Tweet
1. BERNARD HOPKINS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With one perfectly placed shot to the liver, Bernard Hopkins, the ageless wonder put a stamp on his pound for pound supremacy. "The Executioner" has owned the middleweight division for nearly a decade. Hasn't lost in over eleven years when he dropped a decision to the great Roy Jones Jr. With De La Hoya behind him, Hopkins has a world of options in what has once again become one of boxing's richest divisions. Next: Someone will be "Unlucky #20" Eastman seems likely. Interesting Fact: Oscar De La Hoya became the second fighter in over ten years to actually win more than three rounds on an official scorecard against Bernard Hopkins. In 2000 judge Harry Davis gave Syd Vanderpool four rounds.
2. KOSTYA TSZYU
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Until proven otherwise in the ring, I will now refer to Kostya as Tszyuperman. Dominant performance over Sharmba Mitchell after two year lay-off left many boxing writers including myself with more than our fair share of crow to eat. Tszyu is looking to build off the huge win with another major fight. Diego Corrales appears to be the front runner but a step up in weight to face undisputed welterweight champion Cory Spinks is not out of the question. Appears to be far too strong for anyone at junior welterweight to overcome. Next: TBD Diego Corrales in discussion
3. ANTONIO TARVER
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The Magic Man" exploded on to most peoples pound for pound list after his stunning second round knockout of Roy Jones Jr.-Tarver was in my top ten after his November 2003 encounter with Jones- His style will create problems for anyone. A tall defensive minded southpaw with one punch knockout power, is tough to beat. Next: HBO World Championship Boxing December 18 Vs. Glen Johnson Interesting Fact: The only active fighter in boxing with more than one loss that's beaten every man he's faced. And, both of Tarver's redemption wins came via KO in less than 6.
4. FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The best young fighter in the world today has already taken the top spot on several pound for pound lists, and although his resume is impressive, his last few opponents haven't been top notch (Corley, N'Dou, Sosa) and that's hindered his ascension to my top spot. Update: After learning of the list of potential Mayweather opponents (Lovemore N'dou, Steve Johnston, Bruseles, Abdullaev) Mayweather gets dropped. He's waiting for a big payday with Gatti that never happens. Would've been nice if he could've faced someone on the level of Vivian Harris, I understand he wants to protect his #1 ranking in the WBC, I just wonder if Gatti, who would then be Mayweather's FIFTH consecutive B level opponent if all the waiting pays off, vacates before he fights him.Before three relatively easy wins, many believe Mayweather split his two fights with current WBC lightweight champ, Jose Luis Castillo. If Gatti chickens out of his mandatory obligation it should be interesting to see where boxing's "Pretty Boy" goes. Next: Another Easy Fight Interesting Fact: After losing to Floyd Mayweather, Carlos Hernandez, Jesus Chavez, Jose Luis Castillo and Diego Corrales have all gone on to win world titles.
5. CORY SPINKS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After three tough fights in a row Spinks tuned up nicely against the overmatched Miguel Angel Gonzalez. Spinks deserves credit for making easy work out of somebody everyone and their mama was telling him was going to be 'easy work.' Would be a strong choice for 2004 Fighter of The Year had he only fought Mayorga three weeks later. In one years time Spinks won the IBF title against Piccirllo in ITALY, came in a huge underdog against-then pound for pounder-Ricardo Mayorga, put on a boxing clinic en route to upsetting the Nicaraguan slugger to unify the welterweight titles. He then successfully defended the undisputed welterweight championship against the favored two time junior welterweight champ Zab Judah. Could be the slickest boxer in the world. NEXT: With Tszyu-Corrales in discussion, Spinks-Judah II seems likely, But Spinks is very serious about trying to make something happen with Felix Trinidad at middleweight! Interesting Fact: The dance you've seen Cory Spinks perform during his walks to the ring against Mayorga and Judah is known as the chickenhead.
6. MANNY PACQUIAO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After beating Barrera like he stole something, Pacquiao came right back to face Juan Manuel Marquez in this year's (so far) fight of the year. Although the judges scored it a draw, I gave the nod to Pacquiao. Very one dimensional fighter, but he's absolutely relentless in the squared circle and his pressure has already proven to be a bit too much for even the world's best to handle. NEXT: TBD
7. WINKY WRIGHT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Had a much tougher time with Mosley as many, including myself expected. Wright defnitely proved he's no one hit wonder, now he needs to prove he can beat another elite fighter other than Shane Mosley. And believe me Wright's out to prove it. His hit-list is as follows, Trinidad, De La Hoya, Hopkins, PERIOD. After over 50 fights he's not interested in taking any tune-ups, he doesn't seemed to dedicated to meeting any mandatory. Next: Winky is crossing his fingers and saying his prayers that his next fight is Felix Trinidad. If Tito's not next, I wonder if De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions will try to sign him also? Interesting Fact: Winky Wright heads his own record label.
8. DIEGO CORRALES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With his back to back wins over Joel Casamayor and Acelino Freitas, Diego Corrales has earned his right to be mentioned among the ten best in the world. Nuff said. Ever the competitor, Diego is hoping his next fight is another biggie. Fight with Jose Luis Castillo never came to fruition because Showtime didn't want to ante up and reward Corrales for his two big wins. Corrales and his manager James Prince have both indicated to **********.com that a potential showdown with undisputed junior welterweight king Kostya Tszyu has been discussed. NEXT: Possible move up to face Kostya Tszyu Interesting Fact: Diego Corrales currently has 15 tats on his body.
9. MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wasn't convinced after his TKO over the smaller Paulie Ayala, but moving up to 130 and beating the snot out of Erik Morales for the majority (I gave Barrera eight rounds) of the evening shuts me up. With Morales out of the way, obviously everyone is going to want to see if he has what it takes to turn the tables on Manny Pacquiao, who gave Barrera a terrible beating last year. NEXT: A well deserved rest
10. RAFAEL MARQUEZ
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The best fighter in his family, and when Juan Manuel Marquez is your brother, that's saying something. Huge wins over Mark Johnson and Tim Austin and dominating performances since then make Marquez the best fighter in the world under featherweight. Hopefully a move up to 122 is in his near future because we don't need to see him fight Mauricio Pastrana and Heriberto Ruiz anymore. Who wouldn't love to see him matched against either Oscar Larios or Joan Guzman at 122 pounds? Each of those bouts would be considered potential fights of the year. NEXT: Hopefully a move up in weight
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With one perfectly placed shot to the liver, Bernard Hopkins, the ageless wonder put a stamp on his pound for pound supremacy. "The Executioner" has owned the middleweight division for nearly a decade. Hasn't lost in over eleven years when he dropped a decision to the great Roy Jones Jr. With De La Hoya behind him, Hopkins has a world of options in what has once again become one of boxing's richest divisions. Next: Someone will be "Unlucky #20" Eastman seems likely. Interesting Fact: Oscar De La Hoya became the second fighter in over ten years to actually win more than three rounds on an official scorecard against Bernard Hopkins. In 2000 judge Harry Davis gave Syd Vanderpool four rounds.
2. KOSTYA TSZYU
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Until proven otherwise in the ring, I will now refer to Kostya as Tszyuperman. Dominant performance over Sharmba Mitchell after two year lay-off left many boxing writers including myself with more than our fair share of crow to eat. Tszyu is looking to build off the huge win with another major fight. Diego Corrales appears to be the front runner but a step up in weight to face undisputed welterweight champion Cory Spinks is not out of the question. Appears to be far too strong for anyone at junior welterweight to overcome. Next: TBD Diego Corrales in discussion
3. ANTONIO TARVER
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The Magic Man" exploded on to most peoples pound for pound list after his stunning second round knockout of Roy Jones Jr.-Tarver was in my top ten after his November 2003 encounter with Jones- His style will create problems for anyone. A tall defensive minded southpaw with one punch knockout power, is tough to beat. Next: HBO World Championship Boxing December 18 Vs. Glen Johnson Interesting Fact: The only active fighter in boxing with more than one loss that's beaten every man he's faced. And, both of Tarver's redemption wins came via KO in less than 6.
4. FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The best young fighter in the world today has already taken the top spot on several pound for pound lists, and although his resume is impressive, his last few opponents haven't been top notch (Corley, N'Dou, Sosa) and that's hindered his ascension to my top spot. Update: After learning of the list of potential Mayweather opponents (Lovemore N'dou, Steve Johnston, Bruseles, Abdullaev) Mayweather gets dropped. He's waiting for a big payday with Gatti that never happens. Would've been nice if he could've faced someone on the level of Vivian Harris, I understand he wants to protect his #1 ranking in the WBC, I just wonder if Gatti, who would then be Mayweather's FIFTH consecutive B level opponent if all the waiting pays off, vacates before he fights him.Before three relatively easy wins, many believe Mayweather split his two fights with current WBC lightweight champ, Jose Luis Castillo. If Gatti chickens out of his mandatory obligation it should be interesting to see where boxing's "Pretty Boy" goes. Next: Another Easy Fight Interesting Fact: After losing to Floyd Mayweather, Carlos Hernandez, Jesus Chavez, Jose Luis Castillo and Diego Corrales have all gone on to win world titles.
5. CORY SPINKS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After three tough fights in a row Spinks tuned up nicely against the overmatched Miguel Angel Gonzalez. Spinks deserves credit for making easy work out of somebody everyone and their mama was telling him was going to be 'easy work.' Would be a strong choice for 2004 Fighter of The Year had he only fought Mayorga three weeks later. In one years time Spinks won the IBF title against Piccirllo in ITALY, came in a huge underdog against-then pound for pounder-Ricardo Mayorga, put on a boxing clinic en route to upsetting the Nicaraguan slugger to unify the welterweight titles. He then successfully defended the undisputed welterweight championship against the favored two time junior welterweight champ Zab Judah. Could be the slickest boxer in the world. NEXT: With Tszyu-Corrales in discussion, Spinks-Judah II seems likely, But Spinks is very serious about trying to make something happen with Felix Trinidad at middleweight! Interesting Fact: The dance you've seen Cory Spinks perform during his walks to the ring against Mayorga and Judah is known as the chickenhead.
6. MANNY PACQUIAO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After beating Barrera like he stole something, Pacquiao came right back to face Juan Manuel Marquez in this year's (so far) fight of the year. Although the judges scored it a draw, I gave the nod to Pacquiao. Very one dimensional fighter, but he's absolutely relentless in the squared circle and his pressure has already proven to be a bit too much for even the world's best to handle. NEXT: TBD
7. WINKY WRIGHT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Had a much tougher time with Mosley as many, including myself expected. Wright defnitely proved he's no one hit wonder, now he needs to prove he can beat another elite fighter other than Shane Mosley. And believe me Wright's out to prove it. His hit-list is as follows, Trinidad, De La Hoya, Hopkins, PERIOD. After over 50 fights he's not interested in taking any tune-ups, he doesn't seemed to dedicated to meeting any mandatory. Next: Winky is crossing his fingers and saying his prayers that his next fight is Felix Trinidad. If Tito's not next, I wonder if De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions will try to sign him also? Interesting Fact: Winky Wright heads his own record label.
8. DIEGO CORRALES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With his back to back wins over Joel Casamayor and Acelino Freitas, Diego Corrales has earned his right to be mentioned among the ten best in the world. Nuff said. Ever the competitor, Diego is hoping his next fight is another biggie. Fight with Jose Luis Castillo never came to fruition because Showtime didn't want to ante up and reward Corrales for his two big wins. Corrales and his manager James Prince have both indicated to **********.com that a potential showdown with undisputed junior welterweight king Kostya Tszyu has been discussed. NEXT: Possible move up to face Kostya Tszyu Interesting Fact: Diego Corrales currently has 15 tats on his body.
9. MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wasn't convinced after his TKO over the smaller Paulie Ayala, but moving up to 130 and beating the snot out of Erik Morales for the majority (I gave Barrera eight rounds) of the evening shuts me up. With Morales out of the way, obviously everyone is going to want to see if he has what it takes to turn the tables on Manny Pacquiao, who gave Barrera a terrible beating last year. NEXT: A well deserved rest
10. RAFAEL MARQUEZ
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The best fighter in his family, and when Juan Manuel Marquez is your brother, that's saying something. Huge wins over Mark Johnson and Tim Austin and dominating performances since then make Marquez the best fighter in the world under featherweight. Hopefully a move up to 122 is in his near future because we don't need to see him fight Mauricio Pastrana and Heriberto Ruiz anymore. Who wouldn't love to see him matched against either Oscar Larios or Joan Guzman at 122 pounds? Each of those bouts would be considered potential fights of the year. NEXT: Hopefully a move up in weight
to your mom..
Comment