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Where Does Your Fighter Stand In Dan Rafaels Top 20?
By Dan Rafael
ESPN.com
Who is the world's best fighter, regardless of weight class? See my top 20 below. And don't forget to check out the divisional rankings, now updated weekly. For a list of the current champions in all weight classes, click here.
Note: Results through April 23.
ESPN.com
Who is the world's best fighter, regardless of weight class? See my top 20 below. And don't forget to check out the divisional rankings, now updated weekly. For a list of the current champions in all weight classes, click here.
Note: Results through April 23.
Welterweight champion Hits: It's been at least a couple of weeks since we've heard him brag that he is the greatest fighter of all time. Do you think it is possible for him to go another few weeks? Misses: Instead of a pointless rematch/business deal with Oscar De La Hoya in September, Mayweather should instead be focused on fighting the winner of the July match between Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito at the end of the year. That's the fight the fans and media want to see the most.
Light heavyweight and super middleweight champion Hits: Even when he didn't have his best night, Calzaghe still successfully came to America and edged tough-as-nails Bernard Hopkins to claim the light heavyweight world championship by overcoming early adversity, including a first-round knockdown, and dominating down the stretch. Misses: In the opinion of many at ringside, including one of the official judges, Hopkins deserved a one-point victory. Calzaghe's punches were not crisp and were usually pretty wide. What happened to the pinpoint puncher we've all seen for so many years?
Junior lightweight champion Hits: Mr. Entertainment is not only a terrific fighter, but he is always in entertaining bouts. Quick -- can you name one Pacquiao fight that was dull? Didn't think so. His June 28 challenge of lightweight titleholder David Diaz figures to be another fan-friendly fight. Misses: There's nothing wrong with Pacquiao moving up in weight to challenge Diaz for a lightweight belt, but come on. We all want to see a third fight with Marquez.
Junior lightweight Hits: Although he's 0-1-1 against Pacquiao in two spectacular fights, you can absolutely make a legitimate argument that Marquez deserved both decisions, despite being knocked down a total of four times in the two fights. The fights were so good that a third bout is inevitable, which is good for all boxing fans. Misses: With Pacquiao moving up to lightweight for a fight in June and not committed to a third fight with Marquez this year, Marquez could be waiting awhile to get him again.
Welterweight titlist Hits: His fifth-round destruction of thoroughly overmatched "Contender" star Alfonso Gomez was a flawless performance and set the stage for what could be the fight of the year, a must-see showdown with Antonio Margarito on July 26. That fight can't get here soon enough. Misses: Cotto is almost too respectful for his own good. It would be nice to hear him, for once, authoritatively call out Mayweather rather than be such a nice guy about it.
Light heavyweight Hits: Came out of the gate very strong against Calzaghe, scored a first-round knockdown and was roughing him up through the first half of the fight. Despite a lot of holding and fading down the stretch, many believed he still did enough to hang on to his title. Misses: Hopkins fought such a negative fight. He grabbed and clutched even more than he usually does and tried to stink Calzaghe out. And he was obviously trying to con referee Joe Cortez into giving him a timeout and taking a point from Calzaghe after a 10th-round low blow that wasn't nearly as bad as Hopkins, who deserves an Academy Award, made it look.
Middleweight champion Hits: One of boxing's bright young stars has many interesting possible super fights in his future, especially when he eventually moves up to super middleweight or even light heavyweight. Before that happens, however, promoter Bob Arum is talking about a showdown with titlist Arthur Abraham either in December or early next year. Misses: Pavlik is slated to defend against undeserving mandatory challenger Gary Lockett on June 7. Few are expecting much from the fight. It doesn't help matters that Arum is already planning a September fight against Marco Antonio Rubio, another opponent who lacks star power.
Junior featherweight champion Hits: His thrilling trilogy with Rafael Marquez was so sensational that Showtime, which aired all three remarkable fights, is producing a documentary on the unforgettable series. It is well deserved and I can't wait to see it. Misses: It would be understandable if Vazquez opted to take another fight later this year instead of a much-discussed fourth bout with Marquez, but it would be disappointing. Where else can he make as big a payday?
Junior featherweight Hits: Sure, Marquez lost the second and third bouts to Vazquez but that does nothing whatsoever to diminish the anticipation of seeing his next fight. Whether he won or lost isn't important. Because of the way he fought during their 25 epic rounds, Marquez will never be forgotten. Misses: If there is a fourth fight, and Marquez happens to lose, please, let's skip the postfight news conference so nobody has to hear him and his handlers complain about how they were robbed. The bitterly complained about the stoppage in the second fight, which was on the money, and they also relentlessly whined about the decision in the third fight, which was dead on.
Middleweight Hits: Anyone have any ideas? Misses: The Winkster has not fought since losing a competitive decision to Hopkins last summer and is the odd man out with no big fight on the horizon. He has torpedoed his own career because of his wacky financial demands. Shoulda taken that $5 million rematch with Jermain Taylor way back when. 11. Shane Mosley 12. Oscar De La Hoya 13. Ricky Hatton 14. Ivan "Iron Boy" Calderon 15. Jermain Taylor 16. Chris John 17. Antonio Margarito 18. Joan Guzman 19. Nate Campbell 20. Juan Diaz | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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