Knockout Nation

By Brown:

1. Floyd Mayweather – The man now known as “Money” sits on top of the PFP list as he has for some time now. Coming off an impressive knockout victory over Ricky Hatton in December of 2007, the PFP king finds himself eagerly anticipating a September rematch with Oscar De La Hoya. The problem is, this isnt the fight most fans dont want to see. Obviously, the fight will be financially rewarding to Floyd, but most fans are ready to see him mix it up with one of the premeir fighters at welterweight: Mosley, Margarito, or Cotto. With Cotto and Margarito locking horns later in July, the stage should be set for Mayweather to face the winner if he is successful against De La Hoya in the rematch. As fans we can only hope so and also hope that the rumors of Floyd wanting to fight Hatton again in a rematch after the De La Hoya rematch are untrue. However, the fact remains that when it comes to his accomplishments and incredible in ring talents, Floyd still leads the pack.

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2. Joe Calzaghe – After years of entertaining the fans overseas, Calzaghe has now made some unknowing American fans believers with impressive victories over the likes of Jeff Lacy Mikkel Kessler and now Bernard Hopkins. Joe currently holds the unique distinction of being both the Ring Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight lineal champion. Although it wasn’t his best performance, after getting floored early in the fight, Joe found his rhythm and was able to outwork Hopkins over 12 hard fought rounds. The options for Joe seem limitless at this point as Pavlik, Tarver, Dawson, and Roy Jones Jr. are all potential opponents. Early reports indicated Calzaghe may be facing Jones Jr. in November but nothing is concrete as of now. But with his latest string of victories, Calzaghe has showed us Americans what the fans overseas have known all his career…Calzaghe is indeed the real deal.

3. Juan Manuel Marquez – Now some may wonder how Marquez is ahead of Pacquiao when Pacquiao got the official decision over Marquez in their recent rematch. Well the truth is, along with many others, I truly felt Marquez won the rematch against Pacquiao as well as their first encounter that was ruled a draw. If one were to really dissect Juan’s career, you could seriously argue that has not lost convincingly since 1999. Yes, Chris John and Pac-Man have had their hand raised as victors, but again, many fans believed he deserved to win those fights. Although we would love to see he and Pac-Man have one more fight for the trilogy, it doesent appear to be happening soon. Hopefully, Marquez can snag a meaningful fight in the meantime as he remains one of the best pure boxers and counterpunches in the game and is a joy to watch.

4. Manny Pacquiao – See above for his ranking explanation. Although many feel Pacquiao didnt convincingly win his last bout against Marquez, it’s clear that Manny has proved to be Juan’s toughest opponent in flooring him 4 times over 24 rounds. Once labled by most as “One Dimensional”, Manny has added a lot of variety to his offensive and defensive arsenal. Under the guidance of Freddie Roach, Pac-Man has become a much more complete fighter. Next, Pacquiao is moving to the lightweight division to take on lightweight titlist David Diaz. Though not as fast as Pacquio, Diaz is one tough customer and will be right in front of Manny the whole way. If Pacquiao wins, lets hope he can take care of the unfinshed business with Marquez the fans are all waiting for.

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5. Miguel Cotto – Undefeated, Puerto Rican powerhouse is coming off a punishing win over Alphonso Gomez. Prior to that, Cotto outpointed Future Hall of Famer Shane Mosely and stopped Zab Judah. In fact, in his last several fights, he has faced both slick fighters and punchers and has dispatched them all. This proves that Cotto is continuing to learn on the job, get better with each fight, and found a way to deal with any style he is confronted with. He faces a tough assignment against Antonio Margirito in July, but if he should win, his handlers should flood the media with demands that Mayweather fight him. Cotto is the goods and appears to be the heir apparent to Mr. Felix Trinadad as the games most beloved Puerto Rican warrior.

6. Israel Vasquez – Izzy moves up to # 6 after his most recent win in the magnificent trilogy between he and Rapfeal Marquez. Now with a record of 43-4, Vasquez defended his WBC Super Bantamweight title by defeating Marquez with an Ironman like performance. In recent years, he has now stacked up wins against Larios, Gonzales, and now R. Marquez (x2). Although there is mention of a fourth fight between he and Marquez, most fans could acknwledge that these two need a break from each other…for the sake of their careers. Vasquez’s blood, sweat, tears and impressive performances have truly made him deserving of all the accolades he is recieving right now.

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7. Kelly Pavlik – Kelly, now 33-0, is coming off two impressive performances of Jermaine Taylor (one by brutal knockout), and consecutive knockouts over Edison Miranda and Jose Zertuche. Although, he doesent appear to do anything special in the ring, his sheer size, stamina, rugged workrate, and freakish power has proven to be too much for any of his opponents to overcome. Although many would love to see him face the best the division has to offer (Wright, Abraham, Sturm), Pavlik is next facing a serious underdog in Gary Lockett. Winky Wright recently attempted to make a fight with Pavlik, but his promoter, Bob Arum, decided to go another route. There is word now that Pavlik will again be facing another underdog in Marco Antonio Rubio if he defeats Lockett (which he will). Hopefully, Arum will allow Pavlik to be that throwback that will face the best in the division or even roll the dice and take on Calzaghe at Super Middleweight.

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8. Winky Wright – Many will find it perculiar that Wright is listed above Hopkins when Hopkins won a decision over him last year. However, im just one of many fans, and media members who thought Wright won a “veryclose” decision over Hopkins in their 2007 fight at 170 pounds. However, to maintain his position or even elevate it on the PFP lists, Wright has to get back in the ring and display those skills we are all accustomed to seeing from him. He has been inactive since his fight with Hopkins, and seems to have no opponent on deck for the near future. Although none of the top names seem eager to face him, it is the fans hopes that Wright will even take on a lesser opponent to stay sharp, visible and work his way back into the minds of fight fanatics. Dont be confused by the somewhat low ranking due to inactivity and other fighters progress: Wright remains one of the most skilled boxers on this list, is more than capable of being becoming a champion again and is still a tough night out for any one that steps in the ring with him.

9. Bernard Hopkins – The legend, future hall of famer, former middleweight kingpin, and former light heavyweight lineal champion. After coming off two very disputed losses against Jermaine Taylor, Hops jumped up 2 weight classes and beat the reigning light heavyweight king Antonio Tarver with ease. After an official (but disputed depending on who you talk to) win over Winky Wright, Hopkins was recently defeated over twelve rounds by Joe Calzaghe. Although he knocked Calzaghe down the first round, Hopkins seemed to fall into a routine of punching and clinching without displaying a workrate that was able to match Calzaghe’s. However, you have to consider that this man is 43 years old. Simply amazing. Not only is his conditioning and footwork still great, but Hard Nard still had the caginess and ring smarts to deal with the constant pressure Calzaghe put on him for twelve rounds. Quietly, I still think Bernard could make some noise if he stuck around, but he has come out and recently said he may retire. So be it. The man is a legend and his legacy remains sealed and in tact. Thank you for you services Mr. Hopkins…See you in Canastota in 5.

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10. Rapheal Marqez – Explosive fighter who has had great wins in recent years over Mabuza (2), Austin, Johnson, and Vasquez. However it is the last of those names (Vasquez) that his name will forever be tied with. After winning the first bout of their trilogy, Marquez went on to lose the remaining two. Most wouldnt make this list in losing their last two consecutive fights in the fashion that he did. However, we have to look at who he lost them to and the skills and courage he displayed in all three bouts. Although he remains at #10, his position isnt secure as there are others creeping up right below him and proving their worth. Marquez will have to work very hard to maintain his spot or rise on this list going forward.