:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/16187447/171177465.0.jpg)
We've got four new top-ranked boxers over the divisions, and a couple fighters moving into new spots at new weights. Let's skim over some of this stuff as I maybe make some sleep-deprived jokes or whatever the hell else I might start talking about here, I don't know.
Full rankings can be viewed here. As always, they are a collaboration between myself and Ryan Bivins, and Ryan does not necessarily agree with anything I say in this post.
The New Top Dogs
Marco Huck, Cruiserweight
Huck (36-2-1, 25 KO) firmly moves into the top spot thanks to his win over Ola Afolabi, who kept emerging from our cruiserweight jumble into the No. 1 spot in prior rankings. Huck looks vulnerable in just about every fight, which makes him a lot of fun, and he doesn't really duck challenges, which also makes him a lot of fun. You could argue for Yoan Pablo Hernandez as the No. 1 guy, but Huck has our vote.
Bernard Hopkins, Light Heavyweight
Adonis Stevenson knocked out the former No. 1 in 76 seconds, and that guy (Chad Dawson) beat Hopkins last year, but boxing being how it is, and rankings being what they are, Hopkins edges Stevenson to move up to No. 1 in our new rankings, with Adonis coming in at No. 2, ahead of Sergey Kovalev, Nathan Cleverly, and Dawson rounding out the top five. Hopkins (53-6-2, 32 KO) has his own good win this year over formerly unbeaten titlist Tavoris Cloud. Would you have gone with Stevenson over B-Hop, or does Bernard's track record and longevity earn him the top spot for you, too? This one is definitely open for discussion, I think.
Miguel Vazquez, Lightweight
Miguel Vazquez is the new top-ranked lightweight because Adrien Broner left the division.
Katsunari Takayama, Strawweight
Nkosinathi Joyi drops after his loss to Hekkie Budler, who jumps from No. 8 to No. 3. I don't know fuck all about this division, really. I mean, I know a little, but it's so little that I have Ryan do this entire division by himself. If you have strawweight questions, direct them to Ryan.
Movin' On Up
Adrien Broner debuts in the welterweight rankings at No. 8 following his WBA title win over Paulie Malignaggi on June 22. Marcos Maidana is also in at No. 9 following his win over Josesito Lopez. Should Broner be higher? Do you think he really should be here at all?
Yuriorkis Gamboa is in at No. 7 in the lightweight division, which is a division he could certainly take over on talent if he feels like it, or if he can actually get a good fight with that promoter of his.