In the relentlessly competitive world of professional kickboxing, a month can feel like a lifetime. Champions are crowned, legacies are forged, and the unforgiving clock of inactivity can quietly usher even the most formidable talents off the global stage. July 2025 has been no exception, delivering a fresh wave of shake-ups across all weight classes, painting a vivid picture of who truly dominates the squared circle, and who is merely holding a spot.
From the towering heavyweights to the lightning-fast flyweights, the latest rankings from Beyond Kickboxing offer a critical pulse check on the sport`s global health. Promotions like GLORY, K-1, ONE Championship, and RISE continue to serve as crucibles where dreams are realized and, occasionally, shattered. Let’s dissect the most significant movements and narratives emerging from this month’s updated standings.
Pound-for-Pound Prowess: The Elite Tier
The Pound-for-Pound rankings, the ultimate measure of a fighter`s overall prowess, saw some expected continuity at the very top, alongside a notable new face and a regrettable departure. Petpanomrung, the undisputed featherweight king, further cemented his legacy by securing his ninth GLORY title defense with a unanimous decision over Miguel Trindade. Two knockdowns later, the result was academic, proving once again why he remains a formidable force.
Not to be outdone, the heavyweight titan Rico Verhoeven continued his seemingly endless reign, pushing his GLORY all-time title defense record to an astonishing thirteen. His unanimous decision victory over Artem Vakhitov was a masterclass in controlled aggression, leaving no doubt about his dominance. Similarly, Donovan Wisse, despite a controversial split decision win against Michael Boapeah, now holds the Glory middleweight title defense record with six successful defenses. Controversy, it seems, is merely a footnote in the march of history for some champions.
However, the P4P list also bid farewell to one exceptional talent. Superlek, who once held the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing title with a stellar performance against Takeru, has been removed due to 18 months of inactivity. The sport, much like time itself, waits for no one. On the flip side, Shiro, the former ISKA and current RISE Bantamweight World Champion, finally earned his well-deserved spot at No. 10. His consistent performances, including crucial wins over Toki Tamaru and Koki Osaki, prove that patience and persistence eventually pay dividends.
Heavyweight Thunder and Light Heavyweight Shakes
The heavyweight division, as always, brought the thunder. Rico Verhoeven`s continued reign at the top is a testament to his longevity and strategic prowess. Beneath him, the GLORY qualifier tournaments provided ample drama. We saw fighters like Mory Kromah making a spectacular jump to No. 3 with a flying knee knockout, a moment of undeniable athleticism, even if it came after points deductions for his opponent. Tariq Osaro also made a statement, stopping two opponents en route to a dominant win in his qualifier. The division is a chaotic ballet of power and precision, where one misstep can send you tumbling down the ladder.
Meanwhile, the Light Heavyweight division witnessed a significant changing of the guard. Sergej Maslobojev ascended to the top, securing the GLORY Light Heavyweight title with a technical knockout over Tarik Khbabez. This pivotal victory reshapes the landscape at 95kg, demonstrating that even established champions can be dethroned when the right opponent brings their A-game. For Cem Caceres, a broken nose in a Heavyweight qualifier served as a stark reminder of the risks involved, though thankfully, it didn`t impact his light heavyweight standing.
Mid-Weight Mayhem and Welterweight Wonders
In the Middleweight division, Mohamed Touchassie demonstrated calculated ambition, moving up one spot after a unanimous decision win in an 88 kg catchweight bout. While not enough to leapfrog his opponent, it was a strategic advance. This movement also coincided with Sergey Ponomarev`s dip in rankings, a direct consequence of reaching the unfortunate “three-and-a-half-year mark” without facing ranked opposition. It`s a harsh but necessary rule: the ring demands engagement, or it forgets you.
The Welterweight scene welcomed a new contender in Vedat Hoduk, whose two-round knockout victory signaled his readiness for the big leagues. His entry filled the void left by Rungrawee, who, after 14 months of kickboxing inactivity and a shift to Muay Thai rules, politely exited the rankings. Such transitions are common, but the rankings remain steadfast in their kickboxing focus.
Lower Weight Class Dynamics: Speed, Precision, and Controversy
The lighter weight classes, often defined by blistering speed and technical wizardry, had their own share of drama. In Lightweight, Enriko Kehl`s trademark pressure proved too much for Kaito, earning the German fighter a unanimous decision and a well-deserved rise in the rankings. Petpanomrung reappears in Super Featherweight, further solidifying his featherweight dominance, while Bobo Sacko climbed a spot, again, thanks to a competitor`s inactivity.
The Super Bantamweight division was particularly eventful. The “inactivity curse” claimed another high-profile victim as Superlek exited due to 18 months of non-competition under kickboxing rules. This paved the way for a truly controversial bout where Kan Nakamura defeated Yuki Kasahara in the extension round of their RISE World Series semifinal. Two brutal knockdowns following a disputed extra round decision left many debating the outcome, highlighting that sometimes, the fight beyond the bells is as intense as the one within the ropes. Meanwhile, Yuan Pengjie punched his ticket to the 2025 RISE 61.5 kg World Series final, signaling a strong performance.
The Bantamweight category saw Koyata Yamada make a powerful entrance, knocking out Kaito Sakaguchi with a decisive right cross. And in the Flyweight division, Ryujin Nasukawa claimed the inaugural ISKA K-1 World Strawweight championship, adding another esteemed title to the global landscape.
The Ascendant Queens: Women`s Divisions Shine
The women`s divisions continue to deliver compelling narratives and breathtaking performances. The Women`s Bantamweight class witnessed perhaps the most significant upset of the month: Débora Evora delivered a career-best performance, knocking out the reigning ISKA -57 kg World champion, Martine Michieletto, in the third round with a devastating body shot. This dominant victory not only crowned Evora as the new champion but also propelled her into the Pound-for-Pound rankings at No. 3, a true testament to her relentless ascent. Nina van Dalum also successfully defended her Enfusion title, further solidifying her position.
In Women`s Flyweight, Tessa De Kom successfully defended her RISE 52 kg title, demonstrating consistent excellence. Her win saw the departure of Cristina Morales due to inactivity, making way for Enfusion champion Kyara van der Klooster to enter the rankings. Finally, in Women`s Atomweight, MISAKI made a statement in her ONE debut, delivering a total domination over Ran Longshan to secure a unanimous decision win, showcasing her pedigree as the Shootboxing Atomweight champion. Honoka Kobayashi, unfortunately, dropped two spots after a year of inactivity, another stark reminder of the clock`s unforgiving tick.
July 2025 has undeniably been a dynamic month for kickboxing. From high-stakes title defenses that solidified legacies to dramatic upsets that shattered expectations, the rankings reflect the sport`s constant evolution. Inactivity, as always, remains a silent but potent adversary, quietly removing even the most decorated fighters from contention. As we look towards the next month, the anticipation builds for new challenges, new champions, and the continued narrative of triumph and defeat that defines this exhilarating sport.
Ellis Thorne