Pound for Pound 10.30.07
Posted by Ramon Aranda on 10.30.2007
It's time once again to evaluate whom are the best fighters in the world pound for pound.
It's that time of the month fight fans where we break down the top pound for pound fighters in the world. Not a lot has changed since our last discussion back in August but the most notable change is the omission of the great Marco Antonio Barrera. After his lopsided loss to Manny Pacquiao, Barrera wisely decided to call it a career and await his induction to Canastota in 2013. Surely he will come face to face with Erik Morales on that hot summer day.
Speaking of Manny Pacquiao, what did his dominant performance against Barrera mean for his pound for pound ranking? Let's take a look at this month's pound for pound ratings to find out!
1. Manny Pacquiao (45-3-2, 35 KOs)
I know what you're thinking: "Ramon, how can you possibly rate anyone
but Floyd Mayweather as the top pound for pound fighter in the world?"
Honestly it wasn't an easy decision and although some may argue that
Floyd Mayweather is more talented that Manny Pacquiao, being the man
on top isn't based solely on talent. Yes Mayweather is undefeated while
Pacquiao has a couple of blemishes on his record but it's been Manny
who has been on a dominant tear as of late; demolishing two legendary
fighters in Morales and Barrera while destroying his other opponents in
the process. Mayweather is good, but has been uninspiring lately and
although he can easily be called the best in the world, Pacquiao's recent
performances have nudged him just above Mayweather for the time being.
Having just put Barrera into retirement, Pacquiao and his team are already
looking towards his next opponent possibly in February or March of next
year. Possible opponents could be Juan Manuel Marquez in a rematch
should he get passed Rocky Juarez or another mouthwatering confrontation
against lightweight titleholder Juan Diaz, should Pacquiao move up in
weight as speculated.
2. Floyd Mayweather (38-0, 24 KOs)
Floyd may very well be the best in the sport, but his recent performances in
comparison with Pacquiao have allowed Manny to be viewed by many fans
and writers as the best in the world. Of course Floyd will tell you otherwise
and he may be right. On the plus side, Floyd has a mega-fight with fellow
pound for pounder Ricky Hatton in December that could very well cement his
place at the top of this list. Until now he'll have to look upward to see the
"Pac-Man" in charge. Mayweather has to realize that it's not talent alone that
makes you the best in the hearts of fans; it's the ability to put on a show and
look dominant every time out.
3. Juan Manuel Marquez (47-3, 35 KOs)
Marquez is hot on the trails of Manny Pacquiao as a rematch between the two
only makes sense given their hotly debated draw. By now, Marquez should have
faced off against Rocky Juarez but an injury delayed the bout until November.
Juarez is a tough customer that should give fans an idea as to what Marquez
has in his arsenal. Juan Manuel is an older fighter by junior lightweight standards
but a late bloomer so his body still responds well. Definitely the #2 guy behind
Pacquiao in the lighter weights.
4. Bernard Hopkins (48-4-1, 32 KOs)
B-Hop has been inactive since his 12-round clear-cut decision against Winky
Wright in July. As of press time, Hopkins still has no scheduled opponent but
we get the feeling that he's looking at the winner of Calzaghe-Kessler as his
next meal. It's a fight that would make a lot of sense and would give Bernard a
very tough test. At 42, Hopkins can't have much left in the tank even with the
spectacular physique he still displays.
5. Joe Calzaghe (43-0, 32 KOs)
Joe Calzaghe is the super middleweight champion of the world and recently
completed his tenth year as champion. Of course that could very well end
when he faces off against the dangerous Mikkel Kessler from Denmark. The
two will get it on Nov. 2nd across the pond where the fight belongs for their
fans. Should Joe get passed Kessler, which is by no means a sure thing, he
could very well take on Bernard Hopkins or the winner of Pavlik-Taylor II which
is sure to happen sometime next year.
6. Ricky Hatton (43-0, 31 KOs)
The Hitman demolished Jose Luis Castillo and soon set his sights on another
tough fight in Floyd Mayweather. The two will settle their score on December
6th and following the Kessler-Calzaghe fight on HBO on Nov. 2nd, the cameras
will bring us the inside scoop through 24/7, the next iteration of the series that
took us through the training camps of Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather.
Ricky has got his work cut out for him come December so we hope he's ready.
7. Miguel Cotto (30-0, 25 KOs)
Here's a guy that's been bringing not only excitement to the ring but heart,
determination and a good punch. Cotto is still undefeated and has won over the
Puerto Rican fans with his crowd pleasing style. Though Cotto has had his
share of scares in recent fights, his Arturo Gatti like style is easy to appreciate
and he has been consistent in the ring. He is scheduled to face-off with Shane
Mosley in a terrific matchup on Nov. 10th in New York City. This fight should be
a barnburner that's worth every penny for fight fans. Cotto rises from 8th to 7th
due to his higher level of opposition while Mosley falls from 7th to 8th.
8. Shane Mosley (44-4, 37 KOs)
Shane Mosley must be foaming at the mouth waiting to take on Miguel Cotto.
Mosley, once regarded as the top pound for pound fighter in the world has climbed
back from the brink of extinction by winning and winning in exciting fashion. Has
been idle since removing the consciousness out of Fernando Vargas but will get
his chance at being the man once again if he can dethrone Cotto. The winner could
very well take on Antonio Margarito should he win on the undercard.
9. Israel Vasquez (42-4, 31 KOs)
Vasquez is riding high since regaining his championship against Rafael
Marquez but does not have a scheduled fight as of press time. Recently the
recipient of his Ring Magazine world title, Vasquez awaits a decision on the
location of his rubber match with Marquez.
10. Winky Wright (51-4, 25 KOs)
With the knockout loss and retirement of Marco Antonio Barrera, Winky returns
to the top 10. Wright is 1-1-1 in his last three fights and thought he was outboxed
by ringmaster Bernard Hopkins, Winky has shown resiliency and has proven that he
still belongs among the top fighters in the world. Wright also has no scheduled fight
at this time but is rumored to head back to the junior middleweight division.
