1. Michael Mananquil (21-4)
Mananquil has competed only one in 2011, back in February at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert”. The decision win keeps him at the top of the rankings, but without it looking as if he will be scheduled for a fight before the end of October he will likely be falling off the rankings. Mananquil is a technical fighter that overwhelms his opponents with the volume of strikes he throws. Hopefully 2012 is a more active year for Mananquil.

2. Jose Palacios (5-3)
Palacios recently dropped a split decision to Malaipet Sasiprapa at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 4”. A last minute switch changed his opponent from Kit Cope to Malaipet, but Palacios is now expected to meet Cope at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 5” this upcoming February. Palacios had a successful 2011 campaign going 3-1. A head kick knockout over Joey Pagliuso, a 25 second knockout of Scotty Leffler and a decision victory over young gun Artem Sharoshkin bring his name to the fore front of Muay Thai in North America.

3. Chris Kwiatkowski (6-2-1)
Kwiatkowski had a solid 2011 campaign going 4-1-1. The year ended with a loss at the WKN Big 8 Belarus tournament against Ibrahim Kanote, despite the loss it was a very solid performance and a fight in which many feel Kwiatkowski should have gotten the nod. His year included wins over Robert Blake, Joe Tipping, Oliver Parker and Mike Erosa. Kwiatkowski’s next fight is currently unknown, but another active year is expected from him.

4. Artem Sharoshkin (2-1)
Sharoshkin made his pro debut in late 2010 with a decision win over Titus Holmes and the young fighter has shown some serious skill in his young career. He only fought twice in 2011 splitting his bouts, a decision win over Borzoo Honargohar was followed by a decision loss to Jose Palacios. Sharoshkin should be a fighter to contend with as he gets older, his solid combination of boxing and cardio along with his size should present problems for almost everyone he steps with into the ring.

5. Scotty Leffler (4-2)
Leffler had rough 2011 campaign. He started the year off with a loss to Coke Chunhawat, a fight in which he was able to hang in the pocket and exchange with Coke. The doctor stopped the fight in the second round after Coke busted up Leffler’s nose. In his other fight of 2011 Leffler suffered a broken jaw at the hands of Jose Palacios that put him out of comission for the remainder of the year. Despite the losses, Leffler is a good fighter with solid skills. He is expected to be back in action in February of 2012 at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 5” against Sheldon Gaines. 2012 will be an important year for Leffler as he tries to re-establish himself as a force in the North American Muay Thai scene.

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.

The post North American Welterweight Rankings 12/26/2011 appeared first on muaythaiauthority.com.

1. Kevin Ross (17-8)
Ross has continuously shown he isn’t afraid to step into the ring with the best in the world and after his fight against Saenchai he stepped into the ring with current Lumpinee champion Sakkedao. The fight didn’t go exactly the way Ross would have liked as a cut stopped the fight after the third round, giving the win to Sakkedao. After winning the 2010 Muay Thai Authority fighter of the year award, 2011 has been some what of a rough year for Ross. You can’t ignore the facts that he is fighting world class competition, but he is now 1-3 on the year with his only win coming back in May against Mark DeLuca. The next move for Ross is unknown, although he might be in action as early as January. Whatever his next move it should be interesting to see if he can get back on the winning track against top tier competition.

2. Matt Embree (19-3) 
Embree claimed the Journey Fight Series tournament crown with a victory over Josh Palmer. Despite currently being undersized for the 140lb weight class, Embree makes up for it with technique and skill. He has stated that a permanent move to the 140lb weight class is likely in the cards for him. Embree is expected to be back in action in February at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 5” against Coke Chunhawat.

 

3. Josh Palmer (38-16) 
Palmer fell short of capturing the Journey Fight Series 140lb tournament. Things seemed to be going his way early on in his fight with Matt Embree, but as the fight wore one the bout began to favor Embree. Despite coming up short, Palmer is still one of the best North American fighters in the 140-147lb weight class. There are some interesting match-ups for him in North America alone, he is expected to fight in Ireland in February of 2012.

4. Gabriel Varga (5-1)
Varga has some great technical skills, unfortunately for fans his latest fight was cancelled at the last minute when his opponent, Justin Greskiewicz was forced to withdraw due to an injury. Varga’s next fight is currently unknown, but it could come in March of 2012. The Warriors Cup also stated they will try and get the fight between Varga and Greskiewicz re-scheduled.

5. Justin Greskiewicz (16-8-3)
Greskiewicz has won his last two fights, both decision victories over Turan Hasanov and Eddie Martinez. Greskiewicz is a fight any one, any time, any where type of fighter, which has made him a fan favorite. He had a pretty active 2011 which included big fights against Liam Harrison and Josh Palmer. Greskiewicz is rumored to be in action at Take-On’s January show, although nothing has been confirmed.

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.

The post North American Super Lightweight Rankings 12/24/2011 appeared first on muaythaiauthority.com.

The post North American Middleweight Rankings 12/22/2011 appeared first on muaythaiauthority.com.