Welterweight Elite: The Latest Power Shuffle
The authoritative magazine The Ring has released an updated welterweight ranking, and American knockout artist Jaron "Boots" Ennis — 34 wins, including 30 by knockout — remains at the summit. His closest pursuers are equally impressive on paper: the unbeaten Brian Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs); Lithuania’s WBA “Regular” champion Eimantas Stanionis (15-1, 9 KOs); versatile counter-puncher Mario Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs); and the highly technical Californian Giovani Santillan (34-1, 18 KOs).
A Proud Representative of Uzbekistan
The fifth spot on this prestigious list is held by Bukhara native Shahram Giyasov — 17 victories with no defeats, 10 knockouts. For Uzbek boxing this is an epoch-making moment: for the first time in recent years a countryman has climbed so high in the global welterweight pecking order. Renowned for lightning-fast combinations and pinpoint body work, Giyasov is making steady progress under American coach Joel Diaz. Pundits note that his signature blend of the left jab and hook-uppercut from below often proves decisive long before the final bell.
Shadow of Scandal: The Bear Incident
Nonetheless, the road to the top was not without a low blow to his reputation. In 2024 a video of the boxer wrestling a chained bear spread across the internet. The footage provoked a storm of indignation among boxing fans and animal-rights activists alike. Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Ecology fined the athlete, and Giyasov publicly apologised, stressing that he had made “a serious mistake outside the ring.” The scandal forced the fighter to reassess his public image: his social-media feeds now focus exclusively on training, charity, and support for young athletes.
From Olympic Podium to Professional Pinnacle
Giyasov’s amateur résumé features standout milestones: silver at the 2017 World Championships and bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics. His move to the pro ranks in 2018 was a logical next step: in his debut he stopped American Nicholas Velez with a spectacular second-round knockout. Today, after seventeen flawless outings, the Uzbek puncher stands on the threshold of a title shot. Rumour has it that promotional powerhouse Matchroom Boxing is negotiating a bout for a belt from one of the major sanctioning bodies.
Toward the Championship Belt
Analysts insist that to cement the No. 1 contender status once and for all, Giyasov must face an opponent from the ranking’s top three — be it Ennis, Norman, or Stanionis. Defeating any of these names would open a direct route to a unification clash and could make Shahram the first Uzbek world champion at welterweight.
The fighter from Bukhara has already proved he can learn from mistakes and refine his craft. All that remains is to await the ring bell that will determine whether his fearsome left hook becomes a ticket to the pantheon of undisputed champions.
