Boxing's lightweight division is arguably the most stacked in the sport right now.
Last weekend, Devin Haney was successful in getting his hands on all four world titles as he defeated George Kambosos in Australia. A rematch between the pair beckons but if Haney is looking for an alternative test then he doesn't have to look far.
Gervonta Davis scored another big finish over Rolly Romero the prior weekend, while Ryan Garcia takes on Javier Fortuna next month amidst talk of a big clash vs. 'Tank' later this year.
While more mouth-watering battles between the best lightweights in the world are what the fans want, how should all the key players be ranked in the meantime?
Here, DAZN breaks down the list and ranks the world's best fighters at 135lbs.
1. Devin Haney
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After a quiet rise to world title level, Devin Haney has made light work of his opponents since being awarded the WBC title in 2019. Wins over Jorge Linares and JoJo Diaz in 2021 confirmed his status as a solid world level operator, but it was his recent performance against George Kambosos that finally proved that Haney is an elite talent.
Travelling to a hostile Australia in an undisputed clash for all four belts, Haney was dominant from round one against the previously-unbeaten Kambosos. The Australian star made a big impact last year when defeating Teofimo Lopez, but he was no match for Haney, who collected all the world titles at 135lbs with a shutout performance.
2. George Kambosos
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Hitting the top spot last year thanks to a thrilling win over Teofimo Lopez, George Kambosos was the holder of three belts at 135lbs. Immediately seeking the fourth, Kambosos made it clear that it was Devin Haney he wanted next and after getting his wish, the entertaining Australian was well beaten by the WBC champion.
Despite the loss, the last two years of Kambosos’ career have confirmed him as one of the world’s best lightweights and he’ll be determined to avenge the Haney loss. A rematch appears likely due to the original fight agreement and Kambosos will be hopeful that he can return to the number one position.
3. Vasiliy Lomachenko
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Vasiliy Lomachenko will be on a mission to regain his lightweight titles when he makes his return to boxing. Currently side-lined from the sport due to the ongoing conflict in his native Ukraine, Lomachenko will eventually make his comeback and be welcomed to a division that looks a lot different since he last fought.
With Devin Haney now the top fighter, Lomachenko would aim to remove the memory of his loss to Teofimo Lopez by defeating the talented American. Wins over Masayoshi Nakatani and Richard Commey in 2021 confirmed that Lomachenko is still a top fighter, but he’ll need to step up another level if he’s to oust Haney from the throne.
4. Gervonta Davis
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A frequent mover through multiple weight divisions, Gervonta Davis now appears to be settled at lightweight and his devastating power ensures that he’s a problem for all fighters at 135lbs. His most recent win over Rolly Romero in May was another display that highlighted ‘Tank’s’ heavy artillery, but bigger tests lie ahead.
A world level fighter since 2017, Davis has made a splash in three weight classes, but with lightweight the deepest of the ones he’s operated in, the sternest test of his career is set to come soon. Can Davis’ power get him wins against the likes of Devin Haney and Vasiliy Lomachenko? The Baltimore banger will certainly think so.
5. Ryan Garcia
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After climbing off the canvas to stop Luke Campbell at the beginning of 2021, it was all set up for Ryan Garcia to become one of boxing’s biggest names due to his outstanding ability and immense popularity. Instead, Garcia focused on himself as a battle against metal health issues became the California fighter’s biggest priority.
Returning in 2022, Garcia was dominant over 12 rounds when dispatching of Emmanuel Tagoe in April and he’s back in July to face Javier Fortuna. The 23-year-old has made it clear that world titles are his priority and if he can get past Fortuna in style then his immediate focus is likely to turn to becoming a world champion.