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Heavyweight Boxing Rankings - January 2002

Heavyweight rankings for January 2002. Change division or month to compare rankings.

Division
Period
Org
Note: The WBC and IBF January 2002 rankings are not available.
RankWBAJanuary 2002WBOJanuary 2002RINGJanuary 2002
🏆
Vacant
Wladimir Klitschko
Champion
Lennox Lewis
Champion
🏆John Ruiz
World Champion
1Kirk JohnsonFres OquendoWladimir Klitschko
2Evander HolyfieldVitali KlitschkoMike Tyson
3Vitali KlitschkoJameel Ben McClineChris Byrd
4Mike TysonLamon BrewsterNEWHasim Rahman
5Fres OquendoDavid Tua+1Kirk Johnson+1
6Nikolai ValuevDanny Williams+1Evander Holyfield+1
7Oliver McCallOliver McCall+1John Ruiz-2
8Jameel McClineLance Whitaker+2Jameel McCline
9Larry DonaldLuan KrasniqiFres Oquendo
10Hasim RahmanFrans Botha+2David Tua
11Chris ByrdClifford Ettienne+2
12Vaughn BeanShannon BriggsNEW
13Farug SaleemLarry Donald-2
14
Vacant
Aurelio Perez
15Lance WhitakerPrzemyslaw Saleta

Source: WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, RING

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Month-over-month changes since December 2001

WBOJanuary 2002 vs December 2001

Entered the top 10

  • Lamon BrewsterNow in the top 10 at #4
  • Frans BothaPreviously ranked #12

Dropped out of the top 10

  • Chris ByrdOut of the top 10 after being #4
  • Kirk JohnsonOut of the top 10 after being #5

Biggest risers

  • Lance WhitakerFrom #10 to #8
    +2
  • Frans BothaClimbed from #12 to #10
    +2
  • Clifford EttienneClimbed from #13 to #11
    +2

Biggest fallers

  • Larry DonaldDown to #13 from #11
    -2

RINGJanuary 2002 vs December 2001

Biggest risers

  • Kirk JohnsonClimbed a place to #5
    +1
  • Evander HolyfieldFrom #7 to #6
    +1

Biggest fallers

  • John RuizSlipped from #5 to #7
    -2

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.