Bivol returns to pound-for-pound rankings at No. 6

Dmitry Bivol has forced his way back into ESPN's pound-for-pound rankings, landing at No. 6 after a spell outside the top 10.

The heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight's re-entry comes at a cost to one fighter, who dropped out of the rankings entirely to make room. ESPN's latest list reflects Bivol's recent form and keeps him just outside the sport's elite tier.

Where Bivol sits among boxing's best

Bivol's No. 6 placement puts him behind the top five but ahead of several other champions and contenders who have built cases for inclusion. The heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight titleholder has rebuilt his standing after previous ranking adjustments.

The panel's decision to slot Bivol at sixth suggests voters view him as closer to the top tier than the middle of the pack. His next performance could determine whether he cracks the top five or holds steady just outside it.

Reported via:

• ESPN Boxing — Men's boxing pound-for-pound rankings: Bivol is back, but just misses the top 5