The Ring used to be the only reliable ranking system. But in the last few years they have been ranking more and more similar to the belt organizations. Too many times has the number 1 guy lost his ranking by a 3rd, 4th, and 5th ranked guy who beat a lesser opponent. Its not even arguable to give Bute the number 1 spot by beating a guy of much lesser ranking than himself. And of course they don't explain their reasons for doing so. But its a magazine and so its just opinionated and not necessary to take seriously. I lost respect for that magazine years ago.