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Heavyweight Boxing Rankings — May 2001

Official Heavyweight rankings for May 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
RankWBAMay 2001WBCIBFWBOMay 2001
🏆United States flagJohn Ruiz
World Champion
Not available for May 2001
Not available for May 2001
Ukraine flagWladimir Klitschko
Champion

1
Vacant
Canada flagKirk Johnson
2Canada flagKirk JohnsonUnited States flagLarry Donald
3United States flagEvander HolyfieldUkraine flagVitali Klitschko
4United States flagLarry DonaldUnited Kingdom flagLennox Lewis▲+4
5Ukraine flagVitali KlitschkoUnited States flagChris Byrd▼-1
6United Kingdom flagLennox LewisUnited States flagLance Whitaker
7United States flagMike TysonNew Zealand flagDavid Tua▼-2
8United States flagLance WhitakerUnited Kingdom flagDanny Williams▼-1
9United Kingdom flagHenry AkinwandePuerto Rico flagFres Oquendo
10Dominican Republic flagDavid ToribioAustralia flagKali Meehan▲+4
11Nigeria flagDavid IzonUnited States flagObed Sullivan
12United States flagVaughn BeanUnited States flagRay Mercer▼-2
13Denmark flagBrian NielsenCuba flagAurelio Perez
14United States flagFarug SaleemSouth Africa flagFrans Botha▲+1
15Russia flagNikolai ValuevUnited States flagCharles ShuffordNEW

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 April 2001

WBOMay 2001 vs April 2001

Entered the top 10

  • AU flag
    Kali MeehanNow #10 (was #14)

Dropped out of the top 10

  • US flag
    Ray MercerNow ranked #12

Biggest risers

  • GB flag
    Lennox LewisUp 4 places to #4
    ▲+4
  • AU flag
    Kali MeehanImproved from #14 to #10
    ▲+4
  • ZA flag
    Frans BothaClimbed a place to #14
    ▲+1

Biggest fallers

  • NZ flag
    David TuaFrom #5 to #7
    ▼-2
  • US flag
    Ray MercerNow ranked #12 (was #10)
    ▼-2
  • US flag
    Chris ByrdSlipped a spot to #5
    ▼-1