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Heavyweight Boxing Rankings - October 2001

Heavyweight rankings for October 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 October 2001 rankings are not available.
RankWBAOctober 2001WBOOctober 2001RINGOctober 2001
🏆
Vacant
Wladimir Klitschko
Champion
🏆John Ruiz
World Champion
1Kirk JohnsonKirk JohnsonHasim Rahman
2Evander HolyfieldVitali KlitschkoLennox Lewis
3Vitali KlitschkoChris Byrd+1Wladimir Klitschko
4Mike Tyson+2Danny Williams+1Mike Tyson
5Lennox Lewis-1Fres Oquendo+1Chris Byrd
6Lance Whitaker-1Lance Whitaker+1John Ruiz
7Henry AkinwandeAndre Purlette+1Kirk Johnson
8Nikolai ValuevFrans Botha+1Evander Holyfield
9Larry DonaldJameel Ben McCline+2Lance Whitaker
10David IzonDavid IzonNEWDavid Tua
11Chris ByrdDavid Tua-1
12Vaughn BeanLuan Krasniqi
13Farug Saleem+1Aurelio Perez+1
14China Smith+1Larry Donald-1
15Friday AhunanyaNEWClifford Ettienne

Source: WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, RING

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Current titleholders in every division.

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The biggest jumps, drops, and disappearances this month.

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Month-over-month changes since September 2001

WBAOctober 2001 vs September 2001

Biggest risers

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

Biggest fallers

  • Lennox LewisSlipped a spot to #5
    -1
  • Lance WhitakerSlipped a spot to #6
    -1

WBOOctober 2001 vs September 2001

Entered the top 10

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

Dropped out of the top 10

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

Biggest risers

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

Biggest fallers

  • David TuaDown one place to #11
    -1
  • Larry DonaldSlipped a spot to #14
    -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.