Top Pound for Pound boxers

Discussion in 'Boxing' started by Kid Chocolate, Dec 22, 2007.

  1. Kid Chocolate

    Kid Chocolate Suspended

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    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
    [​IMG] Bernard Hopkins light heavyweight
    2
    [​IMG] Floyd Mayweather Jr welterweight
    3
    [​IMG] Israel Vazquez super bantamweight
    4
    [​IMG] Kelly Pavlik middleweight
    5
    [​IMG] Joe Calzaghe super middleweight
    6
    [​IMG] Manny Pacquiao super featherweight
    7
    [​IMG] Cristian Mijares super flyweight
    8
    [​IMG] Juan Manuel Marquez super featherweight
    9
    [​IMG] Ronald Wright middleweight
    10
    [​IMG] Juan Diaz lightweight
    11
    [​IMG] Ricky Hatton light welterweight
    12
    [​IMG] Rafael Marquez super bantamweight
    13
    [​IMG] Alexander Munoz super flyweight
    14
    [​IMG] Celestino Caballero super bantamweight
    15
    [​IMG] Chris John featherweight
    16
    [​IMG] Arthur Abraham middleweight
    17
    [​IMG] Wladimir Klitschko heavyweight
    18
    [​IMG] Cory Spinks light middleweight
    19
    [​IMG] Jermain Taylor middleweight
    20
    [​IMG] Miguel Angel Cotto welterweight
    21
    [​IMG] David Haye cruiserweight
    22
    [​IMG] Junior Witter light welterweight
    23
    [​IMG] Nonito Donaire flyweight
    24
    [​IMG] Daniel Ponce de Leon super bantamweight
    25
    [​IMG] 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
    [​IMG] <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.
    [​IMG] <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.
    [​IMG] <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.
    [​IMG] <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.
    [​IMG] <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.
    [​IMG] <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.
    [​IMG] <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.
    [​IMG] <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.
    [​IMG] <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.
    [​IMG] <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.
     
  2. ghoti

    ghoti A PhD in Horribleness

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    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.
     
  3. bbwMax

    bbwMax Member

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    Calzagh is amazing. His power is just awesome. Better then Duck and dive Mayweather.
     
  4. ghoti

    ghoti A PhD in Horribleness

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    <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.
     
  5. CelticKing

    CelticKing The Green Monster

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    44-0 is still amazing though.

    I think its tied between him and Mayweather.
     
  6. ghoti

    ghoti A PhD in Horribleness

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    Mayweather is 39-0.
     
  7. Kid Chocolate

    Kid Chocolate Suspended

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    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!)
     
  8. speeds

    speeds $2.50 highball, $1.50 beer Staff Member Administrator GFX Team

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    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.
     
  9. ghoti

    ghoti A PhD in Horribleness

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    <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.
     
  10. Kid Chocolate

    Kid Chocolate Suspended

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    Yea, Hopkins shouldn't be near the top. Calzags will murder him.
     
  11. shookem

    shookem Still not a bust

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    Here's a name to remember is '08.

    Steve Molitor. super bantamweight 25-0 (10 ko's). speeds would probably know of him.
     
  12. speeds

    speeds $2.50 highball, $1.50 beer Staff Member Administrator GFX Team

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    <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.
     
  13. danxcr

    danxcr Active Member

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    MANNY MANNY MANNY MANNY MANNY [​IMG]

    hehe and im filipino as well!
     

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