There are no surprises. If you draw any list or ranking featuring lightweights, you are sure to find Gervonta Davis on the list. And it’s the same case with The Ring’s lightweight rankings. But there are some names in the list that will attract your attention, such as the few new entries on the list.
Ring Ratings Update turned to its’ X handle and disclosed the new Ring Magazine rankings for the 135-pound division. Following Tank’s top spot, Vasyl Lomachenko grabbed the second slot in the rankings. The veteran boxer clinched the IBF gold in his last fight and established himself again at the top of the lightweight division food chain. Closely chasing the two lynchpins is the hottest name in the division, William Zepeda.
Zepeda, 27, is on the cusp of a title shot and it remains to be seen who the aggressive fighter will pick to challenge. Shakur Stevenson grabbed the fourth spot, as the WBC champion continues to struggle with fans because of technical and lackluster fights. The WBO champion, Denys Berinchyk, soon followed at the number 5. Two other surging contenders, Raymond Muratalla and Keyshawn Davis, held the number 6 and number 7 positions, respectively.
Frank Martin, who dropped his last fight to Davis, took the eighth spot. Andy Cruz benefitted with his latest win over Antonio Moran and improved his record to 4-0. The 2020 Olympics gold medalist is touted to take the division by storm, and his number 9 spot could raise the alarm for others. Lastly, breaking into the ranking for the first time is Sam Noakes. The British fighter retained his European championship in his last fight, which came on September 6. It won’t be long before he starts eyeing a world title.
Therefore, The Ring’s lightweight rankings are a good mix of veterans, champions, and hot prospects. It raises concerns for the guys at the top, as a new crop of lightweight boxers is ready to take over. But Davis, 29, remains the division’s main attraction.
After flatlining Martin, Gervonta Davis is back into the boxing fold and now looks to remain active. The Baltimore native is in talks for a fight before the end of the year, which could have David Benavidez in the supporting act. However, the details of the mouth-watering card are not out yet.
But Davis, at 30-0, has already been put on the hit list by Keyshawn Davis. The latter believed he had what it took to hand Davis his first professional defeat. He declared, “So, if I got a short guy at 5’5″, I’m 5’10”. I’ve got longer arms than him. If I’ve got a guy that is walking to me with his hands up, it’s target practice for me, and you’re not just going to catch me.” It seems Davis’ path ahead is not easy, and many will come for his crown.
What do you make of The Ring’s lightweight rankings featuring Gervonta Davis at the top? Let us know in the comments below.