Glasgow, Scotland: Following Tom Johnson's historic re-capturing of the heavyweight crown and retirement, the Royal Explorers Club has found itself in need of a champion. The board selected veteran and former World Champ Ben Bryan and the younger Joe Lashley to square off for the title no later than the fifteenth of March. The winner will have to face another top ten fighter of their choosing by year's end.
Middleweight king Jem Belcher is required to face the tough American Bill Richmond and one other challenger in 1803 to maintain his claim.
1802 HEAVYWEIGHT RANKINGS
Out: Timeless Tom Johnson has retired to the countryside leaving the heavyweight title vacant.
Out: Solly Sodicky served as Johnson's foil and dropped another bout to Scotsman Jimmie Quinn.
Out: On-again off-again Jack Cary is off once more following a poor performance against Big Ben Bryan.
Out: A pair of losses apiece have sent Andrew Gamble and the good Bishop Blaize packing.
In: Two wins in 1802 landed Housa the Jew in the top ten and placed the English belt around his waist.
In: A win over Housa and two against Tom Trimbling have positioned Matt Fleming well and afforded him a chance at the eventual champion in 1803.
In: Solid performances in the prize ring have placed Tom Tring and Bill Treadway in the top ten for the first time.
Complete World Heavyweight Rankings
Complete World Middleweight Rankings
