Is Gervonta the best lightweight in the World?
Who’s the best lightweight in the world?
It is difficult to know the answer because many boxers are skilled and fight in one the most important divisions of the sport, at least at top level of the 135-pound class.
Devin Haney has a strong argument that he’s No. 1 because he’s the undisputed champion, which is a significant accomplishment even if you believe titles have lost their luster.
Although I admire the talent of Haney, I think another fighter is more worthy than him: Gervonta, who will be taking on Hector Luis Garcia in a pay-per view fight Saturday in Washington, D.C.
Here are the top seven 135-pounders. They’re listed in order of ability.
NO. 1 GERVONTA DAVIS (1 GERVONTA DAVIS, 27-0, 25 KOs).
StrengthsDavis’s combination of skill and power is unmatched in this division. He’s a smooth, polished boxer with underrated defensive skills. He has the punching power of a champion in this division. You can see the shocking end of his fight against Leo Santa Cruz. His resume is strong, with wins over Santa Cruz (Jesus Cuellar), Yuriorkis Gamboa and Santa Cruz as well as Mario Barrios, Isaac Cruz, Rolando Romero, and Santa Cruz.
Weaknesses: Davis’ downfall could come from trouble outside the ring, although that hasn’t affected his performances as of now.
NO. 2. DEVIN HANEY, 29-0, 15 KOs
StrengthsHaney is a great boxer. He has quick hands and feet, as well as an elite boxing ability. It’s beautiful to watch him do his thing. And like it or not he’s the champion. He beat George Kambosos Jr. last June by a huge decision and then won the rematch in October. He also has an impressive resume, particularly given the fact he’s only 24. He has two wins over Jorge Linares Jr., Joseph Diaz Jr. and Kambosos (twice).
Weaknesses: Haney isn’t a light puncher but he doesn’t the game-changing power of Davis, who’s a more-complete fighter.
NO. 3 SHAKUR STEVENSON (19-0, 9 KOs)
StrengthsStevenson is as skilled as any other boxer in the world, even Haney. The 2016 Olympic silver medalist, Stevenson, has been unstoppable in his rise at 130 pounds to a unified championship, even against top-level competition. In his last three fights, he defeated Jamel Herring (Oscar Valdez), Robson Conceicao (Robson Conceicao). He’s special.
WeaknessesStevenson suffers from the same issue as Haney: a relative lack in punching power. He is a step behind Davis who is more accomplished. Stevenson is yet to fight at full 135-pound weight. He seems to be ready to move up in weight but one never knows how he’ll adjust to fighting bigger men.
NO. NO.
Strengths: There is no one in the division more skilled than the Ukrainian boxing legend. Two-time Olympic champion, he was able to jump into title contention right away after becoming a professional boxer. This ability has allowed him win major titles in three different divisions in just 19 fights. The 34-year old is a true pro in the sport’s footwork.
WeaknessesLomachenko looked old after his defeat to Teofimo Lomachenko in October 2020. This result cost him his top spot on the pound for pound lists. Although he won his three subsequent opponents, many are still unsure if his best days are behind him. If he fights Haney as expected, he could change this perception.
NO. 5 RYAN GARCIA (23-0), 19 KOs
StrengthsGarcia shares a lot with Davis, his fellow social media celebrity. Garcia, a former amateur star, has exceptional hand speed and a refined skillset. He can also end fights in a matter of seconds with his crushing power. And he’s also starting to build an impressive resume, including knockout victories over Luke Campbell in 2021 and Javier Fortuna last July.
Weaknesses: The victory over Fortuna was important for Garcia but he’s the least accomplished among the top 135-pounders. Of course, he’ll have the chance to change that assuming Davis beats Hector Luis Garcia and then faces “King Ry” this year.
NO. NO.
StrengthsMartin looked like a world champion in his latest fight. He won by a wide margin over Michel Rivera, who was previously undefeated. Martin gave an impressive performance, but he couldn’t stop his Dominican opponent. Martin appears to be able to handle any situation.
WeaknessesMartin must show that he can compete with the best in the division. Rivera had limited experience when he entered the fight, but his win over Rivera was impressive. Martin will need to beat a higher-level opponent to reach the top of the division, like Haney or Davis.
NO. 7 WILLIAM ZEPEDA (7-0, 23 KOs),
Strengths: Zepeda is a natural force, a talented boxer who earns his living by applying relentless pressure to his opponents. He overwhelmed Joseph Diaz Jr. to win a wide decision in October, a breakthrough performance that lifted the Mexican into the conversation we’re having here. He is not going to be beaten.
Weaknesses: Zepeda’s prognosis is not yet clear. While the win over Diaz was an important step, Diaz is clearly in decline. Diaz lacks the boxing skills of Stevenson and Haney as well as the power of Davis, Ryan Garcia and Ryan Garcia. We’ll see how he does when he faces one of the above.