Russell is placed at #5, a position that becomes difficult to justify once the rest of the list is examined. Richardson Hitchins sits above him at #2, despite a long amateur history between the two that was completely one-sided. Russell beat Hitchins four times and established clear control of distance, pace and physical exchanges, and those results remain relevant when projecting how those styles will meet again at the professional level.
Smith’s placement at #1 sharpens the contrast between projection and evidence, as his rise is built almost entirely on a single win, while Russell’s case rests on broader evidence and on matches that suggest sustained control rather than managed survival. Rankings are meant to reflect who is most likely to win fights at this weight, and that question points more naturally to Russell than to a fighter elevated on one defining night.
The stylistic picture reinforces that view. Russell applies pressure that forces decisions and sustained exchanges, an approach that tests the entire division rather than exploiting narrow openings. Against Smith, Hitchins or others in the mix, Russell presents a problem that is difficult to slow down or reform.
The list becomes even harder to defend when you consider who is missing entirely. Ernesto Mercado is unranked, despite consistently facing tougher opposition than anyone listed and continues to win without relying on containment tactics. His absence feels less like a close call and more like a blind spot.
Above sits Teofimo Lopez, the champion and the constant point of reference. Under him, however, the ordering feels reversed. If the rankings are meant to identify the most dangerous fighter in the division, Russell belongs near the front of the line, not parked at #5 behind fighters he’s already proven he can beat.
Ring’s Light Welterweight Rankings
Champion: Teofimo Lopez
- Dalton Smith
- Richardson Hitchins
- Alberto Puello
- Arnold Barboza Jr.
- Gary Antoine Russell
- Sandor Martin
- Subriel Matias
- Adam Zim
- Lindolfo Delgado
- Andy Hiraoka
Placing Antuanne Russell in the #5 spot is another unpopular move by The Ring, as he has already beaten #2 Hitchins four times in the amateurs. He showed that he had his number. He should be higher on the list.
