The World Boxing Association (WBA) Classifications Committee announced its rankings for March, which includes the 15 best boxers in the 17 weight divisions. Only these boxers have the possibility of aspiring to a world title fight within their respective divisions.

The “Boxer of the Month” distinction was awarded to Dmitry Bivol who beat Joe Smith Jr. via unanimous decision to retain his World Boxing Association World Light Heavyweight Title.

In this fight, Dmitry Bivol again demonstrated his elite class that has made him one of the most interesting fighters of the light heavyweight division as he beat Smith on his home turf in Verona, New York, in a dominating performance.

Bivol looked far superior as he defended his crown for the fourth time, with the scorecards reading 118-110, 119-109 and 119-109. The opening rounds were complicated for the champion born in Kyrgyzstan, but of Russian nationality, since Smith came out aggressive while looking to end the fight in short manner with his power.

Bivol’s boxing class shone bright, however, as he slowly implemented his game plan and began to dominate the challenger with accurate shots as has been customary throughout his career. Smith was always dangerous with his powerful hands, rocking Bivol a couple times in the fight, but never having the champion in serious trouble.

The 28-year-old now has a record of 16 wins, no losses, and 11 knockouts, while Smiths record fell to 24 wins, 3 losses, and 20 knockouts.

Congratulations to Dmitry Bivol on retaining his WBA World Title while moving his record to 16 wins, no losses, with 11 knockouts while becoming the “Boxer of the Month” for March of 2019.

Eduardo A. Ramirez is the honorable mention for the WBA “Boxer of the Month”. Ramirez knocked out Bryan de Gracia in nine rounds to win the Gold Championship of the WBA at featherweight.