Light Heavyweight boxing rankings - September 2015

22 February 2025Current

1 year 9 months

Became champion: 22 February 2025

Won the title by defeating Artur Beterbiev by majority decision in their rematch.

First shown in February 2025 rankingsView source

12 October 202422 February 2025

5 months

Became champion: 12 October 2024

Won the title by defeating Dmitry Bivol.

First shown in October 2024 rankingsView source

10 October 201912 October 2024

5 years 1 month

Became champion: 10 October 2019

Promoted from regular champion to Super Champion.

First shown in October 2019 rankingsView source

19 November 201621 September 2017

11 months

Became champion: 19 November 2016

Won the title by defeating Sergey Kovalev.

First shown in November 2016 rankingsView source

8 November 2014September 2016

1 year 11 months

Became champion: 8 November 2014

Won the title by defeating Bernard Hopkins.

First shown in November 2014 rankingsView source

19 April 2014September 2014

6 months

Became champion: 19 April 2014

Won the title by defeating Beibut Shumenov.

First shown in April 2014 rankingsView source

Beibut Shumenov

8 October 201319 April 2014

7 months

Became champion: 8 October 2013

Promoted from regular champion to Super Champion.

First shown in October 2013 rankingsView source

15 May 20043 July 2004

3 months

Became champion: 15 May 2004

Won the title by defeating Roy Jones Jr.

First shown in May 2004 rankingsView source

January 200115 May 2004

3 years 5 months

The WBA listed Jones under both world and Super Champion headings around the start of 2001. These monthly reports do not date the Super Champion designation.

First shown in January 2001 rankingsView source

WBA Light Heavyweight - World Champion

David Benavidez

1 February 2025October 2026

1 year 9 months

Became champion: 1 February 2025

Won the title by defeating David Morrell.

First shown in February 2025 rankingsView source

David Morrell

3 August 20241 February 2025

7 months

Became champion: 3 August 2024

Won the title by defeating Radivoje Kalajdzic.

First shown in August 2024 rankingsView source

10 October 20199 July 2021

1 year 10 months

Became champion: 10 October 2019

Promoted from interim champion when Dmitry Bivol became Super Champion.

First shown in October 2019 rankingsView source

14 October 201710 October 2019

2 years 1 month

Became champion: 14 October 2017

Promoted from interim champion after Badou Jack vacated the title.

First shown in October 2017 rankingsView source

Badou Jack

26 August 201723 September 2017

2 months

Became champion: 26 August 2017

Won the title by defeating Nathan Cleverly.

First shown in August 2017 rankingsView source

Nathan Cleverly

1 October 201626 August 2017

11 months

Became champion: 1 October 2016

Won the title by defeating Juergen Braehmer.

First shown in October 2016 rankingsView source

Juergen Braehmer

14 December 2013August 2016

2 years 9 months

Became champion: 14 December 2013

Won the title by defeating Marcus Oliveira.

First shown in December 2013 rankingsView source

Beibut Shumenov

29 January 20108 October 2013

3 years 10 months

Became champion: 29 January 2010

Won the title by defeating Gabriel Campillo.

First shown in January 2010 rankingsView source

Gabriel Campillo

20 June 2009November 2009

6 months

Became champion: 20 June 2009

Won the title by defeating Hugo Hernan Garay.

First shown in June 2009 rankingsView source

Hugo Hernan Garay

3 July 200820 June 2009

1 year

Became champion: 3 July 2008

Won the vacant title by defeating Yuriy Barashian.

First shown in July 2008 rankingsView source

Danny Green

16 December 200725 March 2008

4 months

Became champion: 16 December 2007

Won the title by defeating Stipe Drews.

First shown in December 2007 rankingsView source

Stipe Drews

28 April 2007October 2007

7 months

Became champion: 28 April 2007

Won the title by defeating Silvio Branco.

First shown in April 2007 rankingsView source

Silvio Branco

19 October 200628 April 2007

7 months

Became champion: 19 October 2006

Promoted from interim champion after Fabrice Tiozzo vacated the title.

First shown in October 2006 rankingsView source

Fabrice Tiozzo

20 March 2004July 2006

2 years 5 months

Became champion: 20 March 2004

Won the title by defeating Silvio Branco.

First shown in March 2004 rankingsView source

Silvio Branco

10 October 200320 March 2004

6 months

Became champion: 10 October 2003

Won the title by defeating Mehdi Sahnoune.

First shown in September 2003 rankingsView source

Mehdi Sahnoune

8 March 200310 October 2003

8 months

Became champion: 8 March 2003

Won the title by defeating Bruno Girard.

First shown in March 2003 rankingsView source

Bruno Girard

22 December 20018 March 2003

1 year 4 months

Became champion: 22 December 2001

Won the title by defeating Robert Koon.

First shown in December 2001 rankingsView source

18 July 1998April 2001

2 years 10 months

Became champion: 18 July 1998

Won the title by defeating Lou Del Valle.

First shown in January 2000 rankingsView source

Lou Del Valle

20 September 1997July 1998

11 months

Became champion: 20 September 1997

Won the vacant title by defeating Eddy Smulders.

First shown in rankingsView source

Dariusz Michalczewski

13 June 1997July 1997

2 months

Became champion: 13 June 1997

Won the title by defeating Virgil Hill.

First shown in rankingsView source

Virgil Hill

29 September 1992June 1997

4 years 10 months

Became champion: 29 September 1992

Won the vacant title by defeating Frank Tate.

First shown in rankingsView source

Iran Barkley

20 March 1992May 1992

3 months

Became champion: 20 March 1992

Won the title by defeating Thomas Hearns.

First shown in rankingsView source

Thomas Hearns

3 June 1991March 1992

10 months

Became champion: 3 June 1991

Won the title by defeating Virgil Hill.

First shown in rankingsView source

Virgil Hill

5 September 1987June 1991

3 years 10 months

Became champion: 5 September 1987

Won the title by defeating Leslie Stewart.

First shown in rankingsView source

Leslie Stewart

23 May 1987September 1987

5 months

Became champion: 23 May 1987

Won the title by defeating Marvin Johnson.

First shown in rankingsView source

Marvin Johnson

9 February 1986May 1987

1 year 4 months

Became champion: 9 February 1986

Won the vacant title by defeating Leslie Stewart.

First shown in rankingsView source

18 July 1981November 1985

4 years 5 months

Became champion: 18 July 1981

Won the title by defeating Eddie Mustafa Muhammad.

First shown in rankingsView source

Eddie Mustafa Muhammad

31 March 1980July 1981

1 year 5 months

Became champion: 31 March 1980

Won the title by defeating Marvin Johnson.

First shown in rankingsView source

Marvin Johnson

30 November 1979March 1980

5 months

Became champion: 30 November 1979

Won the title by defeating Víctor Galíndez.

First shown in rankingsView source

Victor Galindez

14 April 1979November 1979

8 months

Became champion: 14 April 1979

Won the title by defeating Mike Rossman.

First shown in rankingsView source

Mike Rossman

15 September 1978April 1979

8 months

Became champion: 15 September 1978

Won the title by defeating Víctor Galíndez.

First shown in rankingsView source

Victor Galindez

7 December 1974September 1978

3 years 10 months

Became champion: 7 December 1974

Won the vacant title by defeating Len Hutchins.

First shown in rankingsView source

7 April 1972September 1974

2 years 6 months

Became champion: 7 April 1972

Won the title by defeating Vicente Rondón.

First shown in rankingsView source

Vicente Rondon

27 February 1971April 1972

1 year 3 months

Became champion: 27 February 1971

Won the vacant title by defeating Jimmy Dupree.

First shown in rankingsView source

24 May 1968December 1970

2 years 8 months

Became champion: 24 May 1968

Won the title by defeating Dick Tiger.

First shown in rankingsView source

Dick Tiger

16 December 1966May 1968

1 year 6 months

Became champion: 16 December 1966

Won the title by defeating José Torres.

First shown in rankingsView source

Jose Torres

30 March 1965December 1966

1 year 10 months

Became champion: 30 March 1965

Won the title by defeating Willie Pastrano.

First shown in rankingsView source

Willie Pastrano

1 June 1963March 1965

1 year 10 months

Became champion: 1 June 1963

Won the title by defeating Harold Johnson.

First shown in rankingsView source

Harold Johnson

NBA / WBA

7 February 1961June 1963

2 years 5 months

Became champion: 7 February 1961

Won the vacant title by defeating Jesse Bowdry.

First shown in rankingsView source

Archie Moore

NBA

17 December 1952October 1960

7 years 11 months

Became champion: 17 December 1952

Won the title by defeating Joey Maxim.

First shown in rankingsView source

Joey Maxim

NBA

24 January 1950December 1952

3 years

Became champion: 24 January 1950

Won the title by defeating Freddie Mills.

First shown in rankingsView source

Freddie Mills

NBA

26 July 1948January 1950

1 year 7 months

Became champion: 26 July 1948

Won the title by defeating Gus Lesnevich.

First shown in rankingsView source

Gus Lesnevich

NBA

24 May 1941July 1948

7 years 3 months

Became champion: 24 May 1941

Won the title by defeating Anton Christoforidis.

First shown in rankingsView source

Anton Christoforidis

NBA

13 January 1941May 1941

5 months

Became champion: 13 January 1941

Won the vacant title by defeating Melio Bettina.

First shown in rankingsView source

Billy Conn

NBA

13 July 1939December 1940

1 year 6 months

Became champion: 13 July 1939

Won the vacant title by defeating Melio Bettina.

First shown in rankingsView source

John Henry Lewis

NBA

31 October 1935June 1939

3 years 9 months

Became champion: 31 October 1935

Won the title by defeating Bob Olin.

First shown in rankingsView source

Bob Olin

NBA

16 November 1934October 1935

1 year

Became champion: 16 November 1934

Won the vacant title by defeating Maxie Rosenbloom.

First shown in rankingsView source

Maxie Rosenbloom

NBA

24 March 1933September 1934

1 year 7 months

Became champion: 24 March 1933

Won the title by defeating Bob Godwin.

First shown in rankingsView source

Bob Godwin

NBA

1 March 1933March 1933

1 month

Became champion: 1 March 1933

The source lists this reign start but does not specify how the title was acquired.

First shown in rankingsView source

George Nichols

NBA

18 March 1932December 1932

10 months

Became champion: 18 March 1932

Won the vacant title by defeating Dave Maier.

First shown in rankingsView source

Maxie Rosenbloom

NBA

16 September 1930June 1931

10 months

Became champion: 16 September 1930

Was recognized as NBA champion at the Omaha convention, separately from his earlier NYSAC title win against Jimmy Slattery.

First shown in September 1930 rankingsView source

Tommy Loughran

NBA

12 December 1927September 1929

1 year 10 months

Became champion: 12 December 1927

Won the title by defeating Jimmy Slattery.

First shown in rankingsView source

Jimmy Slattery

NBA

30 August 1927December 1927

5 months

Became champion: 30 August 1927

Won the vacant title by defeating Maxie Rosenbloom.

First shown in rankingsView source

Jack Delaney

NBA

16 July 1926July 1927

1 year 1 month

Became champion: 16 July 1926

Won the title by defeating Paul Berlenbach.

First shown in rankingsView source

Paul Berlenbach

NBA

30 May 1925July 1926

1 year 3 months

Became champion: 30 May 1925

Won the title by defeating Mike McTigue.

First shown in rankingsView source

Mike McTigue

NBA

17 March 1923May 1925

2 years 3 months

Became champion: 17 March 1923

Won the title by defeating Battling Siki.

First shown in rankingsView source

Battling Siki

NBA

24 September 1922March 1923

7 months

Became champion: 24 September 1922

Won the title by defeating Georges Carpentier.

First shown in rankingsView source

Georges Carpentier

NBA

1921September 1922

1 year 9 months

This record belongs to the NBA recognition era in 1921. The January archive boundary does not establish this boxer’s recognition month or day; the earlier world-title win predates the organization.

First shown in January 1921 rankingsView source

WBA Light Heavyweight - Interim Champion

Albert Ramirez

8 August 2025Current

1 year 2 months

Became champion: 8 August 2025

Won the interim title by stopping Jerome Pampellone in the seventh round in Benghazi, Libya.

First shown in August 2025 rankingsView source

Silvio Branco

27 July 2006August 2006

2 months

Became champion: 27 July 2006

Won the interim title by unanimous decision against Manny Siaca in Milan.

First shown in July 2006 rankingsView source

WBA Light Heavyweight Title History

WBC Light Heavyweight Title History

Champions who have held each belt, from oldest to most recent. Title history only goes back as far as our earliest WBC monthly rankings (February 1963).

WBC Light Heavyweight - World Champion

David Benavidez

7 April 2025Current

1 year 7 months

Became champion: 7 April 2025

Promoted from Interim Champion after Dmitry Bivol vacated the WBC light heavyweight title.

First shown in April 2025 rankingsView source

22 February 20257 April 2025

3 months

Became champion: 22 February 2025

Won the title by defeating Artur Beterbiev.

First shown in March 2025 rankingsView source

18 October 201922 February 2025

5 years 5 months

Became champion: 18 October 2019

Won the title by defeating Oleksandr Gvozdyk.

First shown in January 2020 rankingsView source

Oleksandr Gvozdyk

1 December 2018October 2019

11 months

Became champion: 1 December 2018

Won the title by defeating Adonis Stevenson.

First shown in rankingsView source

Adonis Stevenson

8 June 2013December 2018

5 years 7 months

Became champion: 8 June 2013

Won the title by defeating Chad Dawson.

First shown in January 2014 rankingsView source

28 April 2012June 2013

1 year 3 months

Became champion: 28 April 2012

Won the title by defeating Bernard Hopkins.

First shown in rankingsView source

21 May 2011April 2012

1 year

Became champion: 21 May 2011

Won the title by defeating Jean Pascal.

First shown in rankingsView source

19 June 2009May 2011

2 years

Became champion: 19 June 2009

Won the title by defeating Adrian Diaconu.

First shown in rankingsView source

19 June 2009July 2010

1 year 2 months

Became champion: 19 June 2009

Won the title by defeating Adrian Diaconu.

First shown in August 2009 rankingsView source

Adrian Diaconu

11 July 2008June 2009

1 year

Became champion: 11 July 2008

Promoted from interim champion after Chad Dawson vacated the title.

First shown in August 2008 rankingsView source

3 February 200711 July 2008

1 year 6 months

Became champion: 3 February 2007

Won the title by defeating Tomasz Adamek.

First shown in rankingsView source

Tomasz Adamek

21 May 2005February 2007

1 year 10 months

Became champion: 21 May 2005

Won the vacant title by defeating Paul Briggs.

First shown in rankingsView source

15 May 2004November 2004

7 months

Became champion: 15 May 2004

Won the title by defeating Roy Jones Jr.

First shown in rankingsView source

8 November 2003May 2004

7 months

Became champion: 8 November 2003

Won the title by defeating Antonio Tarver.

First shown in rankingsView source

26 April 2003November 2003

8 months

Became champion: 26 April 2003

Won the vacant title by defeating Montell Griffin.

First shown in rankingsView source

June 1998April 2003

4 years 11 months

The WBC restored Jones as champion in late June 1998. The court record documents that reversal without an exact day, so his earlier Griffin win is not substituted.

First shown in June 1998 rankingsView source

Graciano Rocchigiani

21 March 1998June 1998

4 months

Became champion: 21 March 1998

Won the vacant title by defeating Michael Nunn.

First shown in rankingsView source

7 August 1997November 1997

4 months

Became champion: 7 August 1997

Won the title by defeating Montell Griffin.

First shown in rankingsView source

Montell Griffin

21 March 1997August 1997

6 months

Became champion: 21 March 1997

Won the title by defeating Roy Jones Jr.

First shown in rankingsView source

13 January 1997March 1997

3 months

Became champion: 13 January 1997

Was promoted from interim champion to WBC Light Heavyweight Champion.

First shown in rankingsView source

Fabrice Tiozzo

16 June 1995January 1997

1 year 8 months

Became champion: 16 June 1995

Won the title by defeating Mike McCallum.

First shown in rankingsView source

Mike McCallum

23 July 1994June 1995

1 year

Became champion: 23 July 1994

Won the title by defeating Jeff Harding.

First shown in rankingsView source

Jeff Harding

11 September 1991July 1994

2 years 11 months

Became champion: 11 September 1991

Won the title by defeating Dennis Andries.

First shown in rankingsView source

Dennis Andries

28 July 1990September 1991

1 year 3 months

Became champion: 28 July 1990

Won the title by defeating Jeff Harding.

First shown in rankingsView source

Jeff Harding

24 June 1989July 1990

1 year 2 months

Became champion: 24 June 1989

Won the title by defeating Dennis Andries.

First shown in rankingsView source

Dennis Andries

21 February 1989June 1989

5 months

Became champion: 21 February 1989

Won the vacant title by defeating Tony Willis.

First shown in rankingsView source

Sugar Ray Leonard

7 November 1988November 1988

1 month

Became champion: 7 November 1988

Won the title by defeating Donny Lalonde.

First shown in rankingsView source

Donny Lalonde

27 November 1987November 1988

1 year 1 month

Became champion: 27 November 1987

Won the vacant title by defeating Eddie Davis.

First shown in rankingsView source

Thomas Hearns

7 March 1987August 1987

6 months

Became champion: 7 March 1987

Won the title by defeating Dennis Andries.

First shown in rankingsView source

Dennis Andries

30 April 1986March 1987

1 year

Became champion: 30 April 1986

Won the title by defeating J. B. Williamson.

First shown in rankingsView source

J. B. Williamson

10 December 1985April 1986

5 months

Became champion: 10 December 1985

Won the vacant title by defeating Prince Mama Mohammed.

First shown in rankingsView source

18 March 1983October 1985

2 years 8 months

Became champion: 18 March 1983

Won the title by defeating Dwight Muhammad Qawi.

First shown in rankingsView source

Dwight Muhammad Qawi

19 December 1981March 1983

1 year 4 months

Became champion: 19 December 1981

Won the title by defeating Matthew Saad Muhammad.

First shown in rankingsView source

Matthew Saad Muhammad

22 April 1979December 1981

2 years 9 months

Became champion: 22 April 1979

Won the title by defeating Marvin Johnson.

First shown in rankingsView source

Marvin Johnson

2 December 1978April 1979

5 months

Became champion: 2 December 1978

Won the title by defeating Mate Parlov.

First shown in rankingsView source

Mate Parlov

8 January 1978December 1978

1 year

Became champion: 8 January 1978

Won the title by defeating Miguel Ángel Cuello.

First shown in rankingsView source

Miguel Angel Cuello

21 May 1977January 1978

9 months

Became champion: 21 May 1977

Won the vacant title by defeating Jesse Burnett.

First shown in rankingsView source

John Conteh

1 October 1974May 1977

2 years 8 months

Became champion: 1 October 1974

Won the vacant title by defeating Jorge Ahumada.

First shown in rankingsView source

24 May 1968August 1974

6 years 4 months

Became champion: 24 May 1968

Won the title by defeating Dick Tiger.

First shown in rankingsView source

Dick Tiger

16 December 1966May 1968

1 year 6 months

Became champion: 16 December 1966

Won the title by defeating José Torres.

First shown in rankingsView source

Jose Torres

30 March 1965December 1966

1 year 10 months

Became champion: 30 March 1965

Won the title by defeating Willie Pastrano.

First shown in rankingsView source

Willie Pastrano

1 June 1963March 1965

1 year 10 months

Became champion: 1 June 1963

Won the title by defeating Harold Johnson.

First shown in rankingsView source

Harold Johnson

14 February 1963June 1963

5 months

Became champion: 14 February 1963

Was recognized as the inaugural WBC champion when the organization was founded, while already holding the world championship.

First shown in February 1963 rankingsView source

WBC Light Heavyweight - Interim Champion

David Benavidez

15 June 20247 April 2025

11 months

Became champion: 15 June 2024

Won the vacant interim title by unanimous decision against Oleksandr Gvozdyk in Las Vegas.

First shown in July 2024 rankingsView source

WBC Light Heavyweight Title History

IBF Light Heavyweight Title History

Champions who have held each belt, from oldest to most recent. Title history only goes back as far as our earliest IBF monthly rankings (February 1984).

IBF Light Heavyweight - World Champion

22 February 2025Current

1 year 9 months

Became champion: 22 February 2025

Won the title by defeating Artur Beterbiev by majority decision in their rematch.

First shown in February 2025 rankingsView source

11 November 201722 February 2025

7 years 4 months

Became champion: 11 November 2017

Won the vacant title by defeating Enrico Kolling.

First shown in November 2017 rankingsView source

19 November 201621 September 2017

11 months

Became champion: 19 November 2016

Won the title by defeating Sergey Kovalev.

First shown in November 2016 rankingsView source

8 November 201419 November 2016

2 years 1 month

Became champion: 8 November 2014

Won the title by defeating Bernard Hopkins.

First shown in December 2014 rankingsView source

9 March 20138 November 2014

1 year 9 months

Became champion: 9 March 2013

Won the title by defeating Tavoris Cloud.

First shown in March 2013 rankingsView source

Tavoris Cloud

28 August 20099 March 2013

3 years 8 months

Became champion: 28 August 2009

Won the vacant title by defeating Clinton Woods.

First shown in September 2009 rankingsView source

11 October 200827 May 2009

8 months

Became champion: 11 October 2008

Won the title by defeating Antonio Tarver.

First shown in November 2008 rankingsView source

12 April 200811 October 2008

7 months

Became champion: 12 April 2008

Won the title by defeating Clinton Woods.

First shown in May 2008 rankingsView source

Clinton Woods

4 March 200512 April 2008

3 years 2 months

Became champion: 4 March 2005

Won the vacant title by defeating Rico Hoye.

First shown in December 2005 rankingsView source

Glen Johnson

6 February 2004November 2004

10 months

Became champion: 6 February 2004

Won the vacant title by defeating Clinton Woods.

First shown in rankingsView source

26 April 2003October 2003

7 months

Became champion: 26 April 2003

Won the vacant title by defeating Montell Griffin.

First shown in rankingsView source

5 June 1999November 2002

3 years 6 months

Became champion: 5 June 1999

Won the title by defeating Reggie Johnson.

First shown in rankingsView source

Reggie Johnson

6 February 1998June 1999

1 year 5 months

Became champion: 6 February 1998

Won the title by defeating William Guthrie.

First shown in rankingsView source

William Guthrie

19 July 1997February 1998

8 months

Became champion: 19 July 1997

Won the vacant title by defeating Darrin Allen.

First shown in rankingsView source

Dariusz Michalczewski

13 June 1997June 1997

1 month

Became champion: 13 June 1997

Won the title by defeating Virgil Hill.

First shown in rankingsView source

Virgil Hill

23 November 1996June 1997

8 months

Became champion: 23 November 1996

Won the title by defeating Henry Maske.

First shown in rankingsView source

Henry Maske

20 March 1993November 1996

3 years 9 months

Became champion: 20 March 1993

Won the title by defeating Charles Williams.

First shown in rankingsView source

Charles Williams

29 October 1987March 1993

5 years 6 months

Became champion: 29 October 1987

Won the title by defeating Bobby Czyz.

First shown in rankingsView source

Bobby Czyz

6 September 1986October 1987

1 year 2 months

Became champion: 6 September 1986

Won the title by defeating Slobodan Kačar.

First shown in rankingsView source

Slobodan Kacar

21 December 1985September 1986

10 months

Became champion: 21 December 1985

Won the vacant title by defeating Eddie Mustafa Muhammad.

First shown in rankingsView source

25 February 1984November 1985

1 year 10 months

Became champion: 25 February 1984

Won the title by defeating Eddie Davis.

First shown in rankingsView source

IBF Light Heavyweight Title History

WBO Light Heavyweight Title History

Champions who have held each belt, from oldest to most recent. Title history only goes back as far as our earliest WBO monthly rankings (May 1991).

WBO Light Heavyweight - Super Champion

16 January 201519 November 2016

1 year 11 months

Became champion: 16 January 2015

Awarded WBO Super Champion status at a ceremony in San Juan while already holding its world title.

First shown in February 2015 rankingsView source

WBO Light Heavyweight - World Champion

22 February 2025Current

1 year 9 months

Became champion: 22 February 2025

Won the title by defeating Artur Beterbiev by majority decision in their rematch.

First shown in February 2025 rankingsView source

18 June 202222 February 2025

2 years 9 months

Became champion: 18 June 2022

Won the title by defeating Joe Smith Jr.

First shown in July 2022 rankingsView source

Joe Smith Jr

10 April 202118 June 2022

1 year 3 months

Became champion: 10 April 2021

Won the vacant title by defeating Maxim Vlasov.

First shown in April 2021 rankingsView source

Saul Alvarez

2 November 201917 December 2019

2 months

Became champion: 2 November 2019

Won the title by defeating Sergey Kovalev.

First shown in November 2019 rankingsView source

2 February 20192 November 2019

10 months

Became champion: 2 February 2019

Won the title by defeating Eleider Alvarez.

First shown in February 2019 rankingsView source

Eleider Alvarez

4 August 20182 February 2019

7 months

Became champion: 4 August 2018

Won the title by defeating Sergey Kovalev.

First shown in August 2018 rankingsView source

25 November 20174 August 2018

10 months

Became champion: 25 November 2017

Won the vacant title by defeating Vyacheslav Shabranskyy.

First shown in December 2017 rankingsView source

19 November 201621 September 2017

11 months

Became champion: 19 November 2016

Won the title by defeating Sergey Kovalev.

First shown in December 2016 rankingsView source

18 August 201316 January 2015

1 year 6 months

Became champion: 18 August 2013

Won the title by defeating Nathan Cleverly.

First shown in August 2013 rankingsView source

Nathan Cleverly

19 May 201118 August 2013

2 years 4 months

Became champion: 19 May 2011

Promoted from interim champion after Juergen Braehmer was stripped.

First shown in June 2011 rankingsView source

Juergen Braehmer

13 November 200919 May 2011

1 year 7 months

Became champion: 13 November 2009

Promoted from interim champion after Zsolt Erdei vacated the title.

First shown in November 2009 rankingsView source

Zsolt Erdei

17 January 200413 November 2009

5 years 11 months

Became champion: 17 January 2004

Won the title by defeating Julio Gonzalez.

First shown in February 2004 rankingsView source

Julio Gonzalez

18 October 200317 January 2004

4 months

Became champion: 18 October 2003

Won the WBO title by defeating Dariusz Michalczewski by split decision in Hamburg.

First shown in November 2003 rankingsView source

Dariusz Michalczewski

10 September 199418 October 2003

9 years 2 months

Became champion: 10 September 1994

Won the title by defeating Leeonzer Barber.

First shown in January 2000 rankingsView source

Leeonzer Barber

9 May 1991September 1994

3 years 5 months

Became champion: 9 May 1991

Won the vacant title by defeating Tom Collins.

First shown in rankingsView source

WBO Light Heavyweight - Interim Champion

Callum Smith

22 February 2025Current

1 year 8 months

Became champion: 22 February 2025

Won the interim title by defeating Joshua Buatsi by unanimous decision.

First shown in February 2025 rankingsView source

Joshua Buatsi

21 September 202422 February 2025

6 months

Became champion: 21 September 2024

Won the vacant interim title by split decision against Willy Hutchinson at Wembley.

First shown in September 2024 rankingsView source

Nathan Cleverly

11 December 201019 May 2011

6 months

Became champion: 11 December 2010

Won the vacant interim title by unanimous decision against Nadjib Mohammedi in Liverpool.

First shown in December 2010 rankingsView source

Juergen Braehmer

22 August 200913 November 2009

4 months

Became champion: 22 August 2009

Won the vacant interim title by stopping Aleksy Kuziemski in the eleventh round in Budapest.

First shown in September 2009 rankingsView source

WBO Light Heavyweight Title History

RING Light Heavyweight Title History

Champions who have held each belt, from oldest to most recent. Title history only goes back as far as our earliest RING monthly rankings (January 1924).

RING Light Heavyweight - World Champion

22 February 2025Current

1 year 9 months

Became champion: 22 February 2025

Won the Ring light heavyweight title by majority decision over Artur Beterbiev in their rematch in Riyadh.

First shown in March 2025 rankingsView source

12 October 202422 February 2025

5 months

Became champion: 12 October 2024

Won the title by defeating Dmitry Bivol.

First shown in October 2024 rankingsView source

17 June 2017August 2017

3 months

Became champion: 17 June 2017

Won the vacant title by defeating Sergey Kovalev.

First shown in June 2017 rankingsView source

Adonis Stevenson

8 June 201323 November 2015

2 years 6 months

Became champion: 8 June 2013

Won the title by defeating Chad Dawson.

First shown in June 2013 rankingsView source

28 April 20128 June 2013

1 year 3 months

Became champion: 28 April 2012

Won the title by defeating Bernard Hopkins.

First shown in May 2012 rankingsView source

21 May 201128 April 2012

1 year

Became champion: 21 May 2011

Won the title by defeating Jean Pascal.

First shown in May 2011 rankingsView source

14 August 201021 May 2011

10 months

Became champion: 14 August 2010

Won the vacant title by defeating Chad Dawson.

First shown in August 2010 rankingsView source

Joe Calzaghe

19 April 20085 February 2009

11 months

Became champion: 19 April 2008

Won the title by defeating Bernard Hopkins.

First shown in April 2008 rankingsView source

10 June 200619 April 2008

1 year 11 months

Became champion: 10 June 2006

Won the title by defeating Antonio Tarver.

First shown in June 2006 rankingsView source

18 June 200510 June 2006

1 year 1 month

Became champion: 18 June 2005

Won the title by defeating Glen Johnson.

First shown in July 2005 rankingsView source

Glen Johnson

18 December 200418 June 2005

7 months

Became champion: 18 December 2004

Won the title by defeating Antonio Tarver.

First shown in December 2004 rankingsView source

15 May 200418 December 2004

8 months

Became champion: 15 May 2004

Won the title by defeating Roy Jones Jr.

First shown in May 2004 rankingsView source

2 December 200115 May 2004

2 years 6 months

Became champion: 2 December 2001

Awarded the vacant title.

First shown in December 2001 rankingsView source

18 March 1983October 1985

2 years 8 months

Became champion: 18 March 1983

Won the title by defeating Dwight Muhammad Qawi.

First shown in March 1983 rankingsView source

Dwight Muhammad Qawi

19 December 198118 March 1983

1 year 4 months

Became champion: 19 December 1981

Won the title by defeating Matthew Saad Muhammad.

First shown in December 1981 rankingsView source

Matthew Saad Muhammad

30 November 197919 December 1981

2 years 2 months

Became champion: 30 November 1979

Awarded the vacant title.

First shown in November 1979 rankingsView source

Victor Galindez

July 197930 November 1979

5 months

The Ring ranking archive lists Galindez as champion from July 1979. His April WBA title win does not establish the separate Ring recognition day.

First shown in July 1979 rankingsView source