5 Most Competitive Divisions in Boxing 2023

The overall strength of the sport of boxing is often judged by how many unification fights we get or clashes between the best in each division. That is a fine barometer to use, but looking even closer at the 17 weight classes can paint a more detailed picture of the sport’s health at any given moment. Of course, this is a constantly evolving, fluid situation. New boxers enter weight divisions all the time. A shock win or loss here or there can also alter the perception of a fighter.

Who are the title holders and contenders within each weight division? Which divisions would make the best eight-man tournament? These are the questions I applied to this task before deciding which five divisions are, at this point, the most competitive within our sport. Read on and see if you agree.

Lightweight

The 135-pound division possibly holds the deepest pool of talent in boxing at the moment. Outstanding ring technicians Devin Haney, Vasiliy Lomachenko, and Shakur Stevenson are all in these waters. Another crafty boxer who marries his abilities with outrageous power also calls lightweight home. That would be Gervonta “Tank” Davis.

With other talents like George Kambosos Jr., William Zepeda, Isaac Cruz, Jamaine Ortiz, and Gustavo Lemos all looking to get into the title shake-up, many good fights are waiting to be made. As if that wasn’t enough, hot prospects Frank Martin, Keyshawn Davis, and newcomer to the pro ranks Andy Cruz of Cuba are all looking to push their way up the lightweight rankings over the coming months. Exciting times ahead.

Featherweight

126 pounds contains four fairly even-looking title holders. Robisey Ramirez of Cuba may be the most talented, but Rey Vargas, Luis Alberto Lopez, and Leigh Wood would all fancy their chances against the Cuban. With recently dethroned titlists Mauricio Lara and Josh Warrington still contending, the potential for hard-to-call matchups is good.

Talents like Michael Conlan, Brandon Figueroa, and Mark Magsayo can spring a surprise on a good night. Gary Russell Jr. is talented but inactive. If he wants to get back to work, though, then he should be added to the list of aces in the division. It all adds up to a robustly healthy picture at featherweight.

Super Bantamweight

Former undisputed bantamweight champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue’s moving up has given things at 122 pounds a shot in the arm. Accomplished boxers Stephen Fulton, Marlon Tapales, and Murodjon Akhmadaliev form a world-class welcoming committee for anyone moving to super bantamweight. Mexican wildman Luis Nery is also in the mix, as is big-hitting South African Zolani Tete.

Sam Goodman of Australia is putting together a nice run. Goodman took the undefeated status from Ra’eese Aleem in June 2023; perhaps Aleem will get a chance at redemption. With Filipinos John Riel Casimero and Jerwin Ancajas also hanging around at 122, the competition levels at super bantamweight should be high over the coming year.

Light Welterweight

However, you refer to the 140-pound division, super lightweight, and junior welterweight are also terms used by some when speaking about the weight class that sits at 10-stone in old money. Assuming Teofimo Lopez isn’t properly retired and makes a comeback at some stage, he looks like the man to beat at light welterweight.

There is a tasty-looking chasing pack with Lopez in their sights, though. Subriel Matias, Jack Catterall, and Regis Prograis will each view themselves as the division’s top dog. And that’s alright. Ryan Garcia has recently moved up into the weight class and will be looking to face the best the division has to offer before long. We may also see Devin Haney at 140 pounds before long.

With Jose Ramirez, Sandor Martin, Arnold Barboza Jr., and Jose Zepeda all jostling for position, any combination of intriguing fights could be made if promotional and broadcasting hurdles can be overcome.

Super Flyweight

The hardware may currently belong to fighters from Japan, Mexico, and Argentina, but don’t forget about the legend from Nicaragua regarding the super fly division. Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez really put the lighter weight classes on the map with his US-televised bouts from 2012 onwards, and the veteran is still a force to be reckoned with at 115 pounds.

Old rivals Juan Francisco Estrada, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, and Carlos Cuadras are still highly regarded by fans and media, with plenty more depth in the division created by emerging champions and others who have made the leap from the lower weights. Junto Nakatani and Kazuto Ioka are flying the flag for Japan, while Fernando Martinez of Argentina is genuinely world-class. Kosei Tanaka, Donnie Nietes, and John “Scrappy” Ramirez add to the modern super flyweight division’s allure. Super Fly, indeed!

Colin Morrison

A boxing fan since his teenage years, Morrison began writing about the sport in July 2016. He appreciates all styles of boxing and has nothing but respect for those who get in the ring for our entertainment. Morrison is from Scotland and can be found on Twitter @Morrie1981.

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