Boots Ennis moves up, Usyk vacates heavyweight belts in July rankings

Jaron 'Boots' Ennis made a statement in his welterweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super welterweight debut last month, and heavyweight is about to undergo major changes as Oleksandr Usyk prepares to exit the division, according to Bad Left Hook's latest rankings update for July 2026.

Usyk has vacated the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles, the outlet reports. Agit Kabayel has been elevated to full WBC champion, while Murat Gassiev now holds sole claim to the WBA belt. The IBF sits vacant. Usyk remains at the top of the rankings despite giving up the straps, though his days in the division appear numbered.

Heavyweight reshuffle and Itauma test looms

The heavyweight order saw Moses Itauma move up to No. 5 ahead of his August 29 clash with Filip Hrgovic. Bad Left Hook acknowledged that Itauma's placement is based partly on speculation about his potential as a generational talent. "Hrgovic may not be a world-beater, but he's legitimate," the rankings note stated. Anthony Joshua dropped to No. 6 behind Itauma, while Fabio Wardley sits at No. 7. Joshua faces Kristian Prenga on July 25 before the Itauma-Hrgovic matchup determines whether the British prospect belongs among the elite.

At cruiserweight, David Benavidez looks headed for a unification with WBC titlist Noel Mikaelian, though Bad Left Hook called it a calculated decision. Mikaelian is described as a good, tough veteran but not a big hitter. The rankings editor noted that belts still allow promoters to frame time-filler bouts as must-see events.

Canelo Alvarez remains the top middleweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super middleweight despite his planned fight with Christian Mbilli being pushed to late October. No official reason was given for the postponement. Dmitry Bivol holds three light heavyweight belts and stays at No. 1 in that division, while Benavidez appears ready to abandon 175 pounds for good unless a Bivol fight materializes.

Photo: Web Summit / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Original reporting:

• badlefthook.com — Boxing rankings: Boots Ennis, Usyk on way out, more for July 2026 | Bad Left Hook