Home News Rankings updates: James Kirkland’s big return, Erislandy Lara’s dominant win, Darren Barker’s...

Rankings updates: James Kirkland’s big return, Erislandy Lara’s dominant win, Darren Barker’s demise & more

Credit: Tom Casino / Showtime

Last weekend there were 7 major fights on U.S. television, another four the night before on Shobox, and more than a few big shake-ups overseas. Now, it’s time to go back to the top 10 divisional rankings and make some updates. Take a look and see who did what, and went where.

At 154 lbs, James Kirkland made a long-awaited and triumphant return to the ring. He smashed the previously unbeaten Glen Tapia in a thrilling fight in Atlantic City, reasserting his status as a player in the division, and also as a must-see fighter. Does he crack the top 10 with the win?

More important is that Erislandy Lara routed Austin Trout, finally scoring the dominant win on the big stage he has been seeking. But which of the big names is going to want to fight him now?

One class up at middleweight, titleholder Darren Barker lost his title to Felix Sturm. Worse though, his career may well be in jeopardy as he reinjured his hip and may never step through the ropes again.

And at 168 lbs, Sakio Bika kept his title with a split draw against unbeaten Anthony Dirrell. It was a close, back and forth fight, and opponents may still be hard to come by for either man, unless a rematch is in the works.

So take a look at all of the updated top 10 divisional rankings and chime in with your own thoughts below. After all of this weekend’s action, we’ll go ahead and update the top 10 at junior welterweight and welterweight as well.