Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this ranking data come from?
The ranking data is sourced directly from the official websites of the four major boxing sanctioning bodies: the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO. We check for new publications monthly and manually verify each ranking list to ensure accuracy. All data is taken from publicly available official documents published by these organizations.
How often are the rankings updated?
Our system checks for new ranking documents from each organization every month. If a new document is available, it is processed and the rankings are updated on the site. Most organizations publish their monthly rankings within the first two weeks of each month, though timing can vary. We aim to have new rankings live on our site within 24-48 hours of their official publication.
Why isn't a specific boxer ranked?
A boxer may not be ranked for several reasons: they may be inactive, they may not be recognized by a particular organization, or they may have recently moved to a different weight class. Our data reflects only the officially published top contenders. If a boxer has been inactive for an extended period, lost significant fights, or violated organization rules, they may be removed from the rankings. Additionally, some organizations have different criteria for inclusion in their rankings.
What do the different champion titles mean (e.g., 'Super Champion', 'Interim Champion')?
Organizations have various champion designations. A 'Super Champion' is typically a unified champion holding belts from other organizations. An 'Interim Champion' is designated when the reigning champion is temporarily unable to defend their title. 'Regular Champion' is another title used by some organizations, often subordinate to a Super Champion. Understanding these distinctions is important for following the boxing landscape.
Why are some rankings 'Not released yet'?
This message appears when we have not yet been able to source the official ranking data for a specific organization for the current month. This can happen as the organizations publish their rankings at different times in the month. Some organizations may also delay publication due to ongoing title fights or other circumstances. We continue to monitor for updates and will post rankings as soon as they become available.
Why does Box-Rank exist when the official rankings are already online?
Each organisation publishes its own rankings, often as PDFs or pages that are hard to compare or search. Box-Rank collects those official lists in one place, month by month, so you can quickly browse historical rankings, see how fighters moved over time, and link directly to a clean, unified view instead of digging through scattered documents. We also provide tools to search by boxer name, country, or weight class that aren't available on individual organization sites.
How do boxing rankings work?
Boxing rankings are determined by each sanctioning body's ranking committee, which evaluates fighters based on their recent performance, quality of opposition, activity level, and other factors. Rankings typically include the top 15 contenders in each weight class (top 40 for the WBC), with the champion at the top. Rankings are updated monthly and can change based on fight results, inactivity, or other factors. Higher-ranked fighters are generally considered for title shots and mandatory challenges.
What is the difference between the four major sanctioning bodies?
The WBA (World Boxing Association) is the oldest, established in 1962. The WBC (World Boxing Council) was founded in 1963 and is known for its green championship belt. The IBF (International Boxing Federation) was established in 1983 and emphasizes merit-based rankings and mandatory defenses. The WBO (World Boxing Organization) is the youngest, founded in 1988. Each organization has its own ranking criteria, championship rules, and mandatory defense requirements.
How are mandatory challengers determined?
Mandatory challengers are typically the highest-ranked available contender in a division who has not recently fought for the title. Organizations may also designate mandatory challengers based on eliminator bouts or other criteria. Champions are generally required to face their mandatory challenger within a certain timeframe or risk being stripped of their title. The specific rules vary by organization.
What happens when a boxer moves weight classes?
When a boxer moves to a different weight class, they are typically removed from the rankings in their previous division and must work their way up in the new division. However, if they were a champion, they may retain certain privileges or be ranked higher initially. The exact treatment varies by organization and depends on the circumstances of the move.
Can a boxer be ranked in multiple weight classes?
Generally, no. A boxer is typically ranked in only one weight class at a time - the division in which they most recently competed. However, if a boxer is actively competing in multiple divisions, some organizations may rank them in both, though this is rare. Champions who hold titles in multiple weight classes are an exception.
What does it mean when a boxer is "inactive" in the rankings?
An inactive boxer is one who has not competed in a significant bout within a certain timeframe (usually 12-18 months). Inactive boxers may be removed from rankings or moved down in position. Organizations have different policies regarding inactivity, but all require some level of activity to maintain ranking status.
How do ranking movements work?
Ranking movements occur when boxers change positions in the rankings due to fight results, inactivity, or other factors. A boxer can move up by defeating higher-ranked opponents, by other ranked fighters losing, or by remaining active while others become inactive. Movements are typically announced in monthly ranking updates and can be tracked historically on our site.
What is a unified champion?
A unified champion holds world titles from multiple sanctioning bodies in the same weight class. For example, a boxer holding both the WBA and WBC titles would be a unified champion. An "undisputed" champion holds all four major titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO) simultaneously, which is the ultimate achievement in professional boxing.
How accurate are the historical rankings on this site?
We strive for accuracy by sourcing our historical data from official documents published at the time. However, organizations may occasionally retroactively adjust rankings or remove documents from their websites. Our historical snapshots represent the rankings as they were published in each month, providing a valuable record of how divisions have evolved over time.
Can I use this data for commercial purposes?
Our compiled rankings data is protected by copyright. While you can browse and use the site for personal, non-commercial purposes, automated extraction, bulk copying, or commercial re-use requires permission. Please see our Terms of Use page for more information, or contact us if you have specific questions about data usage.
How do I report an error in the rankings?
If you notice what appears to be an error or discrepancy, please use our contact form to report it. Include as much detail as possible, such as the boxer name, weight class, organization, and month in question. We review all reports and will verify against official sources before making corrections.