BoxRec

Couldn't quite believe that the official rankings of the WBC, IBF, WBA and WBO (according to fightnews) do not have either Nicky Cook or Esham Pickering in the top 15. Now as European champions they should be obliged a place in the top 15. I'm am more hopeful of Cook's chances cause previous occupant Cyril Thomas is ranked 8th by the WBC and 6th by the WBO and perhaps maybe the rankings are not updated to include Cook's win.

However, I am alarmed about Esham Pickering, the Super Bantam weight devision is wide open and Pickering hasn't got really the time for him to be this undersavedly low in the rankings, he must try and chase the up. Manny Pacquiao has vacated his belt and the new IBF champion isn't the second comining of Ruben Olivares - it would be a good avenue for Pickering to look into, but he seems to be too lowly ranked to even contemplate such a shot (which is unfair).

its a constant bemusement to me (and I would imagine most fight fans) these rankings, and half the time they make no sense whatsoever.
This is an increasingly worrying trend when decent contenders are being denied their rightful rankings down to petty politics or just down right ignorance to their ability.
Its something that really needs addressing in the sport, I can only hope Esham gets a decent named opponent next time out so that he can propel himself up the rankings and get a shot at a decent title in the next 12 months.

The ratings are done on a monthly basis. I dont think they have been updated since Cook won the title, dunno about Esham pickering tho.

jameswilson wrote:The ratings are done on a monthly basis. I dont think they have been updated since Cook won the title, dunno about Esham pickering tho.

Yah! like Howard Eastman

stujones wrote;

Manny Pacquiao has vacated his belt and the new IBF champion isn't the second comining of Ruben Olivares - it would be a good avenue for Pickering to look into, but he seems to be too lowly ranked to even contemplate such a shot (which is unfair).

Israel Vazquez may not be the second coming of Ruben Olivares, but he exchanged two TKO’s with Oscar Larrios.
Look at the IBFratings, when the next ratings come out U will see Paulie Ayala as #1 mandatory because that’s were the money and fame are.

If he wants to move up quickly Tell Brendan Ingle to get overrated #6 ranked David Donnis (NABF Champ) to come over to England for a match up.
Then who knows? If they offer Vazquez enough money maybe he’ll take a non mandatory to pick up some spare change.

#5 rated Nadel Hussein I’m sure is more concerned with the WBC title were he is now the WBC mandatory.

Better to stay away from Joan Guzman.

Blue wrote: stujones wrote;

Manny Pacquiao has vacated his belt and the new IBF champion isn't the second comining of Ruben Olivares - it would be a good avenue for Pickering to look into, but he seems to be too lowly ranked to even contemplate such a shot (which is unfair).

Israel Vazquez may not be the second coming of Ruben Olivares, but he exchanged two TKO’s with Oscar Larrios.
Look at the IBFratings, when the next ratings come out U will see Paulie Ayala as #1 mandatory because that’s were the money and fame are.

If he wants to move up quickly Tell Brendan Ingle to get overrated #6 ranked David Donnis (NABF Champ) to come over to England for a match up.
Then who knows? If they offer Vazquez enough money maybe he’ll take a non mandatory to pick up some spare change.

#5 rated Nadel Hussein I’m sure is more concerned with the WBC title were he is now the WBC mandatory.

Better to stay away from Joan Guzman.

Good knowledge of the lower weight devisions blue, and I agree about Guzman, he really could be the very best in the devsion (and will be for years to come).