Bantamweight Division Rankings
Published by: Jake Emen
The bantamweight division has enjoyed the influx of talent coming up from the flyweight ranks over the last year or two. The result is a talented mix of some of the most talented fighters in the game, an exciting Bantamweight Tournament, other intriguing, top-level matches, and more. See how one of the deepest sports in the division stacks up with the current bantamweight division rankings.
Bantamweight division rankings last updated December 2011
- Abner Mares – It's been quite the run for Mares. A draw against Yonnhy Perez, and most people thought he won. A win over Vic Darchinyan, and two wins over Joseph Agbeko, the second of which was clean and fair after a controversial, foul-filled first match. Crisp technical skills, and good speed and power, round out his game.
- Anselmo Moreno – Moreno has matched his two victories over Wladimir Sidorenko with two wins against rival Nehomar Cermeno. He hasn't lost in over 9 years, a split decision in a 4 round fight against a fighter with 1 draw and no other fights to his credit. Finally got a big fight, and stepped up to the plate by defeating Vic Darchinyan and controlling that bout. More big fights to come.
- Koki Kameda - The power and skill of Kameda have to be respected, and he is still on the upward swing of his career, improving constantly. He won the vacant WBA title against Alexander Munoz, has racked up a few ho-hum defenses, and is now in great position to get in with some of the big names in this super stacked division.
- Jorge Arce - After a highly successful stint at 122 lbs, Arce dropped back down to bantamweight and picked up another world title for his collection, picking up the vacant WBO strap. The question is now whether he keeps campaigning here, or returns to super bantamweight.
- Joseph Agbeko – Agbeko gave Vic Darchinyan a rude welcoming to the bantamweight division, but then lost a decision to Perez. He was then cast aside as the bantamweight tournament began, but put on a boxing clinic against his old rival, showing a new and quite effective wrinkle to his game. Now, after two losses to Mares, one once again is left wondering how much Agbeko has left in the tank for the absolute top tier folks out there.
- Vic Darchinyan - Darchinyan's bantamweight run is a testament to his skill, power and grit, despite the disadvantages he has in the division in terms of size, and of course, his now advanced age. He's a future Hall of Famer, but at 118lbs, the best guys have an edge on him at this point.
- Shinsuke Yamanaka - The undefeated Japanese fighter just picked up the vacant WBC strap by besting Christian Esquivel, scoring an 11th round TKO win. One has to think that a title unification fight against Koki Kameda will be coming up in 2012.
- Yonnhy Perez – Is it all over for Perez? It certainly looked like it when he got dominated by Vic Darchinyan. He went through a stretch of extremely tough and competitive fights. At the least, some time off would probably help him physically and mentally. We'll see what he comes back with after.
- Eric Morel – Morel is on a 10 fight winning streak since losing to Martin Castillo in the beginning of 2005 and at one point was the interim WBO titleholder. He holds a win over Gerry Penalosa, where he captured that vacant strap, but never got a big fight after it. At 36-years-old, the time is now for Morel to try to bring home a title.
- AJ Banal - Banal is on a lengthy winning streak since the lone loss of his career, to Rafael Concepcion. He's still just 22, and if he emerges as the best amongst the very crowded Filipino bantamweight scene, then he'll be on the big stage before long. But that's a big if.
More Boxing Weight Class Rankings
- 112-115 lbs – Boxing Super Flyweight Division Rankings
- 118-122 lbs – Boxing Super Bantamweight Division Rankings
