters came in for the event; everyone still identified Freire as a Bellator product.

But both Suzuki and Karamov have been with Rizin for years. Suzuki started with Pancrase in 2017, switched to kickboxing, then returned to MMA with Rizin in 2021. He has also competed in kickboxing matches with Rizin, winning the "KNOCK OUT Black Super Lightweight Championship" in March.

Suzuki (11-3 overall) lost his first MMA bout at Rizin but has won six straight since. He did lose to Kleber Koike Erbst, but that was ruled a No Contest by Rizin rules as Kleber missed weight. It was just after that where Suzuki beat Freire and catapulted himself to the top. 

Karamov (19-4) competed in a variety of orgs before settling in with Rizin in 2020. He is 5-1 since then, losing to Yutaka Saito before winning 4 straight.

Oct Rank	Nov Rank	Fighter	WC	Rating	Rated Record	Org	October results; •November schedule
2	1	Movlid Khaybulaev	FW	32.22	10-0-1	PFL	[new FW title holder]
3	2	Ilia Topuria	FW	30.58	9-0-0	UFC
4	3	Movsar Evloev	FW	30.20	12-0-0	UFC
5	4	Max Holloway	FW	29.45	23-7-0	UFC
6	5	Kai Tang	FW	27.04	5-0-0	One	--last rated win -14 months.
7	6	Islam Omarov	FW	25.48	7-0-0	ACA
8	7	Jesus Pinedo	FW	25.13	4-1-0	PFL	•11/24 vs. #37 Gabriel Braga
9	8	Vugar Karamov	FW	24.79	5-1-0	Rizi	•11/04 vs. #8 LW Chihiro Suzuki  [for FW title]

Current SportsRatings Featherweight rankings - November 2023

Whoever wins will have a short reign if the tentatively scheduled fight between Volkanovski and current #2 Ilia Topuria takes place. The winner of that fight will take over the #1 spot regardless of who wins the title tomorrow.

And if that fight gets postponed, then current #3 Movsar Evloev has a chance to be champ by beating #16 Arnold Allen—if Karamov holds the title at the time. Suzuki would remain ahead of both of those fighters if he is champ. Evloev probably gets the next crack at the title anyway, meaning he will face the winner of Volk and Topuria.

Former champ Max Holloway could get into the mix, if he ends up a replacement against Evloev or Topuria. It's unlikely the UFC puts him into position for another actual title shot, meaning another bout with Volkanovski. But he's gotta fight someone, and he's still high level enough to beat all the contenders.

So at Featherweight, the UFC, Rizin, and PFL all have potential champs—Bellator, too, if Freire returns to form. Other orgs have high-ranked Featherweights, too, but the competition level to rise to the top isn't there at ACA or One.

This demonstrates the lower risk/lower reward status of fighting outside the UFC or Bellator. It's easier to stay unbeaten for a long stretch, but harder to translate that into an overall #1 placement. Khaybulaev only became champ due to odd circumstance—the UFC and Bellator champs both leaving the division—and Rizin will only hold the belt for a few months, most likely.

Bellator is sort of an "in-between" in risk and reward; currently Vadim Nemkov holds the Light Heavyweight crown and Bellator's division there is competitive; but he may be passed by Alex Pereira if he beats Jiri Prochazka (both Nemkov and Prochazka fought for Rizin in the past, and Prochazka beat Nemkov there in 2015).

But Bellator will hold on to the Bantamweight crown when Patchy Mix challenges Sergio Pettis on the 17th. That will leave Bellator with at least one crown among the 8 weight classes, with PFL holding one and the UFC holding the rest.

And if Francis Ngannou makes his MMA return in the PFL, he will add a second crown to PFL's stash. Though by then the PFL probably won't have the FW title, and unless Ngannou fights a rated MMA opponent his fight won't count in our ratings. So if the Deontay Wilder rumors pan out, Francis will remain "inactive" at the top of the heavyweight rankings.

In any case, it does seem that the other orgs are making some progress to putting a dent in the UFC's dominance. We'll see if that lasts or if the UFC manages to corner the market on talent in the future. Given Ngannou's successful departure, they're going to have to try a bit harder.

Fury-Ngannou post-mortem: If you dismissed it, you missed it; the fight was great

Despite all the complaining about Fury vs. Ngannou it turned out to be a great fight, with a deservedly close decision that went pretty much exactly as I scored it: 95-94 for Fury with a super-close last round that was probably the most boring round of the fight, unfortunately.

But anyone who dismissed the fight as a "money fight" or compared it to a Jake Paul fight missed a very skilled bout. Ngannou surprised everyone, Fury and myself included, with his skill at traditional boxing. Coming from MMA—a sport whose boxing cred isn't exactly very high—most thought he had only a puncher's chance. And it's true, the cards were only as close as they were because of a 3rd round knockdown by Ngannou. But for the entire fight, he showed skill and patience boxing like a boxer, not an MMA star.

The dumbest thing people were saying was that Ngannou would be "slow." Anyone who has seen him fight MMA knows he is not slow at all, his hand speed is fantastic and his defensive reactions are super-fast, especially for his size. It seems that slow-speed pad work shown in training videos was the point of reference for his alleged "slowness."

People were also very wrong in assuming Fury would knock out Ngannou, without knowing anything about his MMA career. Ngannou always had a solid chin, and a great ability to dodge punches. His weakness in MMA was grappling, not getting hit. The main real weakness for Ngannou was his gas tank, as most of his fights are fairly short and he's pretty over-muscled. In the fight there were times he slowed down, but he was able to recover and looked sharp in the later rounds as adrenaline probably took over by then.

And from all corners, Fury was greatly overestimated as a boxer. For some reason, this same guy who was ridiculed for his lack of skill 10 years ago is suddenly the next Muhammad Ali in popular estimation. Let's face it, Fury isn't an all-time great technician. He may be an all-time great, but it's the fact that he's so skilled for his giant size, not that he has half the talent of a Muhammad Ali or even an Oleksander Usyk.

People also conveniently forgot that Fury has a very questionable chin. The recovery from Wilder's punches are the main point of reference, as he's the only one to not succumb to a Wilder KO. But he's been knocked down or stunned by numerous fighters, even former cruiserweight Steve Cunningham. It wasn't hard to imagine Ngannou doing the same.

And about Wilder: wasn't everyone in agreement after the first Fury fight that, and I paraphrase: Wilder has no boxing skill at all, he's just a power puncher, and he can't do anything other than land the big right hand. With that information, shouldn't Ngannou be able to fight Tyson Fury to a draw as well?

All of this ended up being true. But in no way did I expect a tight decision in this fight. I figured Fury would have the most trouble in the first three rounds when Ngannou was fresh and fast with his looping punches (this came true). Then in the next three rounds Fury would start to take control (also happened). Then over the last four rounds, Fury would make Ngannou look like a punching bag as Ngannou tired and was unable to muster much offense. The last part didn't happen, as Ngannou kept his form, didn't tire much, and had some good rounds that put the outcome in doubt.

The big difference was Ngannou's boxing skill. That's how he avoided fading down the stretch and kept himself in the fight. Fury was unable to use his skill to just take over the fight because Ngannou showed good defensive skills. And enough offensive skill—other than the big punch threat—to keep Fury from getting in rhythm. 

It's too bad Ngannou didn't get the split draw. As it is, in our system, Ngannou will still be a nobody with no wins or draws against registered fighters. It's as if this fight never happened. Fury will remain at #1 and won't lose any points.

If Ngannou had gotten the draw, Fury would have remained #1 but lost about half his advantage over #2 Usyk, and Ngannou would have made his debut at #3 at 0-0-1, well behind Usyk but ahead of everyone else including Anthony Joshua (#6) and Deontay Wilder (#10).

So it looks like the boxing world owes Francis Ngannou an apology—as does the MMA world—for thinking this fight would be a joke, a sure KO loss for Ngannou.

But I suspect the new narrative will be that Fury "sucks" because he couldn't dominate a guy with a 0-0 record. That's the internet for ya.

Fury-Ngannou fight and all undercard round-by-round scoring

The Tyson Fury / Francis Ngannou fight has been controversial for many reasons, but the only real concern is whether it's a "real fight" or not. The participants have been clear from the start that it is not an "exhibition," that it would count on their records, and there is no "no knock-down rule" whatever the hell that "rule" would mean in the first place (gravity doesn't exist?).

But some continued to insist the fight wasn't "real" and was unsanctioned so it wouldn't mean anything—in other words, if Francis Ngannou somehow won, he would not be champion in any way, and in fact would not have beaten Tyson Fury. It looked as though Boxrec.com wouldn't list the fight in its database.

Having a full slate of solid heavyweight bouts on the undercard helped a lot in terms of relevance. And with the sanctioning of the entire card under the BBBofC, and now being listed in Boxrec, hopefully the reality of the card and its headliner are no longer questioned. Here is the card and rankings on the SportsRatings Heavyweight Top 100:

#1 Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou

#13 Fabio Wardley vs #28 David Adeleye

#16 Joseph Parker vs #71 Simon Kean

#14 Martin Bakole vs #76 Carlos Takam

#52 Arslanbek Makhmudov vs #41 Junior Anthony Wright

That said, if Fury beats Ngannou as expected, he won't gain any points on SportsRatings for beating a 0-0 fighter. Only if Ngannou wins will the bout affect our ratings. The other fights, however, have all sorts of implications for the heavyweight division. 

The card starts at 2pm eastern time and the fights are available on PPV via ESPN+. Check back here for round-by-round scoring assuming my laptop (and hotel internet) are trustworthy.

 

Round-by-round scoring below:

#1 Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou

1. Fury attacks hard early, Ngannou swings for the fences too. Big right counter from Fury. Good left from Ngannou, almost connects with a big right but Fury backs up, clinches when Ngannou comes in. Fury keeping distance and jabbing. Ngannou using decent defense and being patient. Ngannou going to the body, hits the belt. Big right from Fury, Ngannou takes it well. Hard jab from Fury. Good first round for both fighters. Fury 10-9.
2. Ngannou walking forward, Fury feigning a lot, Ngannou rushes in but Fury gets away. Left hand from Ngannou, Fury clinches but Ngannou gets a good uppercut. Fury goes southpaw for a while, so does Ngannou. Fury rushes in clinching, avoids a big punch. Fury keeps running in and clinching low, that was probably Ngannou's round. 10-9; 19-19
3. Fury throwing fewer jabs and doing more feigns, giving Ngannou time to think and Ngannou connects with a big left, but Fury takes it well. Fury's jabs are short right now, he rushes in again and clinches. Good one two from Fury, but he tries another one and Ngannou counters with a huge left and Fury GOES DOWN!! He looks confused with 20 seconds left. He gets up and looks ok but the fight is changed now. Ngannou 10-8; 29-27
4. Another punch from Ngannou. Fury whiffs on a big shot. Body shots from Fury, Ngannou whiffs on huge punch. Fury is serious now, throwing hard leather but Ngannou is taking it well. They throw at the same time and Fury gets the best of it. Fury's jab is working better too. Ngannou is southpaw stance. Fury came back well by the end, Fury 10-9; Ngannou 38-37
5. Big shot from Ngannou and Fury returns one. Ngannou fires back after Fury's jab. The two are trading evenly right now in the first half. Uppercut from Fury just misses. One-two from Fury hits solid, and a good jab. Jab from Fury, return miss from Ngannou. Another good round for Fury 10-9; 47-47.
6. Now we start to see if Ngannou tires, as most of his MMA fights are less than 10 minutes total. Fury's jab is working well as Ngannou has slowed just a bit. Good combo by Ngannou but Fury dodges most, also Ngannou just misses on two winging lefts, now he charges in and pins Fury against the ropes. Ngannou connects with a short right but almost everything else is missing. Now he's looking a lot slower, his power may be fading. No action in the last 30 seconds. Fury 10-9; 57-56
7. Ngannou walking down Fury, throws a hard right that connects. Another solid left from southpaw stance from Ngannou. He throws some uppercuts in the clinch. Fury comes in and connects, does so again and Ngannou wrestles him down to the canvas in the clinch. Pretty even round so far, Ngannou had the better moments at the start. Ngannou 10-9; 66-66
8. Fury lands with a right, then they clinch. Big left from Ngannou as the two are fighting in close as they lunge in. Good uppercut work from Fury. Ngannou isn't much slower than he was at the start. Fury gets in another uppercut and avoids some big shots but Ngannou gets some big shots in. Huge battle on the inside and Ngannou getting the best of it. Fury trying to clinch and hold on, he looks more tired than Ngannou. Ngannou 10-9; 76-75.
9. Fury in some trouble here for a shocking decision loss. Looks like an elbow from Ngannou (Fury connected one earlier). Jabs from Fury. Solid right from Fury too. Big break in action in middle of round. Fury fighting at distance, Ngannou not getting much going. Fury 10-9; 85-85
10. Round ten with my score tied. Faking jabs to start from both fighters. Jab from Fury finally for real. No one is really doing enough to win the round with just over a minute left. Jab from Fury and return from Ngannou. One minute left. Ngannou tries a jumping punch (sort of a Superman punch) but misses. 10 seconds left and no one is trying too hard, but Fury does get in a hook near the end. If we had to score this very close round it would go to Fury, not that he really deserves it as the champ. But we can't call a 10-10 in the final round and Ngannou did almost nothing, so it's Fury 10-9; 95-94

With the last round a tossup, it could go either way and possibly be a draw, but most likely a majority decision for Fury.

Scorecards: Ngannou 95-94, Fury 96-93, Fury 95-94. Fury by split decision

A pretty amazing fight—I was hoping for a draw that would give Ngannou the credit in our system that he deserves. This makes me wish he had taken some other fights first to build up his boxing bona fides.

 #14 Martin Bakole vs #76 Carlos Takam

Bakole defeated Takam in the 4th round by TKO. The fight was held before 2pm (EST), missed it while watching football, oh well. Seems the PPV started after the first 2 fights, including the first one I wanted to see. A good win for Bakole but completely expected, as Takam has been more of a high-level gatekeeper at age 42.

Bakole will probably move up a spot to #13 on the SportsRatings Heavyweight Top 100. Takam will just barely hang on in the top 100.

 #52 Arslanbek Makhmudov vs #41 Junior Anthony Wright

The undefeated Makhmudov (Mak) hasn't had an important fight in some time so Junior Anthony Wright (Jr) is actually ranked higher in our ratings. That will probably change as Mak is a heavy favorite in this one.

1. Mak comes out swinging, JrR responds in turn! Good action early. Mak backs off but a counter shot and followup (two actually) floors Jr and he barely beats the count. They continue to swing in a phone booth and another shot from Mak stuns Wright and the ref stops it with Wright still standing in the middle of the ring. Round one TKO for Makhmudov

Wright was game but probably foolish for continuing his in-your-face bravery following the knockdown.

The win should elevate Makhmudov into the lower reaches of the top 25, while Wright will fall to around #75.

 #16 Joseph Parker vs #71 Simon Kean

Parker has only lost to Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, and Joe Joyce. Kean has a loss to Dillon Carmen and hasn't faced anyone of Parker's level.

1. Parker lands a good left early, Kean turned around and hits back of head. Good jabs from Kean. Parker counter punching, going for the body as Kean's guard is pretty high. Good right hand from Kean though. Tied up again awkwardly, almost clash of heads there. Body shot from Parker. His own guard is pretty low. Uppercut from Kean connects, good left hook too. Really tight round by the end. Punting, 10-10.
2. Kean moving forward a bit more early. Parker lunges in for a combo. Good jab from Parker, then good left hook and he ducks out of the way. Good combo, then triple jab from Parker. First half of round is all Parker, another jab.  And a really good combo. A few good jabs from Kean are his first offense. Little action later in the round, but it was all Parker earlier. Parker 10-9, Parker 20-19.
3. Parker jabs from the outside, good right from Kean. Strong right from Parker then he whiffs on a big shot. Lots of feigning in fighting range before one fighter acts, usually Parker. Big uppercut from Parker, going for the kill, another uppercut puts Kean down for the full count! Parker KO 3 Kean

Parker had a good workout in this fight, Kean presented some problems but Kean was clearly not in Parker's class. Parker will move up just a bit, back into the top 15 where he's spent a lot of his career. Kean will stay in the top 100 at 5-2 in rated fights and now 23-2-0 overall.

 #13 Fabio Wardley vs #28 David Adeleye

Two undefeated prospects fight for the British boxing title. Wardley is 16-0-0 with 15 KOs, while Adeleye is 12-0-0 with 11 KOs. In fights rated significant by SportsRatings Wardley is 5-0 with wins over wins over Eric Molina, Nick Webb, Chris Healey, Nathan Gorman, and Michael Coffie. Adaleye is 3-0 with wins over Danny Whitaker, Kamil Sokolowski, and Chris Healey. So no real big names but almost all of them are still in the top 200.

1. Jumping jab from Adeleye connects early. Both with wide stances facing off. A lot of feeling out, slow-motion so far. Good countershot from Adeleye misses by a hair. Wardley stalking him down a bit now, backed him against the ropes, but isn't pulling the trigger a lot. Combos miss from both fighters. Left hook by Adeleye surprises Wardley. Wardley uncorks at the very end but doesn't do much, nor did Adeleye. Yes another punt, 10-10
2. Hopefully more pulling the trigger on both sides this round. Jab by Adeleye, wrestling in the clinch. Adeley stalking. Fast jab by Adeleye, who looks a bit tired already backing up. Wardley frustrated by Adeleye's elbow in the clinch. Fighters trade shots, then solid shot by Wardley near the end. Not much else. Wardley 10-9, 20-19.
3. Lots more action early this round as both are swinging and clinching. Adeleye holding on as Wardley attacks, ref warns Adeleye. Wardley goes to body, Adeleye scores with a right hook. Wardley the agressor, moving forward. Adeleye punches Wardley coming off the clinch when the ref didn't divide them. Wardley connects with a solid right. But Adeleye counters well backing up. Close round, really, but Wardley is commanding the ring for sure. Wardley 10-9, 30-28.
4. Wardley comes up swinging, Adeleye pushes forward but gets counterpunched. 2nd attempt was better. Action has slowed down already one minute in. Adeleye rushes in again, Wardley clinches. Good combo from Wardley before Adeleye clinches. Wardley comes in again, Adeleye definitely on the defensive in the latter part of the round. Two huge jabs from Wardley, but a robe-bound Adeleye fires back. Wardley a solid body shot near the end. Wardley 10-9, 40-37.
5. Adeleye isn't doing bad but needs to connect with a solid punch to change the dynamic of being stalked down. He stands his ground and trades early before Wardley gets a few jabs in. Ref cautions both fighters for something. Wardley scores with a right hand, and 2 jabs. Adeleye comes alive but Wardley covers up well. Good jab from Adeleye. And another. A third, but Wardley is undeterred. Left hook from Adeley, big scrumm near the end of the round. Adeley showing he sisn't going away, but Wardley connects at the end. Even round by the end. 10-10; Wardley 50-47
6. Huge shot early by Adeleye, and more in the clinch, including perhaps an elbow to the chin and a punch behind the head. Warley looks angry, as he has most of the fight. Rest of round has been much less interesting with 1 minute to go. Lunging jab and headlock from Adeley. Wardley comes back with combination. Good work at the end by Wardley; Adeley started strong in the first 20 seconds but that's all he did. Wardley 10-9; 60-56.
7. Wardley working the jab again in round seven. Double jab scores again. Body shot for variety. Wardley dodges a counterpunch. Right and left hooks score for Wardley and Adeleye goes down! Barely beats the count. Wardley looking for the finish and he's floundering around the ropes and the ref stops the fight! TKO 7 Fabio Wardley

Wardley was cruising toward a wide decision but things suddenly turned around when the unique combo he threw caught Adeleye by surprise. With the win Wardley will move very close to the top ten, but probably only get to around #12. Adeleye will fall out of the top 50, probably near #75-ish. He shoved the ref (and sort of punched him lightly too) which might result in a suspension apart from that, but it didn't look all that threatening.

UFC dumps USADA, picks up Drug Free Sport International, who has kept the NFL completely drug-free (/s)

Since the UFC dropped USADA (probably because of Conor McGregor, though they deny it of course), the question was: are they going to go back to just having commissions do testing? Or go with another agency.

Today we found out that the UFC is going to use Drug Free Sport International to do their testing, noting that DFSI has handled drug testing for the NFL, MLB, and NBA. 

That's hardly a stirring endorsement when you think about how roided players are in the NFL, have been in the NBA, and still are in MLB.

Clearly the UFC regretted hiring USADA, who actually tries to find drug users and punish them. It was a strange move for the UFC to go from very lax testing (just administered by the state athletic commissions) and allowing Therapeutic Use Exemptions for TRT, to a zero-tolerance organization like USADA.

The Jon Jones debacle was the first sign the partnership was running out of steam. After a few high-profile (and many low-profile) fighters had popped, Jones popped again for "pulsing" metabolites of oral turinabol. USADA relented on this one and Jeff Nowitsky, UFC's liaison with USADA, bent over backwards to explain why this wasn't a problem. For the first time USADA let it's zero-tolerance down.

The Conor McGregor story was the last straw. McGregor wanted to fight without entering the program fully; he felt he needed just two positive tests—which he could get if he knew when they were coming, like old-school Athletic Commission testing. But USADA stood firm that he needed six months of random testing. By looking at McGregor's physique in his time off from the sport, six months seems like a minimum.

USADA says that was the breaking point, while the UFC has angrily denied that. But it's hard to imagine what the problem was if not that. Other than perhaps, the UFC realized they made a mistake. Why go with an organization that's actually going to interfere, potentially, with your business? And given that many fighters use PEDs and USADA's methods are good at catching them, that was bound to happen a lot.

DFSI, on the other hand, is a very League-friendly testing agency. NFL players still pop once in a while, though it's hard to imagine how. Carelessness? Forgetting when their scheduled test is? There is allegedly some random testing done in the NFL, but some players weren't selected for years and if a player is actually randomly tested multiple times, it makes the news. They still catch more than 10 players per year, which is amazing. 

Same story with the NBA, which has a real PED problem obviously, and MLB, which people seem to think has "cleaned itself up" since the late-90s era of Sosa and McGuire and early 2000s with Barry Bonds and Alex Hernandez. But has it? There are home run hitters much bigger than McGuire around and no one suspects anything. Because apparently baseball "cleaned itself up."

So what we'll get with DFSI is a more Dana White-friendly testing regimen. Conor McGregor will fight in UFC 300, hell maybe Brock Lesnar will be back. Fighters who got smaller during USADA will get bigger again. It won't go back to the old days of just commission testing, but it won't be like it was during USADA.

A lot of people think this is better. Many fans hated USADA for making fighters visibly smaller, more prone to getting tired during fights, etc. Others think it's better to have a level playing field for those who can achieve without the use of PEDs, and that it's better to not have the guy across from you in the Octagon on a roid rage.

#11 Zhan Kossobutskiy vs. #18 Efe Agagba Live Round-by-Round Scoring

On the Jared Anderson / Andrey Rudenko card, the co-main event is the more interesting fight. #11 Zhan Kossobutskiy is 19-0, #18 Efe Ajagba is 17-1. The winner of this fight will be firmly in the top ten.

Both fighters have been in the top ten; Kossobutskiy was #10 just a few months ago when he was supposed to fight #11 Jared Anderson (who moved to #10 after beating Charles Martin, Kossobutskiy's replacement after the latter had visa issues). Ajagba was in the top ten before suffering his first loss and only loss to #4 Frank Sanchez.

The two have a combined 30 KOs (18 for Kossobutskiy, 13 for Ajagba) so it should be a banger. Starts soon. Going to use these fighters first names only in the round-by-round summaries.

1. Zhan pushing into Efe early, Efe trying to keep him away with the jab. Lots of clinching early already less than a minute in. Jabs from Efe, to the body and head. Uppercut too. Zhan walks forward with combo. Good slugging inside from both. Zhan connects with a couple late left hands, his best work since early in the round. Lean Zhan but really too close to call for a first round. 10-10
2. Solid right by Efe. Feet get crossed with Zhan in southpaw; good uppercut by Efe. Good flurry by Zhan. They're trading big shots. Possible low blow by Efe, not called. Awkward hold leads to flip with both fighters ending up on the canvas. Efe has Zhan a bit hurt at the end of the round. Ajagba 10-9; 20-19
3. Big action early as a low blow hits Efe and Zhan pushes him down after they were separated. Two low blows, actually, and a push. Zhan is deducted a point for all of that, a huge development. Zhan landed another low blow! Another point deduction! Now both are really trading, and consciously keeping things high. Now Efe lands a low blow! This is nuts. He gets a warning. Zhan is getting lazy and frustrated. He gets in close, and then another low blow gets a warning this time for Zhan, rather than a DQ which he is flirting with. Efe won the round but I'm calling that one a draw and the two deductions make it 10-8 Ajagba; 30-27
4. Efe teeing off a bit early, Zhan returns with good counters. Then Efe is floored with a clear low blow. This is reminiscent of Andrew Golota. Ajagba wins by disqualification

Very disappointing fight but Efe Ajagba forced Zhan Kossobutskiy to quit, basically. Ajagba's body shots—a few a bit low—made Zhan respond but will full-fledged low blows. The fight still didn't go his way and the last one was inexcusable.

Ajagba will move into the top ten at about #8, with Kossobutskiy's first loss dropping him out of the top 25.

Joshua-Helenius, Hrgovic-McKean round-by-round scoring

Former HW champ #6 Anthony Joshua (25-3-0) takes on #66 Robert Helenius (32-4-0) in London, with Helenius a late replacement for Dillian Whyte. 

Because of the replacement, the more interesting fight could be #12 Filip Hrgovic (15-0-0) vs. #53 Demsey McKean (22-0-0).

Also on the undercard are #86 Derek Chisora (33-13-0) vs. #153 Gerald Washington (20-5-1) and #62 Johnny Fisher (9-0-0) vs. unrated Harry Armstrong (5-1-1).

In early results Fisher defeated Armstrong on a standing TKO as Armstrong's corner threw in the towel shortly following the fight's first knockdown in the 7th round. He remains undefeated at 10-0 but needs to work on his accuracy as he spent much of the fight winging huge punches that whiffed. Fisher tried to finish the fight in the first round and almost succeeded but Armstrong gave him trouble while hanging around for the next five rounds as Fisher's telegraphed bombs whiffed. To be fair he finally connected on one early in the 7th which left Armstrong hanging on the ropes which the referee correctly called a knockdown.

Oddly, Hrgovic vs. McKean is the next fight up.

I'm not "keen" on Demsey's chances but Hrgovic has been lackluster at times and recently underestimated another southpaw Zhelie Zhang and almost lost that fight. If he doesn't take McKean—who is unbeaten—seriously it could be a tougher bout than he probably expects and an upset isn't out of the question as McKean looks motivated.

#12 Hrgovic vs. #53 McKean round-by-round scoring:

1. Early feeling out by the two 6-6 fighters, Hrgovic sinking long lunging body shots early. Lots of the usual left-right pawing typical of orthodox-southpaw fights. McKean still looking for a way in. Right from Hrgovic, McKean finally gets a left in. Misses with another one. A lot of dancing and spinning that round, Hrgovic looked a bit more in control. Hrgovic 10-9
2. Hrgovic again lunging in for lengthy right hand body shots. McKean's left is coming up short. Neither fighter making the jab work due to the orthodox/southpaw clash. A right from Hrgovic, McKean comes back with combo; another right from Hrgovic. Left and right hook narrowly miss from Hrgovic, then Filip connects with some long shots but nothing big. A few good chopping shots in the clinch score for Hrgovic. Great straight right from Hrgovic, who is starting to take control a bit. Hrgovic10-9; 20-18.
3. Hrgovic looking a bit faster than McKean, who tries some straight left-right combos. Good shots again in the clinch from Hrgovic. McKean throwing from too far away most of the time. He has yet to land a really solid shot. McKean clinching more now. Decent body shots from McKean; he clinches again as Hrgovic comes in. Hrgovic slowed down the 2nd half of that round but threw a flurry at the end. Hrgovic 10-9; 30-27
4. More of the same this round, Hrgovic with the better work, McKean's shots falling short, but it's pretty even in terms of work rate. McKean isn't falling farther behind but isn't doing anything to catch up or change the dynamic of the fight. He holds on against the ropes to avoid Hrgovic's pressure. Big shot from McKean whiffs near the end. Closer maybe but still Hrgovic 10-9; 40-36.
5. Hrgovic winning handily but not dominating the minute by minute action, McKean is still in there despite having little effectiveness himself. Stiff straight left from McKean, and again. Body shot by Hrgovic. Another stiff jab from McKean. Wrestling a bit in the clinch. Pressure again from Filip and McKean clinches. Good shot by Hrgovic as McKean walks into it. McKean lands another frustrating jab and maybe he won that one. It was close anyway. McKean 10-9; Hrgovic 49-46.
6. McKean ducking under Hrgovic's punches and clinching. Good body shot from McKean. Decent shot by Hrgovic, who is being frustrated by McKean's clinches and can't get his rhythm. But McKean's not hurting him. Good exchange by both fighters near the end and wrestling against the ropes. Close round, really neither fighter did very well there or got hit too badly 10-10; Hrgovic 59-56
7. Fighters trade jabs. McKean looking more active early one, has Hrgovic in the corner, but he let him off the hook with a lame clinch and got turned around. Pushing Hrgovic against the ropes again but takes some counter shots for his trouble and the ref warns him. McKean giving good shots and taking a few in return. McKean very active this round if only moderately effective. Hrgovic looking a bit sloppy in his counters and McKean keeps the pressure up, though he doesn't look too spry himself. Did McKean take that round? Hard to say, Hrgovic countered fairly well but body language was bad. If it goes to "ring generalship" McKean wins. McKean 10-9; Hrgovic 68-66
8. Good uppercut from McKean against the ropes. Chopping counter from Hrgovic. He shakes off McKeans clinch with a flurry. A lot of clinching from McKean, just wandering into it. Good work from McKean at the end but he really just clinched a lot, Hrgovic's counters were better. Hrgovic 10-9; 78-75.
9. Hrgovic looks a little more alive at the start of the 9th, but soon McKean is holding the center of the ring. Good response from Hrgovic but McKean pushes forward. McKean is getting in there but not doing a whole lot, trying to clinch before throwing. Good exchange. Hrgovic connects solidly and McKean is just holding on late. Hrgovic 10-9; 88-84.
10. Key round for McKean if he is to go the distance. He looks tired but is still coming forward. Hrgovic playing defense, not wasting his own energy, countering. McKean's offense is just not getting through but he tries to make it as sloppy as possible. Hrgovic doing well but not really moving toward the stoppage. Hrgovic 10-9; 98-93
11. Big shot early from Hrgovic. McKean working hard in the first half of the round, not getting what he needs to turn the fight around but putting it all on the line. More and more Hrgovic looking like he'll be ok with the decision win. McKean has him in the corner, good counters from Hrgovic, more pressure from McKean. Another close round but McKean wins it on activity. McKean 10-9; Hrgovic 107-103
12. Hrgovic looks very active early to start the final round, but quickly slows down. Connects with huge right hook and McKean folds over the rings, ref starts the count and waves the fight off.
    
    Hrgovic TKO 12 McKean

Hrgovic gets the TKO win after all in an odd finish. But the questions about his stamina will remain as he looked sluggish for the entire 2nd half of the fight. McKean went all in trying to change the fight and couldn't, and left himself vulnerable to the big shot.

Chisora vs. Washington about to begin. Chisora wearing Barbie pink shorts and gloves.

Washington weathers Chisora's juggernaut style in the first round, no big damage done; better offense from Washington in the 2nd, gets a "push" knockdown at the end and probably evens the fight at 1-1; 3rd round a lot of clinch fighting as Chisora pushes forward; checking Chisora's eye between rounds, after clash of heads earlier, continues. Good work by Washington in 4th round evens the fight again; lots of pressure from Chisora in 5th; starting to take control in the 6th as Washington tires; 7th round Washington has nothing on his punches, but has good flurry at the end that might have stolen the round; 8th round pretty even on balance; Chisora throwing the right a lot in the 9th, looking for a big shot, didn't get it; both fighters active in 10th round which probably goes to Chisora.

I have it about 5-3 Chisora with 2 rounds close, which leaves a draw open to Washington, possibly a rogue judge going for him but probably a majority decision at least for Chisora.

Scores: 98-93, 97-94, 96-94 UD for Chisora

Ring walk for Joshua - Helenius right now

Joshua-Helenius Round-by-round scoring

1. Helenius starts aggressively. Good jab by Joshua. Fighters settle in at distance. Strong jab by Joshua. Another one. Body shot from Helenius. Right connects for Joshua, now another jab. Joshua wins on jabs Joshua 10-9
2. Tactical fight at distance settles in again. Joshua connecting again with light jabs. Helenius not pulling the trigger this round. Big right from Joshua, Helenius clinches. Now Helenius is throwing the jab out to keep Joshua away. Both fighters pretty tentative, especially Helenius. Joshua 10-9; 20-18
3. Joshua popping jab to Helenius' face, lands a right too. Now a body shot. Helenius unable to get offense going. Pressure from Joshua after body shot. Ducks a Helenius hook, returns fire. Joshua 10-9; 30-27
4. Joshua winning rounds so far without being impressive. Joshua lunges in for clinch oddly. Helenius pawing out the jab more, both fighters looking more active. Strong right from Joshua, no followup though as Helenius ties up. Awkward exchange with Helenius throwing body shots. Snapping jab from Joshua. Helenius just not doing enough. Joshua 10-9; 40-36
5. Joshua pushing forward a little more. Big body hook and followup right. Good jab from Helenius, return from Joshua draws a clinch. Two punches each connect. Solid right from Helenius, and again. Left hook too. Helenius standing right in front and doing pretty well. Another jab from Helenius, and another on a counter. Solid counter by Joshua. Helenius 10-9; Joshua 49-46
6. Better work from Joshua this round. Helenius starting to tire as punches add up midway. Cuts and tired look from Helenius, but Joshua bleeding too. Joshua 10-9; 59-55
7. Solid jabs from Joshua early force Helenius to tie up against the ropes. Joshua smells blood now, Helenius is tired. Joshua being careful as Helenius is still countering HUGE shot puts Helenius down and that's that. Helenius is not getting up, not even moving.

Joshua KO 7 Helenius

He took his time but he got it done.

Six (now 5) of Top Twelve Heavyweights Active in August including Usyk, Joshua, and (Update: not Whyte)

UPDATE: Dillian Whyte's "adverse finding" by VADA means the Joshua-Whyte rematch is OFF, with Joshua now facing late-notice replacement Robert Helenius (#66).

The heavyweight boxing world goes through many long droughts, more than even it seems since the pandemic. But every once in a while there's an oasis, and August of 2023 looks like one.

Six of the top twelve fighters in the SportsRatings Heavyweight Boxing Top 100 are active this month. [Update: Make that five of the top 12]

That includes #2 Oleksandr Usyk as well as a marquee rematch between #5 Anthony Joshua and #6 Dillian Whyte.

Two big dates account for all of this largess: August 12 in London, and August 26 in two separate locations: Wroclaw, Poland and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Below: Top 12 of SportsRatings Top 100 Heavyweight Boxers for August, 2023

-3 Yr	-1 Yr	-6 mo	July Rank	Aug Rank	Fighter	Rating	Rated Record	July results; •August schedule
1	1	1	1	1	TYSON FURY	55.93	21-0-1
39	2	2	2	2	OLEKSANDR USYK	41.55	4-0-0	•8/26 vs. #22 DANIEL DUBOIS
4	4	3	3	3	ANDY RUIZ JR	24.54	15-2-0
14	5	5	4	4	FRANK SANCHEZ	21.07	7-0-0
2	3	6	5	5	ANTHONY JOSHUA	19.74	18-3-0	•8/12 vs. #66 ROBERT HELENIUS
5	8	7	6	6	DILLIAN WHYTE	17.99	15-3-0	•8/12 vs. #5 ANTHONY JOSHUA
3	12	8	7	7	DEONTAY WILDER	17.83	19-2-1
--	10	9	8	8	JUSTIS HUNI	17.37	4-0-0
54	55	84	9	9	ZHILEI ZHANG	16.81	6-1-1
45	22	16	11	10	JARED ANDERSON	16.64	7-0-0	UD 10 #97 CHARLES MARTIN; •8/26 vs. #166 ANDREY RUDENKO
20	11	10	10	11	ZHAN KOSSOBUTSKIY	16.58	6-0-0	•8/26 vs. #18 EFE AJAGBA
12	14	12	12	12	FILIP HRGOVIC	15.85	7-0-0	•8/12 vs. #53 DEMSEY MCKEAN

The biggest name on the list is #2-ranked Oleksandr Usyk, who takes on #22 Daniel Dubois in Poland on the 26th. The undefeated Usyk wants to hold on to his ranking in hope of someday getting a shot worked out with #1 Tyson Fury. Until then, once-beaten Dubois stands in his way looking for a major upgrade in his ranking. An upset would launch Dubois into the #2 spot. The undercard for this fight is pretty sparse so far.

The biggest fight, however, has to be #5 Anthony Joshua vs. #6 Dillian Whyte on the 12th in London. The two met on the way up as undefeated contenders and Joshua (25-3-0) came away with the TKO win in the 7th round. Since then Joshua has become champion, lost his title to Andy Ruiz Jr, won it back from Ruiz, and lost consecutive bouts to Usyk. 

Meanwhile Whyte (29-3-0) campaigned for years for a rematch with Joshua, winning 11 straight to become everyone's #1 contender. A loss to Alex Povetkin threatened that status but he won the rematch, finally getting his title shot against #1 Tyson Fury; he lost in a 6th round TKO. The winner between Joshua and Whyte will jump into the top 5, leapfrogging current #4 Frank Sanchez.

[UPDATE: Obviously the fight vs. Whyte is off; he's been replaced by Robert Helenius]

The Joshua/Whyte undercard includes a clash of up-and-coming, undefeated boxers in #12 Filip Hrgovic (15-0-0) and #53 Demsey McKean (22-0-0). Hrgovic's rise may seem to have slowed in recent years but his UD win over Zhilei Zhang last August has certainly aged well—even if some think he should have lost. McKean hasn't had nearly the attention Hrgovic has garnered, mainly due to a less impressive résumé. He matches up in height with the 6-6' Hrgovic, though, as this will be a battle of giants.

Also on the undercard will be stalwart Derek Chisora, currently ranked #86, vs. #153 Gerald Washington in a recently-added bout.

[UPDATE: Hrgovic, McKean, Chisora, and Washington are possible replacements for Whyte. Given his history I'd bet on Chisora, who always gets a big fight regardless of how often he loses. Otherwise, McKean would have a good underdog story plus an undefeated record to help promote the card. Hrgovic would be ideal but is too high-risk, and Washington wouldn't create any interest]

On the Tulsa card, #10 Jared Anderson headlines against #166 Andrey Rudenko in what looks like a huge mismatch. To be fair it's a very quick turnaround for Anderson, who just beat Charles Martin last month. 

But the undercard has a better fight: #11 Zhan Kossobutskiy vs. #18 Efe Ajagba. Kossubutskiy was supposed to face Jared Anderson last month but had visa issues that prevented him from making the fight. Now he takes on a much bigger opponent in once-beaten Ajagba (17-1-0) who stands 6-6 to Zhan's 6-3. It will be Kossubutskiy's (19-0-0) toughest test yet, and Ajagba's toughest since his loss to #4 Frank Sanchez, who thoroughly outboxed Efe in October of 2021.

Both fighters have been in the top ten: Kossubutskiy just last month before Jared Anderson nudged him out; and Ajagba a few years ago, just prior to his lone loss. The winner will be firmly back in the top ten while the loser will drop from the top 25 (possibly the top 50 in Ajagba's case).

Two other fighters of note are on the Tulsa card: #45 Bakhodir Jalolov and #51 Jeremiah Milton. Jalolov (12-0-0) already has an Olympic gold medal and may be going back for another, but in the meantime he's conducting a very low-level pro campaign, this time facing the unheralded Onoriode Ehwarieme (20-2-0). Milton (10-0-0) has been much more active as a pro, with 5 fights in 2022 and 2 more already this year. He's taking on Craig Lewis, who has lately become a durable punching bag for mid-level heavyweights.

In a better world Jalolov and Milton would already be squaring off, but we can't really complain with this many good HW bouts this month. It's been a long dry spell the last few years, let's hope this is the start of more activity across the board.

Movlid Khaybulaev (PFL) enjoys 3-week reign as #1 Featherweight

Long live the King, the King will soon...be relegated to the #2 (or #3) spot.

Movlid Khaybulaev recently took over the top spot in the Featherweight rankings, but he won't be there for long. The winner of Saturday's match between Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez will be the new champion, as Volkanovski returns from Lightweight where he ranks #3.

How did he end up on top? Just a few months ago Khaybulaev was a very distant #3 in the division.

Featherweight - 145 lb. limit - rankings for February, 2023

Jan 2023	Feb 2023	Fighter	WC	Rating	Rated Record	Org	January results; •February schedule
1	1	Alexander Volkanovski	FW	65.12	15-0-0	UFC	•2/11 vs. #1 LW Islam Makhachev [for LW title]
2	2	Patricio Freire	FW	54.64	22-5-0	Bell
3	3	Movlid Khaybulaev	FW	31.39	8-0-1	PFL	--last rated win -15 months.

 

But later that month, Volkanovski fought at Lightweight against Islam Makhachev. Because SportsRatings only ranks fighters in one weight class, that meant former #2 Patricio Freire moved into the top slot at Featherweight. And last month, when Freire fought at Bantamweight against Sergio Pettis, Khaybulaev inherited the crown in our July rankings, becoming the first PFL fighter to hold a divisional title in our rankings.

Featherweight - 145 lb. limit - rankings for July, 2023

June Rank	July Rank	Fighter	WC	Rating	Rated Record	Org	June results; •July schedule
2	1	Movlid Khaybulaev	FW	31.40	10-0-1	PFL	Beat #185 Tyler Diamond [new FW champion]
6	2	Ilia Topuria	FW	30.50	9-0-0	UFC	Beat #10 Josh Emmett
3	3	Movsar Evloev	FW	30.16	12-0-0	UFC

Khaybulaev didn't have to do much in order to secure the top spot once the others were gone—he just had to not lose to two competitors who are outside the top 100 in the Featherweight division, Ryoji Kudo in April and Tyler Diamond in June.

This shows the advantages and disadvantages of being in an organization other than the UFC. The risks aren't as great but neither are the rewards. Khaybulaev had little chance of losing against these opponents, but gained almost nothing, and only the odd circumstances of two key fighters bailing the division put him at the top—and then, only just barely. #2 Ilia Topuria came within a hair's breadth of landing at the #1 spot, with another UFC fighter Movsar Evloev just behind.

In fact, it took another unusual occurrence—the PED suspension of Daniel Pineda—or Khaybulaev wouldn't have seen the top spot. In 2019, Movlid was stopped in less than a minute by a barrage of punches from Pineda. The stoppage was controversial for being a bit quick, and in the end it was declared a No Contest after Pineda's testosterone levels tested too high. This also meant that Khaybulaev's only loss was wiped from his record.

Without that change, Khaybulaev would now rank #3 behind Topuria and Evloev. That's how hard it is to get to #1 in an organization outside the UFC. It's a bit more likely in Bellator, which in addition to Freire's short reign at Featherweight currently boasts Vadim Nemkov as Light Heavyweight champ. In both those cases, though, key fighters (Volkanovski and Jon Jones) left the weight class to allow the Bellator fighter to slip into the top spot. 

Alas, Khaybulaev is not likely to hold the top spot much longer. On July 8, Volkanovski returns to the Featherweight divsion, fighting #6 Featherweight Yair Rodriguez. Whoever wins that fight will take over the top spot, bumping Movlid to #2 (or to #3 if Yair is the winner, with Volkanovski settling at #2).

Movlid's prospects for recapturing the crown are poor as well. His next fight against Gabriel Braga (unranked in the FW top 100) won't help much; if he wins he'll face the winner of #12 Bubba Jenkins and #13 Jesus Pinedo, a result that will gain him solid points but not enough to be #1 again. Probably the only way he can hold onto the top spot is for the Volk-Yair fight to end in a No Contest, or be called off in the next few days. 

That doesn't seem likely, but his route to the top was pretty unconventional. Maybe lightning will strike twice? If not, Khaybulaev will have to be content with a chance at winning PFL's $1 million tournament prize, a feat he accomplished in 2021.

#4 Joe Joyce vs. Zhilie Zhang round-by-round scoring

4th ranked and undefeated Joe Joyce takes on Olympic silver medalist Zhilie Zhang. Zhang is currently #88 after a loss and draw in his last 4 fights. He's still a big threat with a big punch but Joyce, an Olympic silver medalist himself, has the big advantage in durability and stamina as he lives up to his nickname, The Juggernaut. He's a -1100 favorite, which seems a bit excessive but he should definitely be the favorite. Both fighters are 6 feet, 6 inches tall.

Round-by-round scoring for the 12 round fight:

1. Early feeling out for the first minute. Good shots from Zhang, landing some hard punches in the middle of the round which is really his only chance—the longer the fight goes the more Joyce will be favored. Good shot to the body for Zhang. Joyce is unfazed and continues his high output but not connecting much. Joyce hanging back a little bit though. Zhang 10-9
2. Joyce respecting Zhang's 80 inch reach which is equal to Joyce's. Good exchange early in the round. Joyce relentless with activity. Great counter 1-2 by Zhang. Huge left from Zhang! Joyce is stunned and stumbles around the ring a bit but stays up. Ref separates and restarts them and Joyce recovers. Joyce back to the activity late in the round, Zhang looks a bit tired. Zhang 10-9; 20-18 
3. Joyce starting with high workrate to not let Zhang get anyting in, Zhang goes to the body, gets a right in but 90% of activity is Joyce. Zhang fading a bit it seems with a minute left. Zhang gets a few lefts in, and another one late but Joyce is unfazed. Much better round for Joyce 10-9; 29-28 Zhang
4. Joyce stepping up pace, mostly jabs hitting Zhang's arms but staying relentless. Zhang's output is very slight midway through, though he gets some lefts in still. 1-2 left right from Zhang scores, Joyce keeps the pressure up. Another few shots from Zhang but activity probably wins a close round for Joyce 10-9; 38-38
5. Joyce really speedy as round 5 starts, going to the head and body. Counter left from Zhang is almost his first punch after more than half a minute. Big left from Zhang, multiple punches from Joyce though. Joyce's face looks far worse though as Zhang's punches are connecting unimpeded. Activity probably wins that for Joyce, too, but it's even closer than last round, and he doesn't look great, especially Joyce's right eye. Joyce 10-9; 48-47 Joyce
6. The ref checks Joyce's eye, and he passes the test but things get serious as there's no guarantee he's winning the fight. Good short right from Zhang. Joyce continues relentless punching, but Zhang comes alive with 4 or 5 good strikes and the doctor is checking the eye again. Joyce answers correctly 2 finger and 1 finger, but the fight is STOPPED! And Zhang wins the TKO on doctor's decision!

Wow. Joe Joyce's legendary durability cost him, as he remained unfazed by most of Zhang's shots, but you can have a great chin but no one has a "great eye" and the damage was enough for the doctor to stop the fight.

Zhang, only #88 in SportsRatings' top 100, will jump into the top 10 for the first time in his career. Joyce will fall to just outside the top 10. 

Heavyweight boxing: Alex Povetkin out of top 10 after 15 years

Alexander Povetkin had one of the longest reigns in the top three of any boxer in history—possibly the longest of any boxer who didn't reach the top. This month in our Top 100 rankings Povetkin, who retired in June, 2021, has just now slipped out of the top 10, ending a string of just shy of 15 years there. In all Povetkin spent 179 months in the top ten, with 107 months—nearly 9 years—at #3, with a full 12 years in the top five. Here's a rundown of his career in our top 10:

February 2008 rankings: Povetkin breaks into the top ten following a stellar 2007

2004 olympic gold medalist Povetkin's pro career got off to a good start at 10-0. He then had a great 2007, winning four fights over ranked fighters including an 11th round TKO of #6 Chris Byrd in the first fight of the IBF eliminator designed to pick Wlad Klitschko's next foe at the time. That put him at #11, just outside the top ten for three months before the IBF eliminator final vs. Eddie Chambers, which he won by unanimous decision on January 26, 2008. That put Povetkin not just in the top ten but in the top five, at #4.

June 2007	July 2007	Nov 2007	Jan 2008	Feb 2008	Fighter	Rating	Rated Record	January 2008 results
1	1	1	1	1	WLAD KLITSCHKO	21.42	27-3-0
2	2	2	2	2	RUSLAN CHAGAEV	13.86	10-0-0	UD 12 #8 MATT SKELTON
4	4	3	3	3	SAMUEL PETER	7.53	14-1-0
58	47	11	11	4	ALEX POVETKIN	7.20	10-0-0	UD 12 #6 EDDIE CHAMBERS
5	5	4	4	5	NICOLAY VALUEV	6.74	18-1-0

 

December 2009 rankings: Povetkin ascends to the #3 spot after David Haye beats #3 Nicolay Valuev in November

The promised fight with Klitschko didn't happen just yet. Povetkin's management felt he wasn't ready to face Wladimir (they were right) as he was only 28 and had plenty of time to develop. Povetkin won a few stay-busy fights that held his rank.

By this time Wladimir Klitschko had beaten #2 Chagaev, and Vitali Klitscho had beaten #3 Sam Peter and taken over the #2 spot with Nicolay Valuev then at #3. When David Haye beat Valuev, Povetkin moved into the #3 spot where he would camp literally for years.

Feb 2008	Aug 2008	May 2009	Nov 2009	Dec 2009	Fighter	Rating	Rated Record	November 2009 results
1	1	1	1	1	WLAD KLITSCHKO	59.13	31-3-0
11	12	3	2	2	VITALI KLITSCHKO	37.21	20-2-0
4	5	5	4	3	ALEX POVETKIN	29.08	12-0-0
20	13	7	5	4	EDDIE CHAMBERS	26.76	13-1-0
2	2	2	6	5	RUSLAN CHAGAEV	26.50	11-1-0
59	64	23	21	6	DAVID HAYE	25.35	3-0-0	MD 12 #3 NICOLAY VALUEV
5	4	4	3	7	NICOLAY VALUEV	20.81	21-2-0	L MD 12 #21 DAVID HAYE

 

October 2013: Povetkin finally fights Wladimir Klitschko—and loses—but retains his #3 ranking in the November rankings

From late 2009 thru 2013 Povetkin won 8 fights, including a unanimous decision win over Ruslan Chagaev in August of 2011. Along with the Klitschko brothers who were also undefeated during that span, the top trio dominated boxing and were far ahead of the rest of the pack. So far ahead that when Povetkin fought Wlad Klitschko on October 5, 2013, and lost a lopsided decision, he remained at #3 in the November, 2013 rankings:

Jan 2010	Jan 2011	Jan 2012	Jan 2013	Oct 2013	Fighter	Rating	Rated Record	2013 Jan-Sept results
1	1	1	1	1	WLAD KLITSCHKO	69.90	38-3-0	TKO 6 #15 FRANCESCO PIANETA
2	2	2	2	2	VITALI KLITSCHKO	46.76	27-2-0	--last rated win -12 months.
3	3	3	3	3	ALEX POVETKIN	39.27	20-0-0	TKO 3 #17 ANDRZEJ WAWRZYK
45	23	13	5	4	KUBRAT PULEV	26.67	12-0-0	UD 12 #44 TONY THOMPSON
71	63	4	4	5	TYSON FURY	24.48	11-0-0	KO 7 #121 STEVE CUNNINGHAM

 

Jan 2011	Jan 2012	Jan 2013	Oct 2013	Nov 2013	Fighter	Rating	Rated Record	October 2013 results
1	1	1	1	1	WLAD KLITSCHKO	75.22	39-3-0	UD 12 #3 ALEX POVETKIN
2	2	2	2	2	VITALI KLITSCHKO	46.27	27-2-0	--last rated win -13 months.
3	3	3	3	3	ALEX POVETKIN	27.76	20-1-0	L UD 12 #1 WLAD KLITSCHKO
23	13	5	4	4	KUBRAT PULEV	26.67	12-0-0
63	4	4	5	5	TYSON FURY	24.48	11-0-0

 

October 2015 rankings: Alexander Povetkin moves to #2 as the retired Vitali Klitchko slides to #3

Following the loss to Klitschko, Povetkin beat Manuel Charr, Carlos Takam, and Mike Perez to maintain his #3 ranking. Meanwhile Vitali Klitschko had last fought in September of 2012 and had retired, losing rating points since late 2013. Finally in the October, 2015 rankings Klitschko slipped below Povetkin who was finally #2 after spending almost six years at #3!

June 2014	Nov 2014	June 2015	Sep 2015	Oct 2015	Fighter	Rating	Rated Record	September 2015 results
1	1	1	1	1	WLAD KLITSCHKO	79.15	42-3-0
3	3	3	3	2	ALEX POVETKIN	32.53	23-1-0
2	2	2	2	3	VITALI KLITSCHKO	32.36	27-2-0	--last rated win -37 months.
5	5	4	4	4	TYSON FURY	29.56	14-0-0
7	6	5	5	5	CZAR GLAZKOV	24.60	10-0-1

 

November 2015 rankings: Unfortunately that was Alex's only month at #2. 

The same month Povetkin rose to #2, #4 Tyson Fury upset Wladimir Klitschko. This pushed Klitschko to #2, and Povetkin back to #3, despite a win over Mariusz Wach.

Nov 2014	June 2015	Sep 2015	Oct 2015	Nov 2015	Fighter	Rating	Rated Record	October 2015 results
5	4	4	4	1	TYSON FURY	63.29	15-0-0	UD 12 #1 WLAD KLITSCHKO
1	1	1	1	2	WLAD KLITSCHKO	55.96	42-4-0	L UD 12 #4 TYSON FURY
3	3	3	2	3	ALEX POVETKIN	32.71	24-1-0	TKO 12 #145 MARIUSZ WACH
2	2	2	3	4	VITALI KLITSCHKO	31.65	27-2-0	--last rated win -38 months.
6	5	5	5	5	CZAR GLAZKOV	24.60	10-0-1

 

January 2017 rankings: Povetkin takes over as interim champion!

Despite remaining #3 for all of 2016, Povetkin became champ in early 2017 after beating Johann Duhaupas. With Fury and Klitschko's rematch postponed (and eventually cancelled) both Fury and Klitschko fell into inactivity, as did Povetkin. That left the interim belt with #4 Deontay Wilder for a month, before Povetkin's win re-established him as an active fighter.

The fight with Duhaupas happened after Povetkin's PED drama unfolded over 2016. Originally pitted against Deontay Wilder in June, that fight was cancelled when Povetkin tested positive for Meldonium, a substance only recently banned. Povetkin was scheduled against Bermane Stiverne but tested positive for Ostarine, and Stiverne refused to fight; Duhaupas was a last-minute replacement.

Nov 2015	Feb 2016	Aug 2016	Dec 2016	Jan 2017	Fighter	Rating	Rated Record	December 2016 results
1	1	1	1	1	TYSON FURY	61.99	15-0-0	--last rated win -13 months.
2	2	2	2	2	WLAD KLITSCHKO	50.56	42-4-0	--last rated win -20 months.
3	3	3	3	3	ALEX POVETKIN	33.51	25-1-0	KO 6 #18 JOHANN DUHAUPAS [new interim title holder]
6	5	4	4	4	DEONTAY WILDER	27.26	13-0-0
22	15	5	5	5	ANTHONY JOSHUA	26.33	11-0-0	TKO 3 #78 ERIC MOLINA

 

May 2017 rankings: Povetkin drops out of top 3 after 7 years and 5 months 

Povetkin held the SportsRatings Interim Heavyweight Title for four months. In May, After 7 years and 5 months in the top 3, Povetkin dropped to #4 following Anthony Joshua's win over Wlad Klitschko. Again Klitschko stayed above Povetkin in the rankings at #3, pushing Alex to #4. Therefore, Povetkin's official dates of holding the interim belt were from December 17, 2016 to April 29, 2017, about 4 1/2 months.

Jan 2017	Feb 2017	Mar 2017	Apr 2017	May 2017	Fighter	Rating	Rated Record	April 2017 results
1	1	1	1	1	TYSON FURY	59.29	15-0-0	--last rated win -17 months.
5	5	5	5	2	ANTHONY JOSHUA	42.94	12-0-0	TKO 11 #2 WLAD KLITSCHKO [new interim title holder]
2	2	2	2	3	WLAD KLITSCHKO	33.92	42-5-0	L TKO 11 #5 ANTHONY JOSHUA
3	3	3	3	4	ALEX POVETKIN	33.51	25-1-0
4	4	4	4	5	DEONTAY WILDER	28.69	14-0-0

 

June 2017 rankings: Povetkin back in the top three!

It seemed that nothing would keep Alex Povetkin out of the #3 spot. Not losing to Klitschko, not ascending to #2, and not falling to #4. Because the month after he was pushed out of the top 3 he was right back in as Wlad Klitschko dropped to #4 due to his extended time without a rated win. Povetkin had finally passed Klitschko—not from beating him in the ring, but by outlasting him at the top.

Feb 2017	Mar 2017	Apr 2017	May 2017	June 2017	Fighter	Rating	Rated Record	May 2017 results
1	1	1	1	1	TYSON FURY	58.60	15-0-0	--last rated win -18 months.
5	5	5	2	2	ANTHONY JOSHUA	42.94	12-0-0	[Interim title holder]
3	3	3	4	3	ALEX POVETKIN	33.51	25-1-0
2	2	2	3	4	WLAD KLITSCHKO	33.44	42-5-0	--last rated win -25 months.
4	4	4	5	5	DEONTAY WILDER	28.69	14-0-0

 

October 2018 rankings: Povetkin falls out of top three (for good?)

Povetkin beat Andrey Rudenko, Christian Hammer, and David Price over the next year to set up a big fight with Anthony Joshua in Wembley Stadium for Joshua's WBA and IBF belts, as well as the SportsRatings Heavyweight Title. Povetkin lost to Joshua via 7th round TKO, his 2nd loss and his first by stoppage. He fell to #4, and it looked like his long reign in the top 3—now 104 total months over the last 8 years—was over. Joshua captured the outright SportsRatings title for the first time, something Povetkin would never do.

July 2017	Dec 2017	Mar 2018	Sep 2018	Oct 2018	Fighter	Rating	Rated Record	September 2018 results
2	2	2	2	1	ANTHONY JOSHUA	53.28	15-0-0	TKO 7 #3 ALEX POVETKIN
1	1	1	1	2	TYSON FURY	47.88	16-0-0
5	4	4	4	3	DEONTAY WILDER	33.39	16-0-0
3	3	3	3	4	ALEX POVETKIN	25.53	28-2-0	L TKO 7 #2 ANTHONY JOSHUA
4	5	5	5	5	WLAD KLITSCHKO	24.64	42-5-0	--last rated win -41 months.

 

January 2021 rankings: Back in the top three!

Over the next two years Povetkin fell as low as #6, and he remained there after a draw vs. Michael Hunter. But in August of 2020 he knocked out #5 Dillian Whyte, and with the help of inactivity by Deontay Wilder (after his loss to Tyson Fury) Povetkin was back in the top three again.

July 2019	Aug 2019	Sep 2020	Dec 2020	Jan 2021	Fighter	Rating	Rated Record	December 2020 results
1	1	1	1	1	TYSON FURY	53.79	18-0-1
4	4	2	2	2	ANTHONY JOSHUA	47.27	17-1-0	KO 9 #6 KUBRAT PULEV
5	6	4	4	3	ALEX POVETKIN	28.60	30-2-1
3	3	3	3	4	DEONTAY WILDER	28.41	18-1-1	--last rated win -13 months.
2	2	5	5	5	ANDY RUIZ JR	25.82	13-2-0	--last rated win -18 months.

 

April 2021 rankings: Out of the top three for good

Povetkin had a rough time after the first Dillian Whyte fight on August 22. He had to pull out of the rematch scheduled for November 21 due to having Covid, and it was eventually rescheduled for March 27, 2021. A lackluster Povetkin didn't look like himself at all and lost via 4th round TKO. He announced his retirement on June 13.

Sep 2020	Dec 2020	Jan 2021	Mar 2021	Apr 2021	Fighter	Rating	Rated Record	March 2021 results
1	1	1	1	1	TYSON FURY	52.68	18-0-1	--last rated win -13 months.
2	2	2	2	2	ANTHONY JOSHUA	47.27	17-1-0	[Interim title holder]
3	3	4	4	3	DEONTAY WILDER	27.48	18-1-1	--last rated win -16 months.
10	9	8	10	4	DILLIAN WHYTE	26.35	14-2-0	TKO 4 #3 ALEX POVETKIN
5	5	5	5	5	ANDY RUIZ JR	24.88	13-2-0	--last rated win -21 months.
4	4	3	3	6	ALEX POVETKIN	20.22	30-3-1	L TKO 4 #10 DILLIAN WHYTE

 

January 2023 rankings: Out of the top ten—first time since January 2008

Povetkin's long run in the top ten comes to an end as he slides out due to inactivity. The SportsRatings rankings don't look at whether a fighter is "retired" or not, just whether he's been fighting, so Povetkin started losing points in September of 2021 (his last win was August of 2020). 

Apr 2021	Oct 2021	June 2022	Sep 2022	Jan 2023	Fighter	Rating	Rated Record	Sept-Dec 2022 results
1	1	1	1	1	TYSON FURY	55.93	21-0-1	TKO 10 #59 DEREK CHISORA
26	2	2	2	2	OLEKSANDR USYK	41.55	4-0-0
5	6	4	3	3	ANDY RUIZ JR	24.54	15-2-0	UD 12 #38 LUIS ORTIZ
7	8	6	6	4	JOE JOYCE	22.29	10-0-0	KO 11 #7 JOSEPH PARKER
11	11	5	5	5	FRANK SANCHEZ	21.07	7-0-0	TKO 9 #97 CARLOS NEGRON
2	3	3	4	6	ANTHONY JOSHUA	20.26	17-3-0	--last rated win -24 months.
4	4	8	8	7	DILLIAN WHYTE	17.99	15-3-0	MD 10 #62 JERMAINE FRANKLIN
3	5	11	14	8	DEONTAY WILDER	17.83	19-2-1	KO 1 #17 ROBERT HELENIUS
18	14	13	9	9	JUSTIS HUNI	17.37	4-0-0	UD 10 #190 KIKI TOA LEUTELE
19	19	10	11	10	ZHAN KOSSOBUTSKIY	16.58	6-0-0	KO 3 #91 HUSSEIN MUHAMED
6	7	9	10	11	ALEX POVETKIN	16.34	30-3-1	--last rated win -28 months.