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Heavyweight Boxing Rankings - May 2001

Heavyweight rankings for May 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 May 2001 rankings are not available.
RankWBAMay 2001WBOMay 2001RINGMay 2001
🏆John Ruiz
World Champion
Wladimir Klitschko
Champion
1
Vacant
Kirk JohnsonHasim Rahman+7
2Kirk JohnsonLarry DonaldLennox Lewis-1
3Evander HolyfieldVitali KlitschkoMike Tyson-1
4Larry DonaldLennox Lewis+4Wladimir Klitschko-1
5Vitali KlitschkoChris Byrd-1John Ruiz-1
6Lennox LewisLance WhitakerKirk Johnson-1
7Mike TysonDavid Tua-2David Tua-1
8Lance WhitakerDanny Williams-1Evander Holyfield-1
9Henry AkinwandeFres OquendoMount Whitaker
10David ToribioKali Meehan+4Chris Byrd
11David IzonObed Sullivan
12Vaughn BeanRay Mercer-2
13Brian NielsenAurelio Perez
14Farug SaleemFrans Botha+1
15Nikolai ValuevCharles ShuffordNEW

Source: WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, RING

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Month-over-month changes since April 2001

WBOMay 2001 vs April 2001

Entered the top 10

  • Kali MeehanNow #10 (was #14)

Dropped out of the top 10

  • Ray MercerNow ranked #12

Biggest risers

  • Lennox LewisUp 4 places to #4
    +4
  • Kali MeehanImproved from #14 to #10
    +4
  • Frans BothaClimbed a place to #14
    +1

Biggest fallers

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

RINGMay 2001 vs April 2001

Biggest risers

  • Hasim RahmanNow #1 after being #8 last month
    +7

Biggest fallers

  • Lennox LewisSlipped a spot to #2
    -1
  • Mike TysonSlipped a spot to #3
    -1
  • Wladimir KlitschkoFrom #3 to #4
    -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.