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Firstly, we know that P4P is subjective. Do you reward someone on achievement or potential or a balance of both? Do you go for punch power or skill, longevity or last fight. Most of all, do you like they way they carry themselves? I think that all of this is relevant. Only one of my fighters has lost in his last three fights (a close decision) and that was revenged with a devastating 2nd round KO next time out. Here’s my P4P Top Ten and it’s correct (as far as I’m concerned).
1 - Bernard Hopkins
19 defenses of the Middleweight title, first fighter to hold all four major belts, only 1 loss in the last 16 years - and that was to a speedy Roy Jones, Champ for almost 10 years, only man to KO De La Hoya, only man to beat (and KO) Tito and he still looks great in his 40th year.
2 - Floyd Mayweather
Undefeated in 32 fights, 13 of them ‘world’ title fights. Hardly ever loses a round. Can box, punch, move, dance, stay in the pocket, make the other guy miss then counter with pin point accuracy. Look at how many of his opponents have done well since losing to Pretty Boy and then look at how easily he beat them.
3 - Eric Morales
First won the title just days after his 21st birthday against the great Daniel Zaragoza. Beaten every man he’s faced. Destroyed Junior Jones and Kevin Kelly, and has beaten McCulloch, Barrera, Chi, Ayala, Espadas, Chavez and Hernandez - all of them ‘world’ champs. Won titles in three weights.
4 - Manny Pacquiao
Unbeaten in over five years (weight contributed towards last loss), won titles in three weights, KO’d Julio, Lucero and Barrera. Controversial draw with Marquez. Arguably, the most exciting fighter around.
5 - Juan Manuel Márquez
Many thought he won against Pac-Man, many thought he lost. Even without that fight has only lost once in the last 11 years (to the very able Freddy Norwood - on points). In the last two years has KO’d Peden (top contender), Medina (went on to beat Harrison) and Gainer (run Forrest run).
6 - Veeraphol Sahaprom
Bantamweight Champ for six years. Only one loss in 48 fights and that was to Nana Konadu - an excellent African fighter. Made around 14 defenses. Only fights at home, but so did Roy Jones.
7 - Rafael Marquez
Burst onto the scene with two wins over Mark Johnson, the 2nd one by KO - and Johnson hadn’t lost in 11 year and was considered P4P by many. Brutally KO’d an undefeated Tim Austin and is up there with Pacquiao as most exciting champ around.
8 - Diego Corrales
Has rebounded well after loss to Mayweather and personal problems. Can punch or box and lost only twice in 41 fights. Avenged cut loss to Casamayor, now looking to unify Lightweight division before seeking rematch against Mayweather.
9 - Antonio Tarver
Has beaten most of the top fighters in a weak Light Heavy division. Avenged a close points loss by destroying RJJ but needs to fights more often. 36 next month so not many fights left.
10 - Winky Wright
Should be ranked higher but has lost all momentum of Mosley loss. Easily beat Shane but Sugar hasn’t chalked up a convincing win in 40 months. Old school skills, a rematch with Mosley looms, if he can get past that should look for Hopkins. Needs to be more loyal to his staff.
Anyone wondering why Trinidad isn't on my list, he will be if he wins another fight. One fight in three years ain't enough for me.
1 - Bernard Hopkins
19 defenses of the Middleweight title, first fighter to hold all four major belts, only 1 loss in the last 16 years - and that was to a speedy Roy Jones, Champ for almost 10 years, only man to KO De La Hoya, only man to beat (and KO) Tito and he still looks great in his 40th year.
2 - Floyd Mayweather
Undefeated in 32 fights, 13 of them ‘world’ title fights. Hardly ever loses a round. Can box, punch, move, dance, stay in the pocket, make the other guy miss then counter with pin point accuracy. Look at how many of his opponents have done well since losing to Pretty Boy and then look at how easily he beat them.
3 - Eric Morales
First won the title just days after his 21st birthday against the great Daniel Zaragoza. Beaten every man he’s faced. Destroyed Junior Jones and Kevin Kelly, and has beaten McCulloch, Barrera, Chi, Ayala, Espadas, Chavez and Hernandez - all of them ‘world’ champs. Won titles in three weights.
4 - Manny Pacquiao
Unbeaten in over five years (weight contributed towards last loss), won titles in three weights, KO’d Julio, Lucero and Barrera. Controversial draw with Marquez. Arguably, the most exciting fighter around.
5 - Juan Manuel Márquez
Many thought he won against Pac-Man, many thought he lost. Even without that fight has only lost once in the last 11 years (to the very able Freddy Norwood - on points). In the last two years has KO’d Peden (top contender), Medina (went on to beat Harrison) and Gainer (run Forrest run).
6 - Veeraphol Sahaprom
Bantamweight Champ for six years. Only one loss in 48 fights and that was to Nana Konadu - an excellent African fighter. Made around 14 defenses. Only fights at home, but so did Roy Jones.
7 - Rafael Marquez
Burst onto the scene with two wins over Mark Johnson, the 2nd one by KO - and Johnson hadn’t lost in 11 year and was considered P4P by many. Brutally KO’d an undefeated Tim Austin and is up there with Pacquiao as most exciting champ around.
8 - Diego Corrales
Has rebounded well after loss to Mayweather and personal problems. Can punch or box and lost only twice in 41 fights. Avenged cut loss to Casamayor, now looking to unify Lightweight division before seeking rematch against Mayweather.
9 - Antonio Tarver
Has beaten most of the top fighters in a weak Light Heavy division. Avenged a close points loss by destroying RJJ but needs to fights more often. 36 next month so not many fights left.
10 - Winky Wright
Should be ranked higher but has lost all momentum of Mosley loss. Easily beat Shane but Sugar hasn’t chalked up a convincing win in 40 months. Old school skills, a rematch with Mosley looms, if he can get past that should look for Hopkins. Needs to be more loyal to his staff.
Anyone wondering why Trinidad isn't on my list, he will be if he wins another fight. One fight in three years ain't enough for me.
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