Filed under: Uncategorized
(KNOCKOUT NATION – JANUARY 27, 2009)
1. Manny Pacquiao – The Pacman certainly solidified his spot as the # 1 Pound for Pound fighter by moving up multiple divisions to stop Oscar De la Hoya at welterweight. In terms of pure skill, an argument could be made for Joe Calzaghe, but Manny’s spectacular wins can’t be denied. With his recent dominating victories over David Diaz and cash cow, Oscar De La Hoya, Pacquiao is now one of the biggest names in the sport. Having won 4 titles in 4 weight divisions, and capturing the WBC Lightweight and Super Featherweight titles, Pacquiao is now in the drivers seat and can dictate the fights he wants. Apparently he has decided on facing Manchester’s Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton. After several negotiations, the fight will be taking place on May 2nd and will be for Hatton’s Ring Jr. Welterweight title. Although he will have a tough fight on his hands with Hatton, a victory could earn him another huge payday against Floyd Mayweather Jr. who is rumored to return to the sport. Pacquiao vs Mayweather Jr. is probably the biggest fight on any fans wishlist for 2009 and would generate a ton of coverage. But again, first he will need to get past Hatton which may not be as easy as it sounds. But as for now, Manny has proven his status as a truly elite fighter and is certainly the most exciting fighter in the sport to watch.
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, Bernard Hopkins and now Roy Jones Jr. Joe currently holds the unique distinction of being both the Ring Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight lineal champion. Although his showing against Hopkins wasn’t his best, Calzaghe put on a clinic against Roy Jones Jr. last month while possibly retiring the Pensacola legend. In retrospect, Calzaghe came over to the US and defeated two of boxing’s biggest legends in the span of only 8 months. Very impressive. On top of his top notch wins over recent years, Calzage has remained undefeated and is the longest reigning title holder in any weight class with his nearly 11 year WBO super middleweight title run. The boxing world now awaits Joe’s announcement on whether he will retire or not. Most fight fans would love to see him face Chad Dawson or Glenn Johnson, but if those fights don’t happen, Joe’s legacy is still soundly secure. Joe has long worked hard for the respect and accolades he is now receiving and is most certainly a future 1st ballot hall of famer.
3. Juan Manuel Marquez – Marquez remains one of the most talented boxing technicians in the sport today. Most recently, Marquez captured the Ring Lightweight championship by stopping former champion Joel Casamayor. Not only did Marquez move up in weight to do so, but he can lay claim to being the only fighter that has stopped the crafty and cagey Cassamayor. Prior to this terrific win, Marquez was coming off of an “official” loss to current #1 pound for pounder Manny Pacquiao. However, many believe Marquez won this 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 against him, but again, many fans believed he deserved to win those fights. Although we would love to see he and Pacman have one more fight for the trilogy, it doesent appear to be happening soon with Pacman chasing huge money making fights. Regardless, with his win over Casamayor, Marques sealed the deal as a future hall of famer and hopes to continue to cement his place in history.
4. 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 a victory over Winky Wright, Hopkins was defeated over twelve rounds by Joe Calzaghe. While many figured Hopkins would ride off into the sunset after the loss, he recently returned with a vengeance. Over 12 rounds, Hopkins dominated Kelly Pavlik at a catch weight of 170 pounds. Using his skill and craftiness, Hopkins was able to completely nullify Pavlik’s power and give the Ohio native a brutal boxing lesson. In a fight that many thought he would lose, the 43 year old Hopkins proved once again why he is considered a modern day legend. What’s next? There is no current fight on the horizon scheduled, but even at his age, I’d give Hopkins a shot against any current light heavyweight in the game right now. Hopkins has shown that he still has the skill set to compete on an elite level, and if the money is right, I expect to see Professor Hopkins back in the ring in 2009. However, even if Hops calls it quits today, he will go down as an all time legend destine for the Hall of Fame as soon as he is eligible.
5. Shane Mosley – Since his two TKO victories over Fernando Vargas in 2006, “Sugar” Shane Mosley has worked his way back into hearts and minds of boxing fans with impressive performances agains Louis Collazo, Miguel Cotto, Ricardo Mayorga, and most recently Antonio Margarito. Speaking of Margarito, Shane’s recent TKO victory over him may just be the biggest highlight of his hall of fame career thus far. As a 4-1 underdog, Mosley dominated the pound for pound ranked Margarito for 9 one sided rounds, putting him on the canvas twice, and forcing the referee to stop the fight. At 37 years old, Mosley fought like a fighter closer to his 20’s as he displayed the speed, power, footwork, and finesse that was present early in his career. Shane is now on a two fight knockout streak as he previously KO’d Ricardo Mayorga in the 12th round of their fight last September. As he stated in his post fight interview, Shane always looks to finish his opponents off and is sure to give fight fans their money’sworth every time out. Shane also proves to currently be one of the bravest warrior’s in the sport who never backs down from a challenge and seeks to take on the toughest opponents available. At 37, it is not certain how long Shane will stick around, but if he continues on, he certainly has his share of options. He could face the winner of Pacquiao vs Hatton, or belt holders Joshua Clottey, and Andre Berto. However, one fight that Mosley has called for is a rematch against Miguel Cotto who he lost to in a close decision. Should Cotto get past Michael Jennings and win the WBO title next month, not only does it become an interesting rematch but a title unification as well. We shall see.
6. Israel Vasquez – Izzy more than earns his place on the list after his most recent win in the magnificent trilogy between he and Rafeal 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 receiving right now.
7. Miguel Cotto – The Puerto Rican powerhouse is coming off a loss at the hands of Antonio Margarito this past summer. Although Cotto displayed his improved boxing ability and excellent movement, Margarito’s relentless pressure proved to be too much for him. Even in losing, Cotto gave a good account of himself and still has to be considered one of the very best fighters in the division. Also, the reporting of Margarito being caught with illegal hand wrappings prior to facing Mosley does raise some questions to many regarding his victory over Cotto. That is not to say for certain that Margarito did anything illegal in that fight – BUT it does raise some questions. While we won’t know how this loss affected him or what it took out of him until we see him fight next month, his past can not be denied. Prior to this fight, he had a punishing win over Alphonso Gomez which set up his fight with Margarito. Prior to that, Cotto outpointed Future Hall of Famer Shane Mosely and stopped Zab Judah in 11 rounds. Promoter Bob Arum had a deal in place for Cotto to face Antonio Margarito in a June rematch, but that fight may be in jeopardy due to Margarito’s one sided loss to Shane Mosley. Cotto’s next assignment is against Michael Jennings for the vacant WBO title February.
8. Paul Williams – Labeled by many as “The Most Feared Fighter” in boxing, 6’1 Paul Williams is certainly making his name known in the sport. With his size, speed and power, most promoters have tried to keep their fighters as far away from Paul as possible. In his last fight, he was last seen stopping Verno Phillips in an impressive workman like performance at 154 pounds. Before that recent outing, Williams fought at 160 and 147 pounds stopping middleweight Andy Kolle and welterweight Carlos Quintana. His victory over Quintana was in a rematch to their first fight which Williams lost by decision. Williams’ biggest win to date is his 2007 victory over Antonio Margarito. Since Margarito’s victory over Cotto, Williams has constantly called Margarito out to face him in a rematch to no avail. Williams has been unable to secure any big name fights since as many top talents view him as high risk- low reward. Since he has been unable to land another big fight, Williams has said he willing to move between 147 and 160 looking for the toughest challenges as seeks greater recognition. It now appears that Williams may have found his next opponent in one Winky Wright. Apparently a deal is being worked on and the fight will be held at 160 pounds and will probably take place in April on HBO World Championship Boxing.
9. Chad Dawson – Chad Dawson has finally put the sport on notice with his special blend of style, speed, power and technique. Since his victory over Tomasz Adamek, Dawson has been on a roll, gaining exposure, momentum, and seeming to improve with each passing fight. Dawson’s stock rose to an all time high with his two recent victories over former Light Heavyweight champions, Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver. Against Johnson, Dawson fought tooth and nail with the hard nosed veteran earning respect and additional experience in the process. However, against Tarver, Dawson put on a career best performance by easily defeating Antonio with his pure skill and athleticism. Since then, Dawson has publicly challenged Ring Light Heavyweight champion, Joe Calzaghe. Calzaghe has yet to announce his retirement, so there is a possibility (while doubtful), that this fight could happen down the line. However, for now, it appears that Dawson will be facing Tarver in a rematch as Tarver has invoked his rematch clause since his loss to Dawson. While this is not a fight fans are calling for, Dawson intends to honor his contract. Assuming he defeats Tarver again, many fans would love to see Dawson give Glen Johnson a rematch or target one of the elite super middleweights.
10. Ricky Hatton – Manchester’s Ricky Hatton comes in at # 10 on my list following his most recent victory over Paulie Malinaggi. Hatton’s recent performance was a huge improvement over his prior, lackluster victory over Juan Lazcano. With new trainer, Floyd Mayweather, Sr. in his corner, Hatton appeared to posses better defense and head movement, while utilizing his jab more often. The victory against Paulie has now seemed to squash the talk of him losing his form after his 2007 loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. Ricky Hatton remains the Ring Jr. Welterweight champion and has now locked down a mega match up against #1 pound for pound fighter Manny Pacquiao on May 2, 2009. This is a huge fight for 2009 and a victory over Pacquiao would raise Hatton’s stock immensely within the sport.
That’s my current top ten pound for pound list as of now. Disagree? Feel free to email me, let me know and send me your top ten fighters of the moment.
BROWN
Brownkn1@gmail.com
Leave a Comment so far
Leave a comment
Knockout Nation 