Thursday, July 26, 2012

Updated North American Welterweight Rankings 7/26/2012


Michael Mananquil holds his spot at number one after his win over Luis Bio, and Chris Kwiatkowski jumps into the number two spot. While former number two Jose Palacios drops out of the rankings following back to back losses. Entering the rankings at number three is Malaipet Sasiprapa after seemingly turning things around following the worst five fight skid of his career and going 2-1 in his last three fights.

1. Michael Mananquil (22-4)
Mananquil returned after a year long layoff to take on Mexican WBC Champion Luis Bio this past July. Mananquil moved up a weight class for the fight with Bio and took home a (T)KO victory after he opened a cut on Bio with an elbow. Its seems Mananquil stay up at 154lbs for at least one more event as he has been announced to be competing in the K-1 Max tournament in Los Angeles, CA on September 8th.


2. Chris Kwiatkowski (8-2-1)
Kwiatkowski competed earlier this year in Thailand winning by KO over Pit Noi Ratchapatjombun. After returning from Thailand Kwiatkowski has surgery on his shoulder and was out of action for a few months. He returned to the ring on July 22nd where he defeated Daniel Rodriguez via (T)KO due to leg kicks in the second round. Kwiatkowski’s is yet to be determined, but “The Polish Punisher” deserves to be locking horns with some of the bigger names state side in the 147lb division.
 
3. Malaipet Sasiprapa (139-27-5)
Malaipet seemed to be back in top form after ending what is easily one of the worst skids of his career in which he went 1-5. Malaipet ended 2011 with a big win over soaring Jose Palacios and followed it up with a decision with over Justin Greskiewicz this past May. “The Diamond”, however, dropped a decision to Chike Lindsay in June. Malaipet’s next fight is currently up in the air and if it wasn’t for the skid Malaipet went through from 2010 to mid 2011 he would easily be ranked higher.

4. Artem Sharoshkin (2-1-1)
Sharoshkin and Scotty Leffler entertained the crowd for five rounds in May and when it was over it seemed Sharoshkin might be walking away with a decision victory, but the judges ended up ruling the fight a draw. Now Sharoshkin looks to get back on the winning track at the August 18th WCK Muay Thai event in Southern California. Shaorshkin will be competing in a 4-man one night tournament with the winner representing North America at this years WKN Big 8 Belarus tournament.  
5. Scotty Leffler (5-2-1)
After returning to action from a broken jaw this past February, Leffler was able to outpoint Sheldon Gaines to earn a decision win. He returned to action two months later in May to take on Artem Sharoshkin. After being dropped in the first round by Sharoshkin Leffler was able to rally enough to convince the judges to score the bout a draw. Leffler has since signed to compete at the K-1 Max tournament on September 8th in Los Angeles. The tournament will be contested at 154lbs.


Rankings qualification - Fighters are not to be inactive for any period longer than 12 months or they will be dropped from the rankings unless a fight is schedule within a month from the date they become ineligible. Fighter's that compete in two weight classes will be assigned a weight class that they compete in regularly or hold a major title in.

*If you are currently ranked in a weight class and would like to switch weight classes please notify Nathan@MuayThaiAuthority.com. Switching weight classes does not guarantee you will be ranked in the new weight class.
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