In a stunning display of skill and strategy, Terence Crawford defeated Canelo Alvarez by unanimous decision on September 13, 2024, in Las Vegas, claiming the title of the top super middleweight. This victory marked a significant shift in the boxing rankings, with Crawford moving up from the junior middleweight category to take the coveted number one spot at 168 pounds, while Alvarez dropped to second place.
Crawford’s performance was described as one of his finest, showcasing his boxing prowess against the renowned Alvarez. The implications of this match are profound, not only for the fighters involved but also for the sport as a whole, as it highlights the competitive nature of boxing’s various weight divisions.
On the undercard, Lester Martinez made his mark by securing a split draw against Christian Mbilli, the WBC interim champion. This fight was a back-and-forth battle that saw both fighters demonstrate resilience and tenacity. Martinez showed impressive endurance and stamina, ultimately earning him the sixth position in the super middleweight rankings. Meanwhile, Mbilli, who fought strongly in the early rounds, slipped to the fifth spot despite retaining his interim belt.
Another notable event occurred early Sunday morning in Nagoya, Japan, where Naoya Inoue successfully defended his undisputed junior featherweight title against Murodjon Akhmadliev. Inoue’s strategic approach, relying on intelligence rather than sheer power, secured him a unanimous decision victory, solidifying his status as the top fighter in the junior featherweight division. Akhmadliev, despite the loss, remains ranked third in the category.
In a thrilling bantamweight bout, Christian Medina achieved a fourth-round TKO victory over Yoshiki Takei, earning the WBO world title. Medina’s aggressive tactics overwhelmed Takei, who suffered his first professional loss and fell to fourth position in the rankings.
The latest updates from ESPN‘s divisional boxing rankings reflect a dynamic landscape in the sport, with rankings subject to change based on recent performances. Fighters transitioning to different weight classes will be ranked in their new divisions only after competing in those categories. Moreover, fighters lacking activity over the past year will be removed from the rankings until they return to the ring.
As the boxing world continues to evolve, the current champions across all weight classes can be found through official rankings. The implications of these recent fights will undoubtedly resonate for some time, as fans and analysts alike assess the shifting dynamics in the sport.
