The Shifting Sands of Stardom: July 2025 Kickboxing Rankings Unveiled

As the global kickboxing circuit churns through another month, July 2025 delivers a fresh set of rankings, once again illustrating the sport`s relentless evolution. From seasoned champions solidifying their legacies to rising contenders carving their paths and the ever-present shadow of inactivity, these lists are more than mere numbers—they tell tales of triumph, strategic decisions, and the unforgiving nature of the ring.

The Elite Echelon: Pound-for-Pound Prowess

The coveted Pound-for-Pound (P4P) rankings, a subjective yet vital gauge of overall skill, saw both predictable consistency and intriguing shifts. At the top, the titans continue to reign with an almost regal dominance. Petpanomrung, the GLORY featherweight king, further cemented his legendary status, successfully defending his title for an astonishing ninth time with a unanimous decision victory. His ability to repeatedly overcome challengers speaks volumes about his technical mastery and strategic brilliance.

Not to be outdone, the `King of Kickboxing,` Rico Verhoeven, pushed his own GLORY heavyweight title defense record to an incredible thirteen, taking every round against Artem Vakhitov. His longevity and ability to maintain peak performance remain unparalleled, a testament to meticulous preparation and a deep understanding of the heavyweight game. Meanwhile, Donovan Wisse, the GLORY middleweight champion, also etched his name into the record books with a sixth successful title defense, albeit in a bout that sparked debate among fans and pundits.

The P4P list also welcomed a new, albeit tentative, face: Shiro. The former ISKA and current RISE Bantamweight World Champion, long a staple of his division, finally broke into the top 10. His ascent is a reminder that consistent, high-level performances, even if they don`t always garner mainstream headlines, eventually earn their due. Conversely, the dynamic Superlek, a fighter whose performances have often bordered on cinematic, departed the P4P rankings due to an 18-month hiatus. In kickboxing, the only thing more brutal than a knockout is inactivity; the sport waits for no one, regardless of past glories.

Heavyweight Hierarchy: A Shifting of Giants

The heavyweight division, always a spectacle of raw power, saw significant movement. The aforementioned Rico Verhoeven remains firmly at the summit, his victory a stark reminder of the monumental task awaiting any challenger. Below him, the landscape is a constant churn. GLORY qualifier tournaments proved to be a brutal proving ground, ushering in new names and re-shuffling the deck.

Bahram Rajabzadeh experienced a tumultuous month, progressing to a final before a controversial loss involving a flying knee and point deductions. This highlights the fine margins in high-stakes competition. Mory Kromah, who delivered that flying knee knockout, now occupies a top-tier position, demonstrating how quickly fortunes can change. Similarly, Tariq Osaro made a definitive statement, stopping two opponents en route to a qualifier victory, including a decisive knockout over Sofian Laidouni. These tournaments are not just about winning; they are about announcing your arrival with conviction.

Light Heavyweight: A New Reign Commences

In the Light Heavyweight division, a changing of the guard occurred. Sergej Maslobojev dethroned Tarik Khbabez, securing the GLORY title via technical knockout after a dominant performance. This decisive victory reshapes the division`s top, placing Maslobojev firmly in the number one spot and setting the stage for future challengers to test his newly acquired championship mettle.

Mid-Weight Mayhem and Welterweight Wiggles

The Middleweight and Welterweight divisions, known for their technical prowess and explosive finishes, also saw subtle shifts. Mohamed Touchassie`s unanimous decision victory in a catchweight bout nudged him up the Middleweight ladder, a clever strategic move to stay active and relevant. The Welterweight division witnessed the entry of Vedat Hoduk following a decisive knockout, replacing Rungrawee, who transitioned to Muay Thai rules and thus became ineligible for kickboxing rankings. It`s a clear reminder that athletes must choose their battles (and their rule sets) wisely if they wish to climb specific ladders.

In the Lightweight division, 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. This outcome underscores the importance of relentless aggression and an unyielding pace in high-level kickboxing.

The Dynamic Lower Weight Classes

The lighter weight classes, often a hotbed of lightning-fast combinations and intricate footwork, were not without their own dramas. In Super Bantamweight, the departure of Superlek due to inactivity created space for new contenders. The RISE World Series semi-final between Yuki Kasahara and Kan Nakamura delivered high drama, with Nakamura securing a controversial extra-round knockout. Such moments, while debated by fans, undeniably shape the trajectory of careers and divisions.

Similarly, the Bantamweight and Flyweight divisions saw emerging talents make their mark. Koyata Yamada`s rapid knockout of Kaito Sakaguchi served notice of his power, while Ryujin Nasukawa claimed the inaugural ISKA K-1 World Strawweight championship, signaling a bright future for the young champion.

The Resurgent Force: Women in Kickboxing

The women`s divisions continue to grow in prominence and competitive intensity. July saw a seismic shift in the Women`s Bantamweight category. Débora Evora delivered a career-defining performance, stunning Martine Michieletto with a body shot knockout in the third round to claim the ISKA -57 kg World title. This upset not only crowned a new champion but also propelled Evora into the top echelons of the women`s Pound-for-Pound rankings. Her dominance from the outset of the fight suggests a new force has arrived.

In Women`s Flyweight, Tessa De Kom successfully defended her RISE 52 kg title, reinforcing her position. The departure of Cristina Morales due to inactivity once again opened a door, with Enfusion champion Kyara van der Klooster making a well-deserved entrance. The Atomweight division saw MISAKI make a strong statement in her ONE debut, dominating her opponent and showcasing the depth of talent emerging in the lighter categories.

The Unseen Opponent: Inactivity

While the glory of victory and the sting of defeat often dominate the headlines, July`s rankings quietly underscored another significant factor: inactivity. Several prominent fighters, including Superlek, Rungrawee, and Cristina Morales, found themselves removed from contention due to prolonged absence from competition. This isn`t a moral judgment, but rather a cold, hard rule of the game. The professional kickboxing landscape is a relentless treadmill; pause too long, and the current will inevitably pull you back, regardless of past achievements. It serves as a stern reminder that consistent activity is as crucial as victory itself for maintaining a fighter`s standing.

Conclusion: A Sport in Constant Motion

The July 2025 kickboxing rankings paint a vivid picture of a sport brimming with talent, strategic battles, and an unyielding drive for supremacy. From the unwavering dominance of multi-time champions to the dramatic upsets and the steady ascent of new contenders, every shift reflects countless hours of training, split-second decisions in the ring, and the often-unseen administrative decisions that govern eligibility. As the next month unfolds, the world of kickboxing will undoubtedly continue its relentless dance of power, precision, and promotion, promising more thrills and further reshuffling of the global hierarchy.