IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence (24-0, 21 KOs) feels confident that he's currently holding the top spot in a packed weight class.
Spence is regarded by many as the top man, but there are also many who view WBO champion Terence Crawford as the top fighter at 147-pounds.
Besides Crawford, there is WBA champion Keith Thurman, WBC champion Shawn Porter, and WBA "regular" champion Manny Pacquiao. Several others top fighters like Danny Garcia and Amir Khan are also near the top of the weight class.
Spence, a former United States Olympian, says his performances are certainly a factor in positioning himself at the top of the 147 food chain.
"I definitely feel that way since the (Leonard) Bundu and Chris Algieri fights. You see how I’ve stopped those opponents and how I’ve finished them. Comparing them to the other guys that fight them you can see there’s a big difference in their performances and my performances," Spence told Premier Boxing Champions.
"Over my time in the welterweight division, you can see I’ve been dominating my opponents. I am the No. 1 welterweight. Still, I think a lot of people see a down to earth guy who speaks to everybody and doesn’t talk down to his fans like I’m a superstar. I’m a regular Joe and likeable, which is appealing to them."
At one time Spence viewed Thurman as the top fighter in the weight class - but Thurman has been inactive since March of 2017, when he won a twelve round decision over Danny Garcia. He was expected to return this year, which is now looking unlikely.
There is only one way that Thurman can reclaim his throne, says Spence.
"I appreciate that. Keith Thurman’s a good fighter. He’s one of the guys who, with me, coming up and wanting to win a belt. That’s who I wanted to fight. I still want to fight Keith and to unify against him," Spence said.
"With Keith beating Danny and Shawn, he was the No. 1. But, now, with him being inactive, and with my winning streak and with my great performances, for him to get that back, I think that he has to fight me."