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Heavyweight Boxing Rankings — October 2001

Official Heavyweight rankings for October 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
RankWBAOctober 2001WBCIBFWBOOctober 2001
🏆
Vacant
Not available for October 2001
Not available for October 2001
Ukraine flagWladimir Klitschko
Champion
🏆United States flagJohn Ruiz
World Champion

1Canada flagKirk JohnsonCanada flagKirk Johnson
2United States flagEvander HolyfieldUkraine flagVitali Klitschko
3Ukraine flagVitali KlitschkoUnited States flagChris Byrd▲+1
4United States flagMike Tyson▲+2United Kingdom flagDanny Williams▲+1
5United Kingdom flagLennox Lewis▼-1Puerto Rico flagFres Oquendo▲+1
6United States flagLance Whitaker▼-1United States flagLance Whitaker▲+1
7United Kingdom flagHenry AkinwandeGuyana flagAndre Purlette▲+1
8Russia flagNikolai ValuevSouth Africa flagFrans Botha▲+1
9United States flagLarry DonaldUnited States flagJameel Ben McCline▲+2
10Nigeria flagDavid IzonNigeria flagDavid IzonNEW
11United States flagChris ByrdNew Zealand flagDavid Tua▼-1
12United States flagVaughn BeanGermany flagLuan Krasniqi
13United States flagFarug Saleem▲+1Cuba flagAurelio Perez▲+1
14United States flagChina Smith▲+1United States flagLarry Donald▼-1
15United States flagFriday AhunanyaNEWUnited States flagClifford Ettienne

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 September 2001

WBAOctober 2001 vs September 2001

Biggest risers

  • US flag
    Mike TysonNow ranked #4 (was #6)
    ▲+2
  • US flag
    Farug SaleemClimbed a place to #13
    ▲+1
  • US flag
    China SmithUp one spot to #14
    ▲+1

Biggest fallers

  • GB flag
    Lennox LewisSlipped a spot to #5
    ▼-1
  • US flag
    Lance WhitakerSlipped a spot to #6
    ▼-1

WBOOctober 2001 vs September 2001

Entered the top 10

  • US flag
    Jameel Ben McClinePreviously #11, enters at #9
  • NG flag
    David IzonInto the top 10 at #10

Dropped out of the top 10

  • GB flag
    Lennox LewisWas #3 last month
  • NZ flag
    David TuaJust outside at #11

Biggest risers

  • US flag
    Jameel Ben McClineFrom #11 to #9
    ▲+2
  • US flag
    Chris ByrdUp one spot to #3
    ▲+1
  • GB flag
    Danny WilliamsClimbed a place to #4
    ▲+1

Biggest fallers

  • NZ flag
    David TuaDown one place to #11
    ▼-1
  • US flag
    Larry DonaldSlipped a spot to #14
    ▼-1