I've been thinking about this a lot lately. Boxrec's rankings are whacky: <span style="font-size:8pt;line-height:100%">Lb 4 Lb</span> 1 Bernard Hopkins light heavyweight 2 Floyd Mayweather Jr welterweight 3 Israel Vazquez super bantamweight 4 Kelly Pavlik middleweight 5 Joe Calzaghe super middleweight 6 Manny Pacquiao super featherweight 7 Cristian Mijares super flyweight 8 Juan Manuel Marquez super featherweight 9 Ronald Wright middleweight 10 Juan Diaz lightweight 11 Ricky Hatton light welterweight 12 Rafael Marquez super bantamweight 13 Alexander Munoz super flyweight 14 Celestino Caballero super bantamweight 15 Chris John featherweight 16 Arthur Abraham middleweight 17 Wladimir Klitschko heavyweight 18 Cory Spinks light middleweight 19 Jermain Taylor middleweight 20 Miguel Angel Cotto welterweight 21 David Haye cruiserweight 22 Junior Witter light welterweight 23 Nonito Donaire flyweight 24 Daniel Ponce de Leon super bantamweight 25 Ulises Solis light flyweight Ring Magazine's Ratings, who I always trust the most: <span style="font-family:Verdana Arial Helvetica sans-serif"> </span><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Verdana Arial Helvetica sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:100%"> </span></span></div>1) FLOYD MAYWEATHER<div align="left"> </div>Welterweight<div align="left"> </div>2) MANNY PACQUIAO<div align="left"> </div>Jr. Lightweight<div align="left"> </div>3) JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ<div align="left"> </div>Jr. Lightweight<div align="left"> </div>4) BERNARD HOPKINS<div align="left"> </div>Lt. Heavyweight<div align="left"> </div>5) JOE CALZAGHE<div align="left"> </div> Super Middleweight <div align="left"> </div>6) ISRAEL VAZQUEZ<div align="left"> </div>Jr. Featherweight<div align="left"> </div>7) MIGUEL COTTO<div align="left"> </div>Welterweight<div align="left"> </div>8) RICKY HATTON<div align="left"> </div>Jr. Welterweight<div align="left"> </div>9) WINKY WRIGHT<div align="left"> </div> Middleweight <div align="left"> </div>10) RAFAEL MARQUEZ<div align="left"> </div>Jr. Featherweight ESPN: Dan Rafael's Ranks (records as of Dec 12): TOP 10 <span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#a50400">1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. (39-0, 25 KOs)</span></span> Welterweight champion Hits: The promotion for Mayweather's fight with Ricky Hatton and the fight itself were boxing at its best and most fun. And it showed the sport is capable of producing a major event without one of the combatants being named Oscar De La Hoya. Kudos to Mayweather for a tremendous performance that capped off one of the best years boxing has had in a long, long time. Misses: The only downside is that Mayweather, at the peak of his game, probably will take an extended break after knocking out Hatton in the 10th round. He might fight only once next year or not at all. That would be a shame, especially when there are quality opponents for him to fight and earn huge purses against, such as Miguel Cotto. <span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#a50400">2. Joe Calzaghe (44-0, 32 KOs)</span></span> Super middleweight champion Hits: While in Las Vegas for the Mayweather-Hatton fight, Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins jawed at each other and began hyping a fight that isn't even signed yet. Just imagine how good that promotion will be, especially if HBO goes all out and gives us a "Hopkins/Calzaghe 24/7" series. With Hopkins' and Calzaghe's personalities, the series is a no-brainer for that fight. Misses: If the fight with Hopkins doesn't come off, everyone will share the blame, but it ultimately will rest on Calzaghe. He needs to look promoter Frank Warren dead in the eye and tell him to make the fight. Period. <span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#a50400">3. Manny Pacquiao (45-3-2, 34 KOs)</span></span> Junior lightweight Hits: The Filipino idol has become the modern-day Mexican assassin. He has beaten a Mexican fighter in seven consecutive bouts and hopes to rack up No. 8 when he finally faces Juan Manuel Marquez in a highly anticipated rematch of their bruising 2004 draw. Misses: Although he floored Marquez three times in the first round of their first fight, many believed Pacquiao deserved a loss, rather than the draw. <span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#a50400">4. Bernard Hopkins (48-4-1, 32 KOs) </span></span> Light heavyweight champion Hits: Ever the consummate promoter, Hopkins didn't let pass the opportunity to start the drum beat for a fight with Calzaghe and got in his face at the Mayweather-Hatton weigh in. It energized fight fans, particularly the Brits, and raised the excitement level for the fight. Misses: Hopkins was dead wrong for dragging ugly racial insults into his remarks about the potential fight with Calzaghe. The fight isn't about skin color; it's about who's best. Hopkins better not go down that road again. <span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#a50400">5. Juan Manuel Marquez (48-3-1, 35 KOs)</span></span> Junior lightweight champion Hits: Since the moment his epic draw with Pacquiao ended on May 8, 2004, we begged for a rematch. Finally, we got it. They are set to throw down March 15. It figures to be another classic. Misses: You just hope that after a four-year wait for the rematch, it's not too late for Marquez. He's 34 now, old for his weight class. Although he's looked very good in recent fights, it's always possible that a fighter his age can get old overnight. <span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#a50400">6. Miguel Cotto (31-0, 25 KOs)</span></span> Welterweight titlist Hits: If either Mayweather and De La Hoya truly wants to make a point in his next fight, the Puerto Rican star is ready, willing and able to fight either of them. He and promoter Bob Arum would love either fight and so would boxing fans everywhere. If those matches don't happen, it won't be the Cotto side's fault. Misses: Despite Cotto's incredibly exciting style, big power and obvious ability, he still hasn't become all that popular outside of Puerto Rico and hardcore boxing fans -- but give it time. <span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#a50400">7. Winky Wright (51-4-1, 25 KOs)</span></span> Middleweight Hits: Besides Wright (and maybe Mayweather), how many active fighters can stand right in front of their opponent and evade punches by simply moving their head and shoulders? It's one of Wright's most impressive skills, and it has served him well. Misses: Calzaghe's camp was in touch with Wright's camp about setting up a fight, but, according to a Calzaghe camp insider, Wright asked for a preposterous $6 million. Seems like Wright priced himself out of another big fight, just as he did when he was offered a rematch against Jermain Taylor. <span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#a50400">8. Israel Vazquez (42-4, 32 KOs) </span></span> Junior featherweight champion Hits: After years of struggling for an identity and stardom, he finally achieved it this year with two memorable fights against Rafael Marquez. And lucky for all of us, the rubber match is scheduled for March 1. Misses: As tremendous as the two fights with Marquez were, both were poorly promoted and drew lackluster crowds. Vazquez and Marquez deserve better. <span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#a50400">9. Rafael Marquez (37-4, 33 KOs)</span></span> Junior featherweight Hits: Despite being stopped by Vazquez in the sixth round of their sensational rematch in August, Marquez is going right back into a third fight in an attempt to regain the title. After the punishment he took in that first rematch, you couldn't have blamed him if he wanted a softer touch before going for a trilogy. Misses: He's slated to face Vazquez on March 1 on Showtime, while older brother Juan Manuel Marquez is slated for a higher-profile rematch with Manny Pacquiao on March 15 on HBO PPV. Hopefully, the intense hype surrounding Marquez-Pacquiao II won't overshadow the build up to Vazquez-Marquez III. <span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#a50400">10. Kelly Pavlik (32-0, 29 KOs) </span></span> Middleweight champion Hits: The exciting young champion -- he's only 25 -- has faced tremendous competition over the past year with knockout victories against Jermain Taylor, Edison Miranda and Jose Luis Zertuche, making Pavlik a legitimate candidate for fighter of the year. And instead of resting on his laurels, Pavlik will rightfully fulfill his contract by giving Taylor an immediate rematch in a fight that figures to be as explosive as the first one. Misses: Come on, what's the deal with his hand injury? Did he need 108 stitches or 14? It depends on whom you ask. Obviously, somebody either is misinformed or isn't telling the truth. <span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#000000">The next 10</span></span> 11. Juan Diaz 12. Shane Mosley 13. Oscar De La Hoya 14. Ricky Hatton 15. Ivan "Iron Boy" Calderon 16. Jermain Taylor 17. Chris John 18. Cory Spinks 19. Paul Williams 20. Antonio Margarito I'm not sure of the exact ratings I'd have, but I know they'd start with: 1) Mayweather 2) Calzaghe Pacquiao is up there, Cotto is up there, Vasquez & Marquez both warrant consideration. Pavlik rates high, and I figure you have to consider Hopkins, as much as I don't like the guy. Winky Wright definately deserves to be talked about, also. Juan Diaz is right around the top 10 cusp. Some interesting names, that I'm not sure where I'd rate, but merit serious conideration: Kermit Cintron, Chad Dawson, Mikkel Kessler, Paul Williams. I just don't know what I would do with a lot of these guys, but my question I pose is: What would your top Pound4Pound ratings look like, and where would you put some of these guys? I feel like there are a lot of overlooked guys, and this always drums up a good discussion.
I'm working on this, but here's a preliminary top ten.. 1. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. - He's as undisputed a pound-for-pound champ as there can ever be. 2. Joe Calzaghe - An all-time great fighter fighting at the highest possible level. He's answered every critic. Completely dominant. Jordanesque. 3. Manny Pacquiao - Probably the most popular fighter in the world. He's beaten the best in multiple weight classes. 4. Isreal Vazquez - He has defensive issues, but he beat up one of the best fighters in the world twice this year. This hard hitter is as tough as they come. 5. Kelly Pavlik - No one in any division hits harder than the 2007 fighter of the year. He even answered the question of how he'd respond to being hurt. Response? Devastating KO. 6. Juan Manuel Marquez - He's got as much skill as anyone on this list, but age and mileage make him a huge question mark. Needs a rematch with Chris John after the Pacquiao fight - win or lose. 7. Juan Diaz - With apologies to Calzaghe, the "Baby Bull" is the most relentless fighter in the world right now. He lacks power, but brutally beats down opponents until they quit. He's also an intelligent and engaging guy. Very easy to root for. 8. Ronald "Winky" Wright - As good a defensive fighter as Mayweather. I felt he defeated both Jermain Taylor and Hopkins. He's not exciting to watch, but you have to appreciate a technician on top of his game. A fighter loved by purists only. 9. Miguel Cotto - He is as strong as they come in his weight class, and he won't lose anything as he gets older and moves up. He will never lose at any weight below 150 in his career. The knock on him was level of competition. That's all over now. 10. Mikkel Kessler - Just being competitive against Calzaghe right now is a tribute to the greatness of Kessler. He dominates everyone else at 168 pounds. I'd love to see him fight Bernard Hopkins. Honorable Mention - Oscar De La Hoya - He doesn't fight enough to warrant inclusion on this list, but after watching indestructable dynamo Ricky Hatton get destroyed by Mayweather, you can't help but shake your head in awe of this legendary champion.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Max @ Dec 23 2007, 05:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Calzagh is amazing. His power is just awesome. Better then Duck and dive Mayweather.</div> I agree, but he doesn't have nearly the resumé that Mayweather has. It's tough at 168 pounds. That's not where the big money or the best competition is.
I love Calzaghe, but you can't put him ahead of Mayweather, because the competition for Mayweather is of a higher degree. Good list ghoti, I think it's a pretty accurate one. (surprising from you!)
I don't really understand putting Hopkins at the top of the list when he has had seven of his last eight fights go to decision, and lost twice to Jermain Taylor, who is barely ranked.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (speeds @ Jan 4 2008, 09:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I don't really understand putting Hopkins at the top of the list when he has had seven of his last eight fights go to decision, and lost twice to Jermain Taylor, who is barely ranked.</div> I didn't rank him at all. He is clearly no longer a top 10 PFP fighter. That's no knock on him. He'll be 43 years old in two weeks.
Here's a name to remember is '08. Steve Molitor. super bantamweight 25-0 (10 ko's). speeds would probably know of him.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shookem @ Jan 4 2008, 11:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Here's a name to remember is '08. Steve Molitor. super bantamweight 25-0 (10 ko's). speeds would probably know of him.</div> I hope his upcoming fight against Castillo is televised.