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Heavyweight Boxing Rankings - July 2001

Heavyweight rankings for July 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 July 2001 rankings are not available.
RankWBAJuly 2001WBOJuly 2001RINGJuly 2001
🏆
Vacant
Wladimir Klitschko
Champion
🏆John Ruiz
World Champion
1Kirk Johnson+1Kirk JohnsonHasim Rahman
2Evander Holyfield+1Vitali KlitschkoLennox Lewis
3Vitali Klitschko+2Lennox LewisMike Tyson
4Lennox Lewis+2Chris ByrdWladimir Klitschko
5Lance Whitaker+3Danny WilliamsJohn Ruiz
6Mike Tyson+1Lance WhitakerKirk Johnson
7Henry Akinwande+2David TuaDavid Tua
8David Toribio+2Fres OquendoEvander Holyfield
9Larry Donald-5Obed Sullivan+2Mount Whitaker
10Nikolai Valuev+5Larry DonaldChris Byrd
11David IzonFrans Botha+1
12Vaughn BeanJameel Ben McClineNEW
13Brian NielsenAndre PurletteNEW
14Farug SaleemLuan Krasniqi+1
15China SmithNEWAurelio Perez-1

Source: WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, RING

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Month-over-month changes since June 2001

WBAJuly 2001 vs June 2001

Entered the top 10

  • Nikolai ValuevNow #10 (was #15)

Biggest risers

  • Nikolai ValuevImproved from #15 to #10
    +5
  • Lance WhitakerUp 3 places to #5
    +3
  • Vitali KlitschkoFrom #5 to #3
    +2

Biggest fallers

  • Larry DonaldDropped from #4 to #9
    -5

WBOJuly 2001 vs June 2001

Entered the top 10

  • Obed SullivanPreviously #11, enters at #9

Dropped out of the top 10

  • Charles ShuffordLast ranked #9

Biggest risers

  • Obed SullivanFrom #11 to #9
    +2
  • Frans BothaUp one spot to #11
    +1
  • Luan KrasniqiUp one spot to #14
    +1

Biggest fallers

  • Aurelio PerezSlipped a spot to #15
    -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.