World Boxing News looks at which fighting stars currently occupy the number one spot with the World Boxing Council at each weight class.
From minimumweight to heavyweight, WBN focuses on who is set to challenge the coveted green and gold belt shortly.
MINIMUMWEIGHT
Melvin Jerusalem is a Filipino boxer on a mission to claim his first recognized strap.
The 26-year-old has reeled off four straight victories since suffering back-to-back losses.
One of those defeats, and the first of his career, was to current ruler Wanheng Menayothin. The closeness of the contest, when Jerusalem was just 11-0 and Waheng was 44-0, proves that the up-and-comer has what it takes to rule the division.
Should Wanheng decide to move up, Jerusalem would be a big favorite to win the title. However, the order of the day for Wanheng’s new promoters at Golden Boy would undoubtedly be a rematch between the pair.
It could be a lucrative return.
LIGHT-FLYWEIGHT
Tetsuya Hisada is now 35 years old. He’s a former Japanese champion and pushing hard with the WBC.
After losing a WBA shot last October, Hisada hopes to challenge Kenshiro Teraji very soon.
FLYWEIGHT
McWilliams Arroyo is quickly becoming a near man in boxing after losing two previous challenges for the world crown.
Dropping a decision to Kazuto Ioka for the WBC silver crown, Arroyo has since won three bouts on the spin.
SUPER-FLYWEIGHT
Srisaket Sor Rungvisai is a former unified ruler at the weight.
After a post-lockdown win over Amnat Ruenroeng over the weekend, Srisaket is eyeing a rematch with current king Juan Estrada.
BANTAMWEIGHT
Nonito Donaire is scheduled to challenge champion Nordine Oubaali on December 12 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville.
SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT
Luis Nery is yet to lose in 30 fights. Enjoying a reign previously at bantamweight, Nery is aiming to become a two-weight title-holder.
Rey Vargas is currently in possession of the belt at 126.
FEATHERWEIGHT
Jesse Magdaleno is on the comeback trail. It follows a loss to Isaac Dogboe, which derailed a previous title run.
The 28-year-old is three wins into his second push and will likely face Gary Russell Jr. in the next twelve months. That’s unless Russell finally moves up.
Magdaleno would the battle number two Kid Galahad for the vacant title.
SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT
Oscar Valdez wants the World Boxing Council to ratify his challenge against Miguel Berchelt as soon as possible.
A former featherweight champion, Valdez wanted two-weight status in 2020.
LIGHTWEIGHT
Javier Fortuna leads the way at 135. Lightweight has become something of a complicated division.
Fortuna will battle Jorge Linares for the Diamond belt on August 28. Devin Haney is the champion, while Luke Campbell is set to face Ryan Garcia for the interim version.
Vasyl Lomachenko remains Franchise and overall champion.
SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT
Viktor Postol will take on current World Boxing Council 140-pound ruler Jose Ramirez this month.
Look out for part two of the number one contender list on WBN tomorrow.
