I was looking at the ring's pound for pound rankings from the 90s till now and I just can't figure it out.

He was 8th in 98 and he was 7th in 2000

His first signature win did not happend till 2001 over Corrales. So what gives here.

And before some of you go "Who cares, it was 9 years ago." Well I have my reasons and we'll get to that after I see your thoughts.