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Heavyweight Boxing Rankings — January 2002

Official Heavyweight rankings for January 2002.

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 2002WBCIBFWBOJanuary 2002
🏆
Vacant
Not available for January 2002
Not available for January 2002
Ukraine flagWladimir Klitschko
Champion
🏆United States flagJohn Ruiz
World Champion

1Canada flagKirk JohnsonPuerto Rico flagFres Oquendo
2United States flagEvander HolyfieldUkraine flagVitali Klitschko
3Ukraine flagVitali KlitschkoUnited States flagJameel Ben McCline
4United States flagMike TysonUnited States flagLamon BrewsterNEW
5Puerto Rico flagFres OquendoNew Zealand flagDavid Tua▲+1
6Russia flagNikolai ValuevUnited Kingdom flagDanny Williams▲+1
7United States flagOliver McCallUnited States flagOliver McCall▲+1
8United States flagJameel McClineUnited States flagLance Whitaker▲+2
9United States flagLarry DonaldGermany flagLuan Krasniqi
10United States flagHasim RahmanSouth Africa flagFrans Botha▲+2
11United States flagChris ByrdUnited States flagClifford Ettienne▲+2
12United States flagVaughn BeanUnited States flagShannon BriggsNEW
13United States flagFarug SaleemUnited States flagLarry Donald▼-2
14
Vacant
Cuba flagAurelio Perez
15United States flagLance WhitakerPoland flagPrzemyslaw Saleta

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 2001

WBOJanuary 2002 vs December 2001

Entered the top 10

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

Dropped out of the top 10

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

Biggest risers

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

Biggest fallers

  • US flag
    Larry DonaldDown to #13 from #11
    ▼-2