Super Bantamweight Division Rankings
Published by: Jake Emen
Super bantamweight had been stocked with talent, however, many of the best fighters in the division - Juan Manuel Lopez, Celestino Caballero, Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez have all moved up to featherweight! That means the division is back to being wide open, although there are some very strong fighters vying for the lead. Take a look at the super bantamweight division rankings to see who's who and which fighters may emerge.
Super bantamweight division rankings last updated October 2011
- Toshiaki Nishioka – Toshiaki Nishioka hasn't lost a bout in over seven years, and during that time he obtained the WBC super bantamweight title and defended it on six occasions. Wins over Rendall Munroe and other notable contenders are nice, and most impressive is his stoppage win over Jhonny Gonzalez and his most recent effort, a well earned decision over Rafael Marquez.
- Guillermo Rigondeaux - In just 8 professional fights Rigondeaux has already established himself as one of the best super bantamweight fighters in the world. Of course, his wealth of Cuban amateur experience has helped him a great deal in that regard. He failed to capture our imaginations with his previous SD win over Ricardo Cordoba, but it was a solid win over a highly regarded opponent, and since then, he absolutely destroyed Willie Casey in 1 round.
- Jorge Arce - Arce was looking rejuvenated at 122 lbs before facing Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., going 4-0-1 in his last 5 fights. Then he came out and stopped the previously undefeated champion the 12th round of an all out war. Great performance, and the best that Arce has looked in years. He then avenged one of his recent losses by gaining an early stoppage over Simphiwe Nongqayi.
- Rico Ramos - Suavecito has now boosted his record to 20-0 with 11 KOs. He was losing handily against Akifumi Shimoda in his title bid until he turned the tides with one perfectly placed punch, winning by KO in the process. Ramos still needs to develop a more complete all-around game before facing anybody higher in the 122 lbs rankings than he is already.
- Taklani Ndlovu - After losing to Steve Molitor twice before, once by TKO and once by decision, he turned the tides and won a lopsided decision over his familiar foe.
- Fernando Montiel - After his loss to Nonito Donaire, he moved up to 122 lbs and took care of business against Nehomar Cermeno. Cermeno has been on a bad slide, but a strong showing for Montiel makes him noteworthy in yet another division.
- Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. - Vazquez Jr. suffered his first loss at the hands of Arce, but showed a lot of heart and skill in the losing effort. Tough loss, but a very competitive and entertaining fight, and surely he will be back for another run very soon.
- Rafael Marquez - Marquez is past his best, but he still puts on a competitive and exciting contest. If he doesn't hang up the gloves, why not put him in against Arce in a fight would be a blockbuster in Mexico? Throw in Montiel for a round robin and that's enough to keep lots of fans happy for the next year.
- Akifumi Shimoda - Akifumi Shimoda had been fighting only modest competition when he got his title shot against Ryol Li Lee. He rather handily defeated the titleholder however, earning a lopsided unanimous decision victory. He was then dominating Ramos, until he got caught expectantly and couldn't recover. Say goodbye to your title.
- Retsuri Lee - Retsuri Lee jumped onto the world scene at 122 lbs by besting Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym in a close and hard fought bout. However, he lost that title immediately to Akifumi Shimoda in January.
Other Names in the Mix: Ricardo Cordoba, Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym, Rendell Munroe, Willie Casey, Zsolt Bedak, Steve Molitor, Cristian Mijares
More Boxing Weight Class Rankings
- 115-118 lbs – Boxing Bantamweight Division Rankings
- 122-126 lbs – Boxing Featherweight Division Rankings
