Middleweight boxing rankings - September 1961

9 April 20229 March 2023

334 days

Became champion: 9 April 2022

Won the title by defeating Ryota Murata.

First shown in April 2022 rankingsView source

Ryota Murata

5 January 20219 April 2022

459 days

Became champion: 5 January 2021

Promoted to WBA Super Champion by the Championships Committee resolution issued on 5 January 2021.

First shown in January 2021 rankingsView source

15 September 20185 January 2021

843 days

Became champion: 15 September 2018

Won the title by defeating Gennadiy Golovkin.

First shown in September 2018 rankingsView source

3 June 201415 September 2018

1,565 days

Became champion: 3 June 2014

Promoted to this title.

First shown in May 2014 rankingsView source

Daniel Geale

1 September 20122 November 2012

62 days

Became champion: 1 September 2012

Won the title by defeating Felix Sturm.

First shown in September 2012 rankingsView source

24 March 2010July 2012

Became champion: 24 March 2010

Promoted to this title.

First shown in June 2010 rankingsView source

16 July 2005November 2006

Became champion: 16 July 2005

Won the title by defeating Bernard Hopkins.

First shown in July 2005 rankingsView source

29 September 2001May 2005

Became champion: 29 September 2001

Won the title by defeating Felix Trinidad.

First shown in September 2001 rankingsView source

WBA Middleweight - World Champion

Erislandy Lara

1 May 2021Current

Became champion: 1 May 2021

Won the WBA middleweight title by knocking out Thomas LaManna in the first round in Carson, California.

First shown in May 2021 rankingsView source

Ryota Murata

12 July 20195 January 2021

543 days

Became champion: 12 July 2019

Won the title by defeating Rob Brant.

Rob Brant

20 October 2018June 2019

Became champion: 20 October 2018

Won the title by defeating Ryōta Murata.

First shown in October 2018 rankingsView source

Ryota Murata

22 October 201720 October 2018

363 days

Became champion: 22 October 2017

Won the title by defeating Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam.

First shown in October 2017 rankingsView source

20 May 201722 October 2017

155 days

Became champion: 20 May 2017

Won the title by defeating Ryota Murata.

First shown in May 2017 rankingsView source

Daniel Jacobs

9 August 2014March 2017

Became champion: 9 August 2014

Won the title by defeating Jarrod Fletcher.

First shown in August 2014 rankingsView source

14 October 20103 June 2014

1,328 days

Became champion: 14 October 2010

Was elevated from interim to WBA world champion, separately from his 14 August interim-title win against Milton Nunez.

First shown in September 2010 rankingsView source

28 April 2007February 2010

Became champion: 28 April 2007

Won the title by defeating Javier Castillejo.

First shown in April 2007 rankingsView source

Javier Castillejo

22 February 200728 April 2007

65 days

Became champion: 22 February 2007

Was reinstated as WBA middleweight champion by the 22 February 2007 notice after Mariano Carrera’s second anti-doping sample tested positive, this was a reinstatement, not a new fight win.

First shown in January 2007 rankingsView source

Mariano Carrera

2 December 200622 February 2007

82 days

Became champion: 2 December 2006

Initially awarded the title against Javier Castillejo, the WBA later withdrew recognition and reinstated Castillejo after both anti-doping samples tested positive.

First shown in November 2006 rankingsView source

Javier Castillejo

15 July 20062 December 2006

140 days

Became champion: 15 July 2006

Won the title by defeating Felix Sturm.

First shown in July 2006 rankingsView source

11 March 200615 July 2006

126 days

Became champion: 11 March 2006

Won the title by defeating Maselino Masoe.

First shown in March 2006 rankingsView source

Maselino Masoe

1 May 2004January 2006

Became champion: 1 May 2004

Won the title by defeating Evans Ashira.

First shown in May 2004 rankingsView source

William Joppy

17 November 2001December 2003

Became champion: 17 November 2001

Won the title by defeating Howard Eastman.

First shown in November 2001 rankingsView source

Felix Trinidad

12 May 2001September 2001

Became champion: 12 May 2001

Won the title by defeating William Joppy.

First shown in May 2001 rankingsView source

William Joppy

31 January 199812 May 2001

1,197 days

Became champion: 31 January 1998

Won the title by defeating Julio César Green.

First shown in January 2000 rankingsView source

Julio Cesar Green

23 August 1997January 1998

Became champion: 23 August 1997

Won the title by defeating William Joppy.

William Joppy

24 June 1996August 1997

Became champion: 24 June 1996

Won the title by defeating Shinji Takehara.

Shinji Takehara

19 December 1995June 1996

Became champion: 19 December 1995

Won the title by defeating Jorge Castro.

Jorge Castro

12 August 1994December 1995

Became champion: 12 August 1994

Won the vacant title by defeating Reggie Johnson.

John David Jackson

1 October 1993May 1994

Became champion: 1 October 1993

Won the title by defeating Reggie Johnson.

Reggie Johnson

22 April 1992October 1993

Became champion: 22 April 1992

Won the vacant title by defeating Steve Collins.

Mike McCallum

10 May 1989December 1991

Became champion: 10 May 1989

Won the vacant title by defeating Herol Graham.

Sumbu Kalambay

23 October 1987March 1989

Became champion: 23 October 1987

Won the vacant title by defeating Iran Barkley.

27 September 1980February 1987

Became champion: 27 September 1980

Won the title by defeating Alan Minter.

Alan Minter

16 March 1980September 1980

Became champion: 16 March 1980

Won the title by defeating Vito Antuofermo.

Vito Antuofermo

30 June 1979March 1980

Became champion: 30 June 1979

Won the title by defeating Hugo Corro.

Hugo Corro

22 April 1978June 1979

Became champion: 22 April 1978

Won the title by defeating Rodrigo Valdéz.

5 November 1977April 1978

Became champion: 5 November 1977

Won the vacant title by defeating Bennie Briscoe.

7 November 1970August 1977

Became champion: 7 November 1970

Won the title by defeating Nino Benvenuti.

4 March 1968November 1970

Became champion: 4 March 1968

Won the title by defeating Emile Griffith.

29 September 1967March 1968

Became champion: 29 September 1967

Won the title by defeating Nino Benvenuti.

17 April 1967September 1967

Became champion: 17 April 1967

Won the title by defeating Emile Griffith.

25 April 1966April 1967

Became champion: 25 April 1966

Won the title by defeating Dick Tiger.

21 October 1965April 1966

Became champion: 21 October 1965

Won the title by defeating Joey Giardello.

Joey Giardello

7 December 1963October 1965

Became champion: 7 December 1963

Won the title by defeating Dick Tiger.

23 October 1962December 1963

Became champion: 23 October 1962

Won the title by defeating Gene Fullmer.

Gene Fullmer

NBA / WBA

28 August 1959October 1962

Became champion: 28 August 1959

Won the vacant title by defeating Carmen Basilio.

NBA

25 March 1958May 1959

Became champion: 25 March 1958

Won the title by defeating Carmen Basilio.

Carmen Basilio

NBA

23 September 1957March 1958

Became champion: 23 September 1957

Won the title by defeating Sugar Ray Robinson.

NBA

1 May 1957September 1957

Became champion: 1 May 1957

Won the title by defeating Gene Fullmer.

Gene Fullmer

NBA

2 January 1957May 1957

Became champion: 2 January 1957

Won the title by defeating Sugar Ray Robinson.

NBA

9 December 1955January 1957

Became champion: 9 December 1955

Won the title by defeating Bobo Olson.

Carl Olson

NBA

21 October 1953December 1955

Became champion: 21 October 1953

Won the vacant title by defeating Randy Turpin.

NBA

12 September 1951December 1952

Became champion: 12 September 1951

Won the title by defeating Randolph Turpin.

Randolph Turpin

NBA

10 July 1951September 1951

Became champion: 10 July 1951

Won the title by defeating Sugar Ray Robinson.

NBA

14 February 1951July 1951

Became champion: 14 February 1951

Won the title by defeating Jake LaMotta.

Jake Lamotta

NBA

16 June 1949February 1951

Became champion: 16 June 1949

Won the title by defeating Marcel Cerdan.

Marcel Cerdan

NBA

21 September 1948June 1949

Became champion: 21 September 1948

Won the title by defeating Tony Zale.

NBA

10 June 1948September 1948

Became champion: 10 June 1948

Won the title by defeating Rocky Graziano.

Rocky Graziano

NBA

16 July 1947June 1948

Became champion: 16 July 1947

Won the title by defeating Tony Zale.

NBA

19 July 1940July 1947

Became champion: 19 July 1940

Won the title by defeating Al Hostak.

Al Hostak

NBA

27 June 1939July 1940

Became champion: 27 June 1939

Won the title by defeating Solly Krieger.

Solly Krieger

NBA

1 November 1938June 1939

Became champion: 1 November 1938

Won the title by defeating Al Hostak.

Al Hostak

NBA

26 July 1938November 1938

Became champion: 26 July 1938

Won the title by defeating Freddie Steele.

Freddie Steele

NBA

11 July 1936July 1938

Became champion: 11 July 1936

Won the title by defeating Eddie Babe Risko.

Eddie Babe Risko

NBA

19 September 1935July 1936

Became champion: 19 September 1935

Won the title by defeating Teddy Yarosz.

Teddy Yarosz

NBA

11 September 1934September 1935

Became champion: 11 September 1934

Won the title by defeating Vince Dundee.

Vince Dundee

NBA

30 October 1933September 1934

Became champion: 30 October 1933

Won the title by defeating Lou Brouillard.

Lou Brouillard

NBA

19 September 1933October 1933

Became champion: 19 September 1933

Was awarded the NBA Middleweight title.

Marcel Thil

NBA

11 June 1932September 1933

Became champion: 11 June 1932

Won the title by defeating Gorilla Jones.

Gorilla Jones

NBA

25 January 1932June 1932

Became champion: 25 January 1932

Won the vacant title by defeating Oddone Piazza.

Mickey Walker

NBA

3 December 1926June 1931

Became champion: 3 December 1926

Won the title by defeating Tiger Flowers.

Tiger Flowers

NBA

26 February 1926December 1926

Became champion: 26 February 1926

Won the title by defeating Harry Greb.

First shown in February 1926 rankingsView source

Harry Greb

NBA

31 August 192326 February 1926

910 days

Became champion: 31 August 1923

Won the title by defeating Johnny Wilson.

Johnny Wilson

NBA

1921August 1923

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 Middleweight - Interim Champion

30 October 2010November 2011

Became champion: 30 October 2010

Won the vacant interim WBA title by defeating Avtandil Khurtsidze by unanimous decision in Paris.

First shown in October 2010 rankingsView source

Explore the middleweight title-change timeline across all organizations

14 August 201014 October 2010

61 days

Became champion: 14 August 2010

Won the vacant interim WBA title by stopping Milton Nunez in the first round in Panama City.

First shown in August 2010 rankingsView source

WBA Middleweight Title History

WBC Middleweight Title History

Champions who have held each belt, most recent first. Exact dates are shown where verified; month-only dates reflect available records. Available history begins in August 1963, combining ranking archives and sourced title records.

WBC Middleweight - World Champion

Carlos Adames

7 May 2024Current

Became champion: 7 May 2024

Promoted from Interim Champion by the WBC Board of Governors as the organisation reviewed Jermall Charlo's situation and supported his mental wellbeing.

First shown in May 2024 rankingsView source

Jermall Charlo

26 June 20197 May 2024

1,777 days

Became champion: 26 June 2019

Was elevated from interim champion when Saul Alvarez was designated WBC Franchise Champion.

First shown in June 2019 rankingsView source

15 September 201826 June 2019

284 days

Became champion: 15 September 2018

Won the title by defeating Gennadiy Golovkin.

First shown in September 2018 rankingsView source

18 May 201615 September 2018

850 days

Became champion: 18 May 2016

Promoted from Interim Champion after Canelo Alvarez vacated the WBC title.

First shown in May 2016 rankingsView source

21 November 201518 May 2016

179 days

Became champion: 21 November 2015

Won the title by defeating Miguel Cotto.

First shown in December 2015 rankingsView source

Miguel Cotto

7 June 201417 November 2015

528 days

Became champion: 7 June 2014

Won the title by defeating Sergio Martínez.

First shown in June 2014 rankingsView source

15 September 20127 June 2014

630 days

Became champion: 15 September 2012

Won the title by defeating Julio César Chávez Jr.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr

4 June 2011September 2012

Became champion: 4 June 2011

Won the title by defeating Sebastian Zbik.

Sebastian Zbik

18 January 2011June 2011

Became champion: 18 January 2011

Became WBC Middleweight Champion after Sergio Martinez was stripped for not facing his mandatory challenger.

First shown in January 2011 rankingsView source

17 April 201018 January 2011

276 days

Became champion: 17 April 2010

Won the title by defeating Kelly Pavlik.

Kelly Pavlik

29 September 2007April 2010

Became champion: 29 September 2007

Won the title by defeating Jermain Taylor.

First shown in August 2008 rankingsView source

16 July 2005September 2007

Became champion: 16 July 2005

Won the title by defeating Bernard Hopkins.

14 April 2001July 2005

Became champion: 14 April 2001

Won the title by defeating Keith Holmes.

Keith Holmes

24 April 1999April 2001

Became champion: 24 April 1999

Won the title by defeating Hacine Cherifi.

Hacine Cherifi

2 May 1998April 1999

Became champion: 2 May 1998

Won the title by defeating Keith Holmes.

Keith Holmes

16 March 1996May 1998

Became champion: 16 March 1996

Won the title by defeating Quincy Taylor.

Quincy Taylor

19 August 1995March 1996

Became champion: 19 August 1995

Won the title by defeating Julian Jackson.

Julian Jackson

17 March 1995August 1995

Became champion: 17 March 1995

Won the vacant title by defeating Agostino Cardamone.

Gerald McClellan

8 May 1993January 1995

Became champion: 8 May 1993

Won the title by defeating Julian Jackson.

Julian Jackson

24 November 1990May 1993

Became champion: 24 November 1990

Won the vacant title by defeating Herol Graham.

Roberto Duran

24 February 1989January 1990

Became champion: 24 February 1989

Won the title by defeating Iran Barkley.

Iran Barkley

6 June 1988February 1989

Became champion: 6 June 1988

Won the title by defeating Thomas Hearns.

Thomas Hearns

29 October 1987June 1988

Became champion: 29 October 1987

Won the vacant title by defeating Juan Roldán.

Sugar Ray Leonard

6 April 1987May 1987

Became champion: 6 April 1987

Won the title by defeating Marvin Hagler.

27 September 1980April 1987

Became champion: 27 September 1980

Won the title by defeating Alan Minter.

Alan Minter

16 March 1980September 1980

Became champion: 16 March 1980

Won the title by defeating Vito Antuofermo.

Vito Antuofermo

30 June 1979March 1980

Became champion: 30 June 1979

Won the title by defeating Hugo Corro.

Hugo Corro

22 April 1978June 1979

Became champion: 22 April 1978

Won the title by defeating Rodrigo Valdéz.

5 November 1977April 1978

Became champion: 5 November 1977

Won the vacant title by defeating Bennie Briscoe.

26 June 1976August 1977

Became champion: 26 June 1976

Won the title by defeating Rodrigo Valdéz.

25 May 1974June 1976

Became champion: 25 May 1974

Won the vacant title by defeating Bennie Briscoe.

7 November 1970April 1974

Became champion: 7 November 1970

Won the title by defeating Nino Benvenuti.

4 March 1968November 1970

Became champion: 4 March 1968

Won the title by defeating Emile Griffith.

25 April 1966March 1968

Became champion: 25 April 1966

Won the title by defeating Dick Tiger.

21 October 1965April 1966

Became champion: 21 October 1965

Won the title by defeating Joey Giardello.

Joey Giardello

7 December 1963October 1965

Became champion: 7 December 1963

Won the title by defeating Dick Tiger.

10 August 1963December 1963

Became champion: 10 August 1963

Won the title by defeating Gene Fullmer.

WBC Middleweight - Interim Champion

Jesus Alejandro Ramos Jr

6 December 2025Current

Became champion: 6 December 2025

Won the interim WBC title by defeating Shane Mosley Jr by unanimous decision in San Antonio.

First shown in February 2026 rankingsView source

Carlos Adames

8 October 20227 May 2024

577 days

Became champion: 8 October 2022

Won the vacant interim WBC title by stopping Juan Macias Montiel in the third round.

First shown in December 2022 rankingsView source

Explore the middleweight title-change timeline across all organizations

18 October 201418 May 2016

578 days

Became champion: 18 October 2014

Won the vacant interim WBC title by knocking out Marco Antonio Rubio in the second round, after Rubio lost the belt on the scales.

First shown in May 2015 rankingsView source

Marco Antonio Rubio

5 April 2014June 2014

Became champion: 5 April 2014

Won the vacant interim WBC title by knocking out Domenico Spada in the tenth round.

First shown in May 2014 rankingsView source

Sebastian Zbik

11 July 2009August 2010

Became champion: 11 July 2009

Won the interim WBC title by defeating Domenico Spada by unanimous decision.

First shown in August 2010 rankingsView source

WBC Middleweight Title History

IBF Middleweight Title History

Champions who have held each belt, most recent first. Exact dates are shown where verified; month-only dates reflect available records. Available history begins in May 1983, combining ranking archives and sourced title records.

IBF Middleweight - World Champion

Aaron McKenna

8 August 2026Current

Became champion: 8 August 2026

Won the vacant IBF title by defeating Etinosa Oliha by unanimous decision at the 3Arena in Dublin.

First shown in August 2026 rankingsView source

Zhanibek Alimkhanuly

14 October 202310 March 2026

878 days

Became champion: 14 October 2023

Won the title by defeating Vincenzo Gualtieri.

First shown in October 2023 rankingsView source

Vincenzo Gualtieri

1 July 202314 October 2023

105 days

Became champion: 1 July 2023

Won the title by defeating Esquiva Falcao.

First shown in July 2023 rankingsView source

5 October 20196 February 2023

1,220 days

Became champion: 5 October 2019

Won the title by defeating Sergiy Derevyanchenko.

First shown in October 2019 rankingsView source

4 May 20191 August 2019

89 days

Became champion: 4 May 2019

Won the title by unanimous decision over Daniel Jacobs.

First shown in May 2019 rankingsView source

Daniel Jacobs

27 October 2018March 2019

Became champion: 27 October 2018

Won the title by defeating Sergiy Derevyanchenko.

First shown in October 2018 rankingsView source

17 October 20156 June 2018

963 days

Became champion: 17 October 2015

Won the title by defeating David Lemieux.

First shown in October 2015 rankingsView source

David Lemieux

20 June 201517 October 2015

119 days

Became champion: 20 June 2015

Won the title by defeating Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam.

First shown in June 2015 rankingsView source

8 October 20145 February 2015

120 days

Became champion: 8 October 2014

Won the title by defeating Sam Soliman.

First shown in October 2014 rankingsView source

Sam Soliman

31 May 20148 October 2014

130 days

Became champion: 31 May 2014

Won the title by defeating Felix Sturm.

First shown in May 2014 rankingsView source

7 December 201331 May 2014

175 days

Became champion: 7 December 2013

Won the title by defeating Darren Barker.

First shown in December 2013 rankingsView source

Darren Barker

17 August 2013October 2013

Became champion: 17 August 2013

Won the title by defeating Daniel Geale.

First shown in August 2013 rankingsView source

Daniel Geale

7 May 201117 August 2013

833 days

Became champion: 7 May 2011

Won the title by defeating Sebastian Sylvester.

First shown in May 2011 rankingsView source

Sebastian Sylvester

19 September 20097 May 2011

595 days

Became champion: 19 September 2009

Won the title by defeating Giovanni Lorenzo.

First shown in September 2009 rankingsView source

Arthur Abraham

20 December 200511 July 2009

1,299 days

Became champion: 20 December 2005

Won the title by defeating Kingsley Ikeke.

First shown in December 2005 rankingsView source

16 July 2005October 2005

Became champion: 16 July 2005

Won the title by defeating Bernard Hopkins.

29 April 1995July 2005

Became champion: 29 April 1995

Won the vacant title by defeating Segundo Mercado.

Roy Jones Jr

22 May 1993August 1994

Became champion: 22 May 1993

Won the vacant title by defeating Bernard Hopkins.

James Toney

10 May 1991February 1993

Became champion: 10 May 1991

Won the title by defeating Michael Nunn.

Michael Nunn

28 July 1988May 1991

Became champion: 28 July 1988

Won the title by defeating Frank Tate.

Frank Tate

10 October 1987July 1988

Became champion: 10 October 1987

Won the vacant title by defeating Michael Olajide.

27 May 1983April 1987

Became champion: 27 May 1983

Won the title by defeating Wilford Scypion.

Explore the middleweight title-change timeline across all organizations

IBF Middleweight Title History

WBO Middleweight Title History

Champions who have held each belt, most recent first. Exact dates are shown where verified; month-only dates reflect available records. Available history begins in April 1989, combining ranking archives and sourced title records.

WBO Middleweight - Super Champion

Kelly Pavlik

29 September 2007May 2010

Became champion: 29 September 2007

Won the title by defeating Jermain Taylor.

First shown in December 2008 rankingsView source

16 July 2005October 2007

Became champion: 16 July 2005

Won the title by defeating Bernard Hopkins.

First shown in May 2006 rankingsView source

18 September 2004August 2005

Became champion: 18 September 2004

Won the title by defeating Oscar De La Hoya.

First shown in December 2004 rankingsView source

Oscar De La Hoya

5 June 2004October 2004

Became champion: 5 June 2004

Won the title by defeating Felix Sturm.

First shown in June 2004 rankingsView source

WBO Middleweight - World Champion

Denzel Bentley

20 July 202630 October 2026

102 days

Became champion: 20 July 2026

Promoted from Interim Champion after Janibek Alimkhanuly vacated the WBO middleweight title to move to super middleweight, as confirmed by WBO President Gustavo Olivieri.

First shown in July 2026 rankingsView source

Zhanibek Alimkhanuly

26 August 202220 July 2026

1,424 days

Became champion: 26 August 2022

Promoted from Interim Champion after Demetrius Andrade vacated the title.

Demetrius Andrade

20 October 201826 August 2022

1,406 days

Became champion: 20 October 2018

Won the title by defeating Walter Kautondokwa.

First shown in November 2018 rankingsView source

Billy Joe Saunders

19 December 201511 October 2018

1,027 days

Became champion: 19 December 2015

Won the title by defeating Andy Lee.

First shown in January 2016 rankingsView source

Andy Lee

13 December 201419 December 2015

371 days

Became champion: 13 December 2014

Won the title by defeating Matt Korobov.

First shown in December 2014 rankingsView source

Peter Quillin

20 October 20124 September 2014

684 days

Became champion: 20 October 2012

Won the title by defeating Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam.

First shown in November 2012 rankingsView source

25 August 201220 October 2012

56 days

Became champion: 25 August 2012

Promoted from Interim Champion after Dmitry Pirog vacated the title rather than face his mandatory challenger.

Dmitry Pirog

31 July 201025 August 2012

756 days

Became champion: 31 July 2010

Won the title by defeating Daniel Jacobs.

First shown in August 2010 rankingsView source

17 April 201029 May 2010

42 days

Became champion: 17 April 2010

Won the title by defeating Kelly Pavlik.

First shown in May 2010 rankingsView source

13 September 2003June 2004

Became champion: 13 September 2003

Won the title by defeating Héctor Velazco.

First shown in October 2003 rankingsView source

Hector Javier Velazco

8 July 200313 September 2003

67 days

Became champion: 8 July 2003

Promoted from Interim Champion after Harry Simon was placed in recess.

Harry Simon

6 April 20028 July 2003

458 days

Became champion: 6 April 2002

Won the full WBO title by defeating Armand Krajnc by unanimous decision.

First shown in April 2002 rankingsView source

Armand Krajnc

27 November 19996 April 2002

861 days

Became champion: 27 November 1999

Won the title by defeating Jason Matthews.

First shown in January 2000 rankingsView source

Jason Matthews

17 July 1999November 1999

Became champion: 17 July 1999

Won the vacant title by defeating Ryan Rhodes.

Bert Schenk

30 January 1999July 1999

Became champion: 30 January 1999

Won the vacant title by defeating Freeman Barr.

Otis Grant

13 December 1997November 1998

Became champion: 13 December 1997

Won the title by defeating Ryan Rhodes.

Lonnie Bradley

19 May 1995November 1997

Became champion: 19 May 1995

Won the vacant title by defeating David Mendez.

Steve Collins

11 May 1994April 1995

Became champion: 11 May 1994

Won the title by defeating Chris Pyatt.

Chris Pyatt

19 May 1993May 1994

Became champion: 19 May 1993

Won the vacant title by defeating Sumbu Kalambay.

Gerald McClellan

20 November 1991April 1993

Became champion: 20 November 1991

Won the vacant title by defeating John Mugabi.

Chris Eubank

18 November 1990July 1991

Became champion: 18 November 1990

Won the title by defeating Nigel Benn.

Nigel Benn

29 April 1990November 1990

Became champion: 29 April 1990

Won the title by defeating Doug DeWitt.

Doug Dewitt

18 April 1989April 1990

Became champion: 18 April 1989

Won the title by defeating Robbie Sims.

WBO Middleweight - Interim Champion

Denzel Bentley

4 April 202620 July 2026

107 days

Became champion: 4 April 2026

Won the interim title by stopping Endry Saavedra in the seventh round.

First shown in April 2026 rankingsView source

Avtandil Khurtsidze

22 April 2017June 2017

Became champion: 22 April 2017

Won the interim WBO title by stopping Tommy Langford in the fifth round.

First shown in April 2017 rankingsView source

Explore the middleweight title-change timeline across all organizations

4 May 2012August 2012

Became champion: 4 May 2012

Won the interim WBO title by defeating Max Bursak by unanimous decision in Levallois-Perret, France.

First shown in May 2012 rankingsView source

Harry Simon

21 July 2001August 2001

Became champion: 21 July 2001

Won the interim WBO title by defeating Hacine Cherifi by unanimous decision.

First shown in July 2001 rankingsView source

WBO Middleweight Title History

RING Middleweight Title History

Champions who have held each belt, most recent first. Exact dates are shown where verified; month-only dates reflect available records. Available history begins in January 1924, combining ranking archives and sourced title records.

RING Middleweight - World Champion

15 September 2018January 2021

Became champion: 15 September 2018

Won the title by defeating Gennadiy Golovkin.

First shown in September 2018 rankingsView source

21 November 201512 June 2018

934 days

Became champion: 21 November 2015

Won the title by defeating Miguel Cotto by unanimous decision.

First shown in November 2015 rankingsView source

Miguel Cotto

7 June 201421 November 2015

532 days

Became champion: 7 June 2014

Won the title by defeating Sergio Martinez.

First shown in June 2014 rankingsView source

17 April 20107 June 2014

1,512 days

Became champion: 17 April 2010

Won the title by defeating Kelly Pavlik.

First shown in April 2010 rankingsView source

Kelly Pavlik

29 September 200717 April 2010

931 days

Became champion: 29 September 2007

Won the title by defeating Jermain Taylor.

First shown in October 2007 rankingsView source

16 July 200529 September 2007

805 days

Became champion: 16 July 2005

Won the title by defeating Bernard Hopkins.

First shown in July 2005 rankingsView source

2 December 200116 July 2005

1,322 days

Became champion: 2 December 2001

Awarded the title.

First shown in December 2001 rankingsView source

Sumbu Kalambay

6 July 1988February 1989

Became champion: 6 July 1988

Awarded the title.

First shown in July 1988 rankingsView source

Ray Leonard

6 April 198727 May 1987

51 days

Became champion: 6 April 1987

Won the title by defeating Marvin Hagler.

First shown in April 1987 rankingsView source

27 September 19806 April 1987

2,382 days

Became champion: 27 September 1980

Won the title by defeating Alan Minter.

First shown in September 1980 rankingsView source

Alan Minter

16 March 198027 September 1980

195 days

Became champion: 16 March 1980

Won the title by defeating Vito Antuofermo.

First shown in March 1980 rankingsView source

Vito Antuofermo

30 June 197916 March 1980

260 days

Became champion: 30 June 1979

Won the title by defeating Hugo Corro.

First shown in July 1979 rankingsView source

Hugo Corro

22 April 197830 June 1979

434 days

Became champion: 22 April 1978

Won the title by defeating Rodrigo Valdez.

First shown in July 1978 rankingsView source

5 November 1977March 1978

Became champion: 5 November 1977

Won the vacant title by defeating Bennie Briscoe.

First shown in October 1977 rankingsView source

7 November 197029 August 1977

2,487 days

Became champion: 7 November 1970

Won the title by defeating Nino Benvenuti.

First shown in November 1970 rankingsView source

4 March 19687 November 1970

978 days

Became champion: 4 March 1968

Won the title by defeating Emile Griffith.

First shown in March 1968 rankingsView source

29 September 19674 March 1968

157 days

Became champion: 29 September 1967

Won the title by defeating Nino Benvenuti.

First shown in December 1967 rankingsView source

17 April 1967September 1967

Became champion: 17 April 1967

Won the title by defeating Emile Griffith.

First shown in July 1967 rankingsView source

25 April 1966March 1967

Became champion: 25 April 1966

Won the title by defeating Dick Tiger.

First shown in July 1966 rankingsView source

21 October 196525 April 1966

186 days

Became champion: 21 October 1965

Won the title by defeating Joey Giardello.

First shown in March 1966 rankingsView source

Joey Giardello

7 December 1963October 1965

Became champion: 7 December 1963

Won the title by defeating Dick Tiger.

First shown in January 1964 rankingsView source

7 May 1963November 1963

Became champion: 7 May 1963

Awarded the title.

First shown in May 1963 rankingsView source

Paul Pender

7 April 1962February 1963

Became champion: 7 April 1962

Won the title by defeating Terry Downes.

First shown in June 1962 rankingsView source

Terry Downes

11 July 1961February 1962

Became champion: 11 July 1961

Won the title by defeating Paul Pender.

First shown in July 1961 rankingsView source

Paul Pender

22 January 196011 July 1961

536 days

Became champion: 22 January 1960

Won the title by defeating Sugar Ray Robinson.

First shown in February 1960 rankingsView source

25 March 195822 January 1960

668 days

Became champion: 25 March 1958

Won the title by defeating Carmen Basilio.

First shown in March 1958 rankingsView source

Carmen Basilio

23 September 195725 March 1958

183 days

Became champion: 23 September 1957

Won the title by defeating Ray Robinson.

First shown in September 1957 rankingsView source

1 May 195723 September 1957

145 days

Became champion: 1 May 1957

Won the title by defeating Gene Fullmer.

First shown in June 1957 rankingsView source

Gene Fullmer

2 January 19571 May 1957

119 days

Became champion: 2 January 1957

Won the title by defeating Sugar Ray Robinson.

First shown in January 1957 rankingsView source

9 December 1955November 1956

Became champion: 9 December 1955

Won the title by defeating Carl Olson.

First shown in January 1956 rankingsView source

Carl Olson

21 October 1953November 1955

Became champion: 21 October 1953

Won the title by defeating Randy Turpin.

First shown in November 1953 rankingsView source

12 September 1951November 1952

Became champion: 12 September 1951

Won the title by defeating Randolph Turpin.

First shown in September 1951 rankingsView source

Randolph Turpin

10 July 195112 September 1951

64 days

Became champion: 10 July 1951

Won the title by defeating Ray Robinson.

First shown in July 1951 rankingsView source

14 February 1951May 1951

Became champion: 14 February 1951

Won the title by defeating Jake LaMotta.

First shown in February 1951 rankingsView source

Jake Lamotta

16 June 194914 February 1951

608 days

Became champion: 16 June 1949

Won the title by defeating Marcel Cerdan.

First shown in June 1949 rankingsView source

Marcel Cerdan

21 September 194816 June 1949

268 days

Became champion: 21 September 1948

Won the title by defeating Tony Zale.

First shown in October 1948 rankingsView source

10 June 194821 September 1948

103 days

Became champion: 10 June 1948

Won the title by defeating Rocky Graziano.

First shown in June 1948 rankingsView source

Rocky Graziano

16 July 194710 June 1948

330 days

Became champion: 16 July 1947

Won the title by defeating Tony Zale.

First shown in July 1947 rankingsView source