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Heavyweight Boxing Rankings — March 2001

Official Heavyweight rankings for March 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
RankWBAMarch 2001WBCIBFWBOMarch 2001
🏆United States flagJohn Ruiz
World Champion
Not available for March 2001
Not available for March 2001
Ukraine flagWladimir Klitschko
Champion

1
Vacant
Canada flagKirk Johnson▲+1
2Canada flagKirk JohnsonUnited States flagLarry Donald▲+1
3United States flagEvander HolyfieldUkraine flagVitali Klitschko▼-2
4United States flagLarry DonaldUnited States flagChris Byrd▲+1
5United States flagMike TysonNew Zealand flagDavid Tua▲+4
6Ukraine flagVitali KlitschkoUnited States flagLance Whitaker▲+2
7Dominican Republic flagDavid ToribioUnited Kingdom flagDanny Williams▼-3
8United Kingdom flagHenry AkinwandeNigeria flagDavid Izon▼-2
9Nigeria flagDavid IzonPuerto Rico flagFres OquendoNEW
10United States flagLance WhitakerNEWUnited States flagRay Mercer▲+1
11United States flagFriday AhunanyaNEWUnited States flagObed Sullivan▲+1
12United States flagVaughn BeanUnited States flagEvander HolyfieldNEW
13Denmark flagBrian NielsenCuba flagAurelio Perez
14United States flagFarug SaleemUnited States flagHasim Rahman▲+1
15Russia flagNikolai ValuevUnited States flagCliff Etienne▼-8

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 February 2001

WBAMarch 2001 vs February 2001

🏆

There is a new World Champion: United States flagJohn Ruiz(previously United States flagEvander Holyfield)

Entered the top 10

  • US flag
    Lance WhitakerEnters at #10

Dropped out of the top 10

  • US flag
    John RuizOut of the top 10 after being #3
  • UA flag
    Oleg MaskaevPreviously held #10

WBOMarch 2001 vs February 2001

Entered the top 10

  • PR flag
    Fres OquendoNow in the top 10 at #9
  • US flag
    Ray MercerUp from #11 - now #10

Dropped out of the top 10

  • US flag
    Cliff EtienneNow ranked #15
  • US flag
    Derrick JeffersonPreviously held #10

Biggest risers

  • NZ flag
    David TuaUp 4 places to #5
    ▲+4
  • US flag
    Lance WhitakerFrom #8 to #6
    ▲+2
  • CA flag
    Kirk JohnsonFrom #2 to #1
    ▲+1

Biggest fallers

  • US flag
    Cliff EtienneDown 8 places to #15
    ▼-8
  • GB flag
    Danny WilliamsNow #7 after #4 last month
    ▼-3
  • UA flag
    Vitali KlitschkoFrom #1 to #3
    ▼-2