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Heavyweight Boxing Rankings - April 2001

Heavyweight rankings for April 2001. Change division or month to compare rankings.

Division
Period
Org
Note: Between September 1989 and November 2001 The Ring published contender rankings only (positions 1–10) and did not include a separate "champion" in its ratings.
Note: The WBC and IBF April 2001 rankings are not available.
RankWBAApril 2001WBOApril 2001RINGApril 2001
🏆John Ruiz
World Champion
Wladimir Klitschko
Champion
1
Vacant
Kirk JohnsonLennox Lewis
2Kirk JohnsonLarry DonaldMike Tyson
3Evander HolyfieldVitali KlitschkoWladimir Klitschko+3
4Larry DonaldChris ByrdJohn Ruiz-1
5Vitali Klitschko+1David TuaKirk Johnson-1
6Lennox LewisNEWLance WhitakerDavid Tua-1
7Mike Tyson-2Danny WilliamsEvander Holyfield
8Lance Whitaker+2Lennox LewisNEWHasim Rahman
9Henry Akinwande-1Fres OquendoMount Whitaker
10David Toribio-3Ray MercerChris Byrd
11David Izon-2Obed Sullivan
12Vaughn BeanDavid Izon-4
13Brian NielsenAurelio Perez
14Farug SaleemKali MeehanNEW
15Nikolai ValuevFrans BothaNEW

Source: WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, RING

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Month-over-month changes since March 2001

WBAApril 2001 vs March 2001

Entered the top 10

  • Lennox LewisEnters at #6

Dropped out of the top 10

  • David IzonNow ranked #11

Biggest risers

  • Lance WhitakerFrom #10 to #8
    +2
  • Vitali KlitschkoClimbed a place to #5
    +1

Biggest fallers

  • David ToribioDown 3 places to #10
    -3
  • Mike TysonSlipped from #5 to #7
    -2
  • David IzonFrom #9 to #11
    -2

WBOApril 2001 vs March 2001

Entered the top 10

  • Lennox LewisEnters at #8

Dropped out of the top 10

  • David IzonFell to #12

Biggest fallers

  • David IzonNow #12 after being #8 last month
    -4

RINGApril 2001 vs March 2001

Biggest risers

  • Wladimir KlitschkoNow #3 after being #6 last month
    +3

Biggest fallers

  • John RuizSlipped a spot to #4
    -1
  • Kirk JohnsonDown one place to #5
    -1
  • David TuaSlipped a spot to #6
    -1

About the Heavyweight Division

Weight Limit: No upper limit (typically 200+ lbs / 90.7+ kg)

The Heavyweight division is boxing's most prestigious weight class, featuring the largest fighters in the sport. Historically, heavyweight champions have been among the most famous athletes in the world, with legendary figures like Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Mike Tyson defining eras of boxing history.

Division Characteristics

Heavyweight boxers rely on power and size, with knockouts being more common than in lighter divisions. The division has no upper weight limit, allowing for a wide range of body types and fighting styles.

Notable Facts

The Heavyweight division has produced some of boxing's most iconic moments and biggest pay-per-view events. Modern heavyweights combine size, power, and athleticism in ways that previous generations couldn't match.

Historical Context

Heavyweight boxing has been a cornerstone of professional boxing since the sport's early days. The division has evolved significantly, with modern heavyweights being faster and more athletic than their predecessors while maintaining devastating power.

Learn more about how boxing rankings work or explore current world champions across all divisions.