The Super Featherweight division has seen some major star power leave its ranks in the past half decade, from old legends like Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, to the up-and-comers, like Robert Guerrero and Adrien BRoner. So what's next at 130 lbs, and who are the big dogs left in the Super Featherweight division rankings?

Super featherweight division rankings last updated April 2013

1. Takashi Uchiyama - Although he has just 20 pro fights, he's undefeated and has 16 knockout wins. He became the WBA champion after knocking out Juan Carlos Salgado, the man who dethroned Jorge Linares via TKO1. He has since defended the title five times, all of which have been TKO victories, most recently against Jorge Solis, excluding a technical draw in the 3rd round.
2. Yuriorkis Gamboa – Gamboa has returned to action after an extended layoff, and in that return, we saw the flashes of brilliance and amazing skill, and the still-present deficiencies, namely defense and chin. He was a bit rusty and not in the best condition, and Uchiyama deserves to keep his number 1 perch with his resume.
3. Argenis Mendez - Mendez was on a real hot streak heading into a vacant title shot against Juan Carlos Salgado. He lost the decision there, but his team feels he didn't get a fair shake. After getting a few wins under his belt once again, including over Martin Honorio, he got his rematch against Salgado, and knocked him out in 4 rounds in a very impressive performance.
4. Juan Carlos Burgos - Since coming up from featherweight, all Burgos did was win 5 straight, including wins over then-undefeated Luis Cruz, and former titleholder Cristobal Cruz. Note: if your last name is Cruz, skip your upcoming date against Burgos. He'll win. Defeated Cesar Vazquez, another undefeated fighter, and then deserved to defeat Rocky Martinez, but was on the wrong end of some bad scoring which resulted in a draw instead.
5. Gary Russell Jr. - What's frustrating about Gary Russell Jr. is that we've seen the immense talent for years. But it's been such a painstakingly slow rise to the top. Can we finally see this guy in there with somebody who could at least challenge him in some way? Injuries aside, what's been the hold up?
6. Roman Martinez – Roman Martinez lost his first belt to Ricky Burns, but since then, has been busy. While he hasn't lost outright against tough opposition, which says something, it hasn't always been in impressive fashion. It was a split decision against Miguel Beltran Jr., and then that draw against Burgos, which really should have been an L. He defeated Diego Magdaleno, handing him his first career defeat.
7. Gamaliel Diaz - Quick, who's the only man to have an official win over Robert Guerrero, current welterweight star? Gamaliel Diaz, of course! After losing four fights in a seven fight stretch, Diaz has stayed busy and now gotten himself a title strap with an upset victory over Takahiro Ao. Heads back to Japan for a title defense next, likely before meeting Takahiro Ao in a rematch.
8. Takahiro Ao - He was the WBC super featherweight champion after besting Vitali Tajbert, and made several successful defenses of the belt, including over Terdsak Kokietgym. However, he was upset by Gamaliel Diaz in October, dropping a Unanimous Decision.
9. Juan Carlos Salgado - Is there room for two Juan Carlos's in the 130 lb division rankings? Sure. Salgado has wins over Jorge Linares and Argenis Mendez, and before his latest defeat against Mendez in their rematch, his only loss wasto the division number 1, Uchiyama. Also has a win over Jonathan Victor Barros. Will he seek the rubbermatch with Mendez next?
10. Sergio Thompson - Thompson has been one of the busiest fighters around over the past few years, and while the opposition is sometimes awful, he has some solid wins too, including a stoppage win over Jorge Linares. Look for Thompson to land a big fight in the near future.

More Names: Diego Magdaleno, Miguel Beltran Jr, Edner Cherry, Johnathan Victor Barros, Sipho Taliwe, Mzonke Fana, Eloy Perez, Vicente Escobedo, Bryan Vasquez, Logan McGuinness, Jorge Solis, Cassius Baloyi, Luis Cruz,  Jason Litzau, Malcolm Klassen

More Boxing Weight Class Rankings

• 122-126 lbs – Boxing Featherweight Division Rankings
• 130-135 lbs – Boxing Lightweight Division Rankings

---> Join the community. Discuss & debate with fellow boxingheads.