British Pound-for-Pound Rankings at the End of 2016
As 2016 draws to a close, it is time to reflect on the past 12 months in British boxing.
In truth, it has been an up-and-down year. While some Brits failed to get positives results after securing big fights, others were stuck waiting around for their opportunities.
Too many world champions have been idle, while Tyson Fury's personal issues denied him the chance to ever defend his heavyweight titles.
Yet it is not all doom and gloom.
There has been a resurgence from some familiar names, as well as the emergence of a few faces. Despite some setbacks along the way, the sport is still in a strong position in Britain.
Before we start the countdown, a note about the selection process. Those holding world titles get preferential treatment, yet the rankings are based on recent results, not achievements throughout a career.
And finally, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all who read this.
It's been fun to write these rankings throughout the past two years, so hopefully you've enjoyed reading them too.
Honourable Mentions
1 of 21
While Chris Eubank Jr. may be moving up to super middleweight in 2017, he didn't manage to move into the top 20 in these rankings.
The 27-year-old has announced his next fight—against relatively unknown Australian Renold Quinlan—will top a pay-per-view card on ITV. Make of that what you will.
Dillian Whyte was on the most recent PPV bill aired by Sky Sports, with the heavyweight winning a titanic tussle with Dereck Chisora to retain his British title.
But Whyte, along with fellow Lonsdale titleholders Frank Buglioni, Tyrone Nurse, Bradley Skeete and Liam Williams, misses out on a place in the rankings.
Stephen Smith's second failed attempt to win a world title leaves him on the outside looking in, while Paul Butler and Luke Campbell were also unable to crack the lineup.
And with Tyson Fury inactive for over a year, he was not considered for selection. Hopefully 2017 will see the outspoken heavyweight back in action and making headlines for his performances in the ring.
20. Josh Warrington
2 of 21
Previous position: 17
Record: 24-0 (5 KOs)
Next opponent: TBC
Josh Warrington hasn't fought since July, yet he's still been in the news.
The featherweight switched promoters in December, joining forces with Frank Warren after his deal with Matchroom Boxing expired.
"I’m looking forward to starting the next chapter of my career with Frank," he said, per Boxing News. "It’s an exciting time to be teaming up with him, and the BT Sport deal is sure to signal the dawn of a new era for boxing in the country."
The new chapter needs to be a world title shot—and soon. Per FightNews.com, Warrington is ranked No. 1 with the WBC and No. 3 with the IBF.
19. Liam Smith
3 of 21
Previous position: 15
Record: 23-1-1 (13 KOs)
Next opponent: TBC
Having lost to Saul Alvarez in September, super welterweight Liam Smith has yet to reveal his next move.
The former WBO champion may take a step back to advance his long-term hope of getting another shot at a world title.
Beefy told BoxNation he expects to face British champion Liam Williams in 2017: "They’re talking about he’s ready for a world title, so that means he’s ready to fight me now. Last time there was talk, [his trainer] Gary Lockett said they weren’t ready. I’m sure he’d say he’s ready now, so I’m sure that fight is going to happen."
Smith against Williams would be a superb domestic clash for Warren to air on BT Sport.
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18. Callum Smith
4 of 21
Previous position: 20
Record: 22-0 (17 KOs)
Next opponent: TBC
If Callum Smith had any concerns about returning to domestic level while waiting for his world title shot, he probably quickly realised there was need to worry.
Mundo made a successful first defence of the British super middleweight crown before the end of the year, stopping the brave but outclassed Luke Blackledge in Round 10 in Manchester, England.
It should be the last time Smith has to worry about the Lonsdale belt.
He is next in line for a shot at the WBC belt that's held by Badou Jack. However, the champion is busy at the start of the year, as he's set to take on IBF holder James DeGale in January.
Smith will likely be first up for the winner of that unification clash. Like the old saying about waiting for a bus, he may have patiently waited to find two world titles come along at once.
At least he can take delight this Christmas at being the top Smith brother in these rankings for the first time.
17. Amir Khan
5 of 21
Previous position: 17
Record: 31-4 (19 KOs)
Next opponent: TBC
Whisper it quietly, but a fight between Amir Khan and Kell Brook could actually happen in 2017. Really.
"Talks are happening at the moment, and we’re waiting on Brook’s team getting back to us," Khan told Martin Domin of the Mirror. "That fight will sell out a stadium. It’s the biggest fight in British boxing."
You can only hope the situation goes beyond just talking—it feels like now or never if we are to find out who is the best welterweight in Britain.
Khan—who was knocked out by Saul Alvarez in May—is back in the gym after undergoing surgery on his right hand.
However, could he be just one more bad defeat away from retirement? The Boltonian is 30 and hasn't held a world title since July 2012.
The great thing about watching Khan, though, is you never quite know what is going to happen.
16. Scott Quigg
6 of 21
Previous position: 18
Record: 32-1-2 (24 KOs)
Next opponent: TBC
Scott Quigg kicked off a new chapter of his career at featherweight with a ninth-round stoppage of Jose Cayetano in Manchester in December.
The fight saw the former super bantamweight world champion return to the Manchester Arena, the same venue where he lost to longtime rival Carl Frampton earlier in the year.
To add injury to insult, Quigg suffered a broken jaw to go with suffering his first defeat as a pro.
His comeback was delayed further because of a reaction from the plates inserted in his skull to repair the damage, although he told Bleacher Report the break proved to be a blessing in disguise.
He took out his frustrations on poor Cayetano, dismantling the Mexican to pick up the vacant WBA International strap.
15. George Groves
7 of 21
Previous position: 19
Record: 25-3 (18 KOs)
Next opponent: TBC
Super middleweight George Groves continues to move the right way in the rankings after managing four wins in 2016.
Saint George has looked more like his old self since joining forces with trainer Shane McGuigan, raising the possibility that finally, at the fourth attempt, he could win a world title next year.
That next shot looks set to be against Fedor Chudinov, with Groves saying the pair will meet for the vacant WBA title.
Having fought so hard to restore his reputation following his disappointing defeat to Badou Jack in September 2015, Groves has to take any opportunity that comes his way.
Also, Groves deserves great credit for his efforts to help Eduard Gutknecht, who collapsed after their bout in November and still remains in a coma.
14. Anthony Crolla
8 of 21
Previous position: 5
Record: 31-5-3 (13 KOs)
Next opponent: TBC
Anthony Crolla looks set to get a shot at revenge next year.
The popular lightweight—who became a world champion after battling back from serious injuries suffered when trying to prevent a burglary—lost his WBA title to Jorge Linares in September.
The pair put on quite a show in Manchester, yet Linares was victorious by unanimous decision on the scorecards.
According to Chris McKenna of the Daily Star, they will meet again on March 25 in the same location, although promoter Eddie Hearn has yet to make an official announcement.
Few should mind seeing the pair go toe-to-toe again, even if it is tough to fathom what exactly Crolla could do differently to change the outcome.
13. Billy Joe Saunders
9 of 21
Previous position: 14
Record: 24-0 (12 KOs)
Next opponent: TBC
The one positive Billy Joe Saunders can take from his win over Artur Akavov on Dec. 3 is that he retained his world title.
Nearly a year on from capturing the WBO middleweight belt from Andy Lee in December 2015, Saunders looked understandably rusty as he laboured to a points win over his unheralded challenger.
At least the southpaw—who moves up one spot for no other reason than the fact he's still holding a major belt—was honest in appraising his performance.
"I stunk the place out," he said, per Ronnie Esplin of the Press Association (h/t MailOnline). "I am as truthful as they come. If I see another world champion with that performance, I would say the same."
So a year that included talk of fights with Saul Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin, as well as speculation of a rematch with Chris Eubank Jr., ended with a dire display against Akavov.
The WBO declared Alvarez as the mandatory challenger for its strap, according to Nick Lustig of Sky Sports. Whether he likes it or not, Saunders may have to face a big name in 2017.
12. Lee Haskins
10 of 21
Previous position: 13
Record: 34-3 (14 KOs)
Next opponent: TBC
Lee Haskins has had to make new plans for New Year's Eve.
The IBF bantamweight champion was scheduled to defend his world title against Shohei Omori in Japan on December 31.
However, Haskins suffered a leg injury in training and was forced to pull out of the fight.
On the plus side, he can enjoy the festive period without having to watch his weight.
Haskins—a late bloomer who has become fully dedicated to his job—still managed two successful defences in 2016, beating Ivan Morales comfortably and domestic rival Stuart Hall in a close contest.
11. Nathan Cleverly
11 of 21
Previous position: 12
Record: 30-3 (16 KOs)
Next opponent: TBC
It feels like two-time world champion Nathan Cleverly is stuck in a light-heavyweight jam heading into 2017.
While he holds the WBA belt, the Welshman is in a division that includes Sergey Kovalev (to whom he has already lost), Adonis Stevenson and now also Andre Ward.
Good luck picking the easiest option out of that trio, Nathan.
Still, Cleverly's first defence is most likely to be a rematch with Jurgen Brahmer, the German who gave up his title when retiring with an injury in their first meeting.
Brahmer insisted he would like an immediate opportunity to get his crown back, but no date or venue has been announced for the second instalment.
10. Ricky Burns
12 of 21
Previous position: 11
Record: 41-5-1 (14 KOs)
Next opponent: TBC
Having seemed in danger of slipping off the radar, Ricky Burns enjoyed a career renaissance in 2016.
The Rickster became the first Scotsman to win world titles at three different weights, as he stopped Michele di Rocco to pick up the vacant WBA super lightweight crown.
After successfully defending the belt against Kiryl Relikh, Burns wants big fights. At 33 and after 47 professional bouts, he understands the need to cash in on his status.
There was talk of a clash with Adrien Broner in the United States, but that won't be happening now the American has signed to face Adrian Granados in February instead.
As such, according to Ewing Grahame of the Daily Record, Julius Indongo and Paulie Malignaggi are the names in the frame for Burns' next fight.
9. Lee Selby
13 of 21
Previous position: 9
Record: 23-1 (8 KOs)
Next opponent: Jonathan Victor Barros
Lee Selby has endured a frustrating year. However, things could be looking up for 2017.
The Welshman made just the one defence of his IBF featherweight belt, getting up from a surprise knockdown beat Eric Hunter on points in April.
He is booked to face mandatory challenger Jonathan Victor Barros in January, with their fight on the undercard to fellow featherweight Carl Frampton's rematch with Leo Santa Cruz.
The aim for Selby is clear: beat Barros and then face either Frampton or Santa Cruz in a unification showdown. "I want the winner," he said, per Michael Pearlman of BBC Wales Sport.
Obviously Frampton would be better for British fans, and the two promotional teams have worked together before.
Yet the key factor for Selby is just to be busier in the new year, particularly as he turns 30 in February.
8. Khalid Yafai
14 of 21
Previous position: New entry
Record: 21-0 (14 KOs)
Next opponent: TBC
Khalid Yafai goes straight into the top 10 after creating his own piece of boxing history.
In defeating Luis Concepcion on points to claim the vacant WBA belt, the super flyweight became the first fighter from Birmingham, England, to win a world title.
Yafai hopes to get the chance to make his first defence on home soil, as he told Tom Gray of The Ring magazine: "We’ll be looking to have a homecoming title defence at the end of April or the beginning of May."
The talented 27-year-old may only just be scratching the surface in terms of his talent too.
He picked a good time to win a title in a division that includes fellow world champions Jerwin Ancajas, Roman Gonzalez and Naoya Inoue.
A unification clash with any of that trio at some stage in 2017 would make for fantastic viewing.
7. Tony Bellew
15 of 21
Previous position: 10
Record: 28-2-1 (18 KOs)
Next opponent: David Haye (March 4)
With his dream of becoming a world champion fulfilled on a famous May night at Goodison Park—the home of his beloved Everton—Tony Bellew has bigger fish to fry in 2017.
The WBC cruiserweight champion's efforts to tempt David Haye into the ring succeeded, albeit Bellew will be stepping up to the heavyweight division for the March bout.
Yet even if he finds a way to beat Haye, it won't top the experience of winning a world title on home turf.
"I’ll be totally honest, beating Junior [Ilunga] Makabu at Goodison Park was the greatest night of my career," Bellew told Boxing News. "I’d say the greatest night of my life, but my wife would kill me."
The Bomber delivered at the third attempt, climbing off the canvas to knock out Makabu. Haye, however, will provide an even bigger challenge for a man who starred in the film Creed.
6. Kell Brook
16 of 21
Previous position: 6
Record: 36-1 (25 KOs)
Next opponent: TBC
Kell Brook finally bagged the big fight he craved, but he had to go up two divisions to secure it.
The decision to jump up to face middleweight king Gennady Golovkin ended in painful circumstances, with Brook pulled out by his corner in Round 5 after suffering a fractured eye socket.
While the Sheffield fighter was by no means totally outclassed by GGG, size tends to matter in a boxing ring.
His performance at least created options for the future. While a move up to super welterweight was talked about in the immediate aftermath, Brook has since confirmed his desire to defend his IBF title at welter.
That would mean an intriguing clash with unbeaten American Errol Spence Jr.—Brook's mandatory challenger—once the champion is passed fit to fight again.
However, the chance to finally face Khan could be an offer too good to refuse.
5. Terry Flanagan
17 of 21
Previous position: 8
Record: 32-0 (13 KOs)
Next opponent: TBC
After three wins in the year, Terry Flanagan has set his sights on bigger and better things in 2017.
Turbo Terry—the WBO's champion at lightweight—has even put his hand up to fight Ukrainian Vasyl Lomachenko.
"Lomachenko’s seen as the best," he told John Dennen of Boxing News. "That would be a great fight. Or to get a unification fight out of any of the other champions would be great before I eventually move up."
Flanagan chased big bouts over the past 12 months—including a showdown with former schoolmate Anthony Crolla—without any luck.
The 27-year-old was involved in a watchable domestic scrap with Derry Mathews in March, but Mzonke Fana (who was 42 at the time) and Orlando Cruz (who had never previously fought at lightweight) were not the names he wanted.
Considering he's a physically strong southpaw who can fight up close or at long range, you can understand why lightweights aren't in a rush to face Flanagan.
4. Jamie McDonnell
18 of 21
Previous position: 4
Record: 29-2-1 (13 KOs)
Next opponent: TBC
Jamie McDonnell ends the year as the WBC bantamweight champion—but he came mighty close to losing his belt against Liborio Solis in November.
The fight, staged in Monaco, was close. Extremely close.
While many on social media wondered whether Solis' fast start was enough to take the title on points, McDonnell ended up retaining his belt by a surprisingly comfortable unanimous decision.
"Jamie was pushed hard last time, and I’ve made it clear in several interviews that the fight could have gone either way against Solis," his trainer, Dave Coldwell, told Liam Hoden of the Sheffield Star.
Still, McDonnell remains a world champion.
He is in the fight game to make money, not history. If he cannot book dates with the big names in his division, expect a move up to join his twin brother, Gavin, at super bantamweight.
3. Anthony Joshua
19 of 21
Previous position: 7
Record: 18-0 (18 KOs)
Next opponent: Wladimir Klitschko (April 29)
When these rankings were published at the end of 2015, Anthony Joshua had just managed to sneak into the top 20.
Twelve months on, he's inside the top three. While things will only get tougher from now on in his career, Joshua continues to do everything asked of him, both in and out of the ring.
The IBF champion recorded three wins in 2016, stopping Charles Martin—surely one of the poorest world champions in the history of the heavyweight division—Dominic Breazeale and Eric Molina.
Next up, though, is a huge showdown with Wladimir Klitschko. It feels like the sorcerer against the apprentice considering the pair sparred together in 2014.
Back then Klitschko was the undisputed champion of the world working with a seven-fight novice. Now he is looking to turn back time. The Englishman, meanwhile, wants a statement win on his CV.
Joshua is well and truly in at the deep end—it will be fascinating to see whether he sinks or swims.
2. James DeGale
20 of 21
Previous position: 3
Record: 23-1 (14 KOs)
Next opponent: Badou Jack (January 14)
With Tyson Fury off the list (hopefully only on a temporary basis), IBF super middleweight champion James DeGale moves up one spot.
It has been a relatively quiet year for Chunky, as his only in-ring appearance saw him overcome Rogelio Medina on points in April.
He was expected to meet WBC champion Badou Jack in a unification clash before the end of 2016, but instead their fight is booked for Jan. 14 in New York.
DeGale believes victory in the Big Apple will see him elevated to the top of Britain's pound-for-pound charts.
"I would say it would make me No. 1, to unify the titles in New York," the ever-confident southpaw said, per Tom Hopkinson of the Mirror. "It doesn’t get better than that."
Well, you'll just have to wait and see, James. He certainly seems a little underappreciated by British boxing fans, perhaps not helped by his propensity to fight in North America.
1. Carl Frampton
21 of 21
Previous position: 1
Record: 23-0 (14 KOs)
Next opponent: Leo Santa Cruz (January 28)
2016 proved to the year of The Jackal.
Carl Frampton deservedly takes top spot in Bleacher Report's British rankings after his achievements over the past 12 months also pushed him into The Ring magazine's top 10 pound-for-pound fighters.
While he only fought twice in the calendar year, the Northern Irishman produced two huge victories.
He earned bragging rights in a unification clash with Scott Quigg at super bantamweight, albeit the long-awaited fight between the two was about as exciting to watch as a firework display in broad daylight.
Rather than stick around to defend his two world titles, Frampton moved up to featherweight and proceeded to take the WBA belt from Leo Santa Cruz.
The fight against Mexican Santa Cruz was fantastic to watch—and the pair will do it all over again on January 28.
"Carl could fight Santa Cruz every day of the week and twice on Sunday and every fight will be fantastic," Frampton's manager, Barry McGuigan, told Sky Sports.
The adaptable Frampton has shown he is capable of mixing it with any type of opponent.
Do you agree with our rankings? Feel free to have your say via the comments section.
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