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Heavyweight Boxing Rankings — January 2001

Official Heavyweight rankings for January 2001.

Presented as a historical snapshot for that month. Use the weight-class arrows to move up or down divisions, the month controls to jump between updates, and click any fighter's name to see their ranking history across the four organisations.

Division
Period
Org
RankWBAJanuary 2001WBCIBFWBOJanuary 2001
🏆United States flagEvander Holyfield
World Champion
Not available for January 2001
Not available for January 2001
Ukraine flagWladimir Klitschko
Champion

1
Vacant
Ukraine flagVitali Klitschko
2Canada flagKirk JohnsonCanada flagKirk Johnson
3United States flagJohn RuizUnited States flagLarry Donald
4United States flagLarry DonaldUnited Kingdom flagDanny Williams
5United States flagMike TysonUnited States flagChris Byrd▲+2
6Ukraine flagVitali KlitschkoNigeria flagDavid Izon▼-1
7Dominican Republic flagDavid ToribioUnited States flagCliff Etienne▼-1
8United Kingdom flagHenry AkinwandeUnited States flagLance Whitaker
9Nigeria flagDavid IzonNew Zealand flagDavid Tua
10Ukraine flagOleg MaskaevUnited States flagDerrick Jefferson
11United States flagNate JonesUnited States flagObed Sullivan▲+4
12United States flagVaughn BeanCuba flagAurelio Perez▼-1
13Denmark flagBrian NielsenKazakhstan flagOleg Maskaev▼-1
14United States flagFarug SaleemUnited States flagHasim Rahman▼-1
15Russia flagNikolai ValuevPuerto Rico flagJohn Ruiz▼-1

Source: WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO

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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.

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Month-over-month changes since December 2000

WBOJanuary 2001 vs December 2000

Biggest risers

  • US flag
    Obed SullivanUp 4 places to #11
    ▲+4
  • US flag
    Chris ByrdClimbed from #7 to #5
    ▲+2

Biggest fallers

  • NG flag
    David IzonDown one place to #6
    ▼-1
  • US flag
    Cliff EtienneFrom #6 to #7
    ▼-1
  • CU flag
    Aurelio PerezDown one place to #12
    ▼-1