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🏠Home📊Rankings🔍Search🏆Champions

Heavyweight Boxing Rankings - September 2001

Heavyweight rankings for September 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 September 2001 rankings are not available.
RankWBASeptember 2001WBOSeptember 2001RINGSeptember 2001
🏆
Vacant
Wladimir Klitschko
Champion
🏆John Ruiz
World Champion
1Kirk JohnsonKirk JohnsonHasim Rahman
2Evander HolyfieldVitali KlitschkoLennox Lewis
3Vitali KlitschkoLennox LewisWladimir Klitschko
4Lennox LewisChris ByrdMike Tyson
5Lance WhitakerDanny WilliamsChris Byrd+5
6Mike TysonFres OquendoJohn Ruiz-1
7Henry AkinwandeLance WhitakerKirk Johnson-1
8Nikolai ValuevAndre Purlette+4Evander Holyfield
9Larry DonaldFrans BothaLance Whitaker
10David IzonDavid TuaDavid Tua-3
11Chris ByrdJameel Ben McCline
12Vaughn BeanLuan Krasniqi+1
13Brian NielsenLarry Donald-5
14Farug SaleemAurelio Perez
15China SmithClifford Ettienne

Source: WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, RING

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Month-over-month changes since August 2001

WBASeptember 2001 vs August 2001

🏆

The title is now vacant(previously held by John Ruiz)

WBOSeptember 2001 vs August 2001

Entered the top 10

  • Andre PurletteNow #8 (was #12)

Dropped out of the top 10

  • Larry DonaldDown to #13

Biggest risers

  • Andre PurletteImproved from #12 to #8
    +4
  • Luan KrasniqiClimbed a place to #12
    +1

Biggest fallers

  • Larry DonaldDropped from #8 to #13
    -5

RINGSeptember 2001 vs August 2001

Biggest risers

  • Chris ByrdNow #5 after being #10 last month
    +5

Biggest fallers

  • David TuaDown 3 places to #10
    -3
  • John RuizDown one place to #6
    -1
  • Kirk JohnsonFrom #6 to #7
    -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.