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WBC release latest rankings but there is NO place for British welterweight

The World Boxing Council have released an updated version of their current rankings and it's good news for Callum Smith.

The former super middleweight has moved up to number one spot in the light heavyweight ratings and is in line to face heavy-hitting Artur Beterbiev.
Smith decided to move up and fight at 175lbs after relinquishing his WBA title at super middleweight to Canelo Alvarez.
He returned with a bang in September, knocking out Lenin Castillo in brutal fashion on the undercard of Joshua-Usyk. His current record is 28-1 and it includes wins over John Ryder, George Groves and Rocky Fielding.
Just behind him in third and fourth spot are fellow Brits Anthony Yarde and Joshua Buatsi while Craig Richards is 15th.

Photo credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

No place for Conor Benn

Considered as Britain's new poster boy, Conor Benn is hoping to ramp up his hopes of challenging world honours by the end of the year.

Benn's next opponent is reportedly set to be confirmed soon but while Eddie Hearn's goal is for him to win a world title, it looks like the WBC belt may not be one he goes for first.

For the second successive month, Benn is not in welterweight's top 15 by the WBC. The current rules by the organisation mean you are required to sign up to the WBC Clean Boxing Programme if you want to be ranked inside the top 15 - something Benn isn't.

Benn - previously ranked No.5 by the WBC - has said he is currently in the process of being enrolled.
"The World Boxing Council (WBC) have temporarily removed me from their January rankings," his statement read.
"[They] have requested in order for me to continue being ranked under the WBC governing body I must officially enrol in the WBC Clean Boxing Program supported by VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association).
"I can confirm I have instructed my team who are now in the process of enrolling me.
"I wanted to address this personally for the boxing community and my fans.
"It's important to me as a professional athlete to enrol in a clean testing programme and play my part in keeping our sport safe along with having my name stated in top five positions across all governing bodies.
"I have had recent meetings with my team discussing opponents for my next fight to put me another step closer to challenge for world titles and I plan to take the earliest opportunity with any of the globally recognised governing bodies.
"Once our enrolment application has been processed, I expect to remain across the WBC's top five for February's rankings.
"I want to take this opportunity to officially put the welterweight division on notice for 2022."

Below is the WBC's rankings for the welterweight division. To look at the ratings for every division, click here.

Champion: Errol Spence Jr

1) Vergil Ortiz Jr

2) David Avanesyan (Russia) EBU
3) Keith Thurman (US)
4) Jaron Ennis (US)
5) Danny Garcia (US)
6) Thulani Mbenge (South Africa)
7) Josesito Lopez (US)
8) Mikey Garcia (US)
9) Alexander Besputin (Russia)
10) Egidijus Kavaliauskas (Lithuania/US)

11) Amir Khan (GB)

12) Lucas Santamaria (US)
13) Kell Brook (GB)
14) Eimantas Stanionis (Lithuania/US)
15) Abel Ramos (US)

Read more: Boxing schedule for 2022 - Every major fight night, date and venue

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