TOP 10 FIGHTERS POUND-FOR-POUND
Time to deliver on my promise. What follows is one man's opinion on the top Practicioners of "The Sweet Science." I look forward to hearing any points of contention of where I messed up by having someone to high or too low, and defy anybody to prove me wrong with cold hard facts. If you don't really mess with the Sweet Science and appreciate the strategy that goes into thinking on your feet and breaking down your opponent you probably won't like this list..
#1. Floyd Mayweather Undisputed Welterweight (147lb) Champ 39-0 with 29 knockouts.
Simply put Pretty Boy Floyd aka Money Mayweather is the personification of a poetic practisioner of the pugilistic arts. The man’s hand skills (we’re talking about boxing here, folks) are impeccable. He doesn’t put on performances for the crowd, he paints Portraits for the masses see: his Masterpiece against Jr. Welterweight (140lb) World Champ Ricky Hatton. When he caught the British Bulldog (shout to Davey Boy Smith) with the check left hook and pivoted out to let Hatton careen face first in to the corner, it was the purest expression of poetry in motion since the Greatest stepped out of the Ring for good in 1980 (both admirers and naysayers alike have GOT to attest to that). Peep Game:
FUN FACT: Floyd’s middle name actually isn’t Money, or Pretty Boy. Nope—its Joy. Thats right Joy. Still and all, ain't none of yall want it with Pretty Boy.
Next up: ??? PBF says he is taking a few weeks off, but Killuminatti and the smart money says Money Mayweather will be back before long.
#2. Bernard Hopkins Undisputed Light Heavyweight (175lb) Champ 48-4-1 (32 KO’s)
What can I say about The Executioner-- This North Philly cat just know how to box, plain and simple. This ol' head is the fighter’s fighter and has defied logic and expectations his whole career. Lost his first career fight, (at Light Heavyweight= 175lbs), moved down to Middleweight (160), and despite three more career losses- one a decision to All-Time great and future Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. -- yall musta forgot-- defended his Title strap a record 20 times, before losing two controversial decisions to Jermain Taylor. There can be no doubt that B-Hop has earned the classification of a Living Legend. His thorough dismantling and complete sonnage of Tito Trinidad in 2001
catapulted him into elite status, where he has remained ever since. Owns quality wins over Trinidad (KO12), Antonio Tarver (unanimous decision) and Winky Wright.
FACT: Bernard spent 56 months in a box at Graterford State Prison in PA as a teenager. Ain’t nuthin fun about that.
Up next: Hopefully a late April/ Early May fight against 168-pound champ Joe Calzaghe of Wales in the desert. This is a fight that HAS to happen.
#3. Manny Pacquaio Ring Magazine Jr. Lightweight (130lb) Champ 45-3-2 (35)
While at times it may seem like Floyd has a whole nation of haters on his back and could use a jaunt off to a private island somewhere in the South Pacific, Manny Pacquaio literally has a WHOLE NATION that got his back, and is creeping behind his back (word to Abus Sayaf (c) Pinoy kidnap division. Pac Man literally gets no privacy in his own island in the south Pacific. The Filipino fireplug has maybe the most crowd-pleasing style out of any elite fighter in he game right now. He is a straight ahead all-action fighter, that is able to use his relentless attack, speed, and considerable power in the lighter ranks to overwhelm his opponents, even despite the fact that his arsenal usually consists of nothing more than the ol' one two (in his case, a jab followed up by a straight left hand) and OCCASIONALLY mixed in with an occasional hook/ uppercut.
FUN FACT: Manny’s wife’s name in Jinky. I always find that humorous.
#4. (tie) Joe Calzaghe Undisputed Super Middleweight (168lb) Champion 44-0 (32)
and Kelly Pavlik Undisputed Middleweight (160lb) Champion 32-0 (29)
I’m gonna be be real: A part of me soooo didn’t wanna put either one of these white boys this high, on my inaugural gift to the uniformed masses, but facts is facts. They are both undefeated Champeeens and both have impressively high KO ratios. In his 32 career fights as a pro, Pavlik has 29 wins by Kayo (for all you smart dumb niggras-- that means) Only three men to step in the ring with Pavlik have gone the distance. His most impressive wins were his two most recent fights- stunning and brutal KO’s of Edison Miranda and Former Middleweight champ Jermain Taylor, both of whom had carried unblemished unbeaten records with them at the time they stepped in to the ring with Pavlik, who evidently goes by the nickname the Ghost (but my affinity for Styles P won’t allow me to refer to him as that).
FUN FACT: Larry Merchant the Senile 77 year-old "expert" commentator gives a definition of the phrase crunk within the first twenty seconds of this clip. Seriously.
Up Next: The fighting pride of Youngstown Ohio will have to prove that his win over Bad Intentions was no fluke, and that he deserves a spot this high on my coveted P-4-P list, as they will fight a mandatory rematch in a few weeks.
As for Calzaghe he is getting up there in age, but duke ca straight up fight, or box, or brawl, depending on what style the man opposite him chooses (Golden Rule of Thumb in Boxing = STYLES make fights). And not only has he mastered various styles, but HIS remains the most tricky for an opponent to master:that of a slick, skilled southpaw (word to Paul Williams), which makes him so dangerous. He owns quality wins over Omar Sheika and Peter Manfredo Jr. as well as dismantlings of former Champions such as Chris Eubank and Jeff "Left Hook" Lacy.
Fun Fact: Calzaghe is known around Cardiff Wales as the Italian Dragon. Huh?!
#5. Miguel Cotto Ring Magazine#1 Ranked Welterweight (147) Contender 31-0 (25)
For reasons beyond me, there are still people that aren't convinced this Boricua Brawler ain't tha Bizness....
Despite often being lambasted by critics for having only rudimentary boxing skills and porous defense, Miguel Cotto boasts wins over former Champions DeMarcus Chop Chop Corley, and Zab "Super" Judah, current champion Paulie Malinaggi and (most impressively) Sugar Shane Mosley.
FUN FACT: At one point, Cotto had to take out a restraining order against the estranged mother of his child.
Up Next: TBD but hopefully a eliminator with Paul Williams (see below).
#6. Wladimir Klitchko Ring Magazine Heavyweight (200lbs+) 49-3 (44)
I welcome and want so much hate for this selection (see:Pavlik, Kelly and Calzaghe, Joe). But once again, Proof is Truth. "Dr. Iron Fist" (i know, I know) is currently regarded as the generally accepted Linear Heavyweight Champ (top Heavy on the scene). Even though his is so obviously flawed, he has deserved his spot. Despite being knocked and out by the feather fisted Corrie Sanders back in 2003 (even being knocked senseless by a JAB at one point) Klitshcko has rallied and under the tutelage of reneowned Kronk Gym professor Emmanuel Steward, cleared out most of the top dogs in the division. In my mind, the only other Heavy that has the rock jaw necessary to sustain the rifle like right cross employed by Klitschko is Nigerian Samuel Peter, whom Wlad beat by decision back in December of 2005. For all of yall that question Wlad even being on this list, check this out:
OUCH. Would you want to fight a 6'7" real-life Drago with boxing skills that hit that hard??
#7. (tie) Sugar Shane Mosley 3rd Ranked Welterweight Contender 44-5 (37)
and Ronald "Winky" Wright Ring Magazine #2 Middleweight Contender 51-4-1 (25)
Once again, these two old vets are two "Fighters Fighters." Even depite the fact that he is getting older, I still rate Sugar Shane as the fighter (other than someone that will surprise you) that will/would give Pound-for-Pound Kingpin PBF the hardest time. Shane has all the necessary attributes to fight Floyd at an even level:
Hand speed? CHECK
Foot Speed/ Defensive Maneuverability to offset Floyd's speed? CHECK
Swift and Stiff Jab to his timing? CHECK
Boxing Skills to hang wit Floyd in the middle of the ring? CHECK
The POWER (the great equalizer) that Floyd would have to respect and therefore, not get reckless? CHECK
A good Beard (i.e solid chin) to withstand Floyd's counter left hooks and Lead Rights? CHECK (never been KO'd in a 49 fight pro career)
A Champions Pedigree/ Experience Fighting on the Huge World Stage of a Big-Time WORLD TITLE FIGHT? CHECK
and last, but probably most importantly, The GUTS and HEART of a WARRIOR? CHECK
FUN FACT (re: Mosley) Everytime I see his wife Jin she leaves me speechless NO DISRESPECT
Next up: If God is a Fight Fan- a matchup with Floyd Mayweather.
If you don't really mess with the Sweet Science and appreciate the thinking "chess on your feet" strategy that manifests itself through taking the right angles, timing, and feinting-- you probably won't appreciate Wink.. He's almost like the Ol' Mongoose (RIP Archie Moore) using his turtle shell high defense to block everything thrown his way, and then BOOM! He is on the offensive countering you... Wright has been in there with all the top elite fighters of his generation (with the exception of ODLH) and has held his own with each and every one of them.
FUN FACT: Krispy Kreme donuts are a staple of Winky's diet, even during the regiment leading up to a fight.
Next up: ???
#8. (tie) Juan Manuel Marquez #1 Ranked Jr. Lightweight Contender 48-3-1 (35)
and Paul "the Punisher" Williams #2 Ranked Welterweight Contender 33-0 (24)
One half of the fighting Marquez brothers (brother Raphael is a top contender) Juan Manuel is considered by most purists to be a textbook puncher and counter puncher. For evidence of this, look at the Pac Man video from above (yes the one where he was dropped three times in the first round) and know this: that fight was ruled a draw. Even crazier is the fact that many people including some in Manny's camp, felt that that decision was favorable to Pacquaio. In other words, he basically gave Manny a boxing lesson and shut down everything he was trying to do for the reaminder of the fight.. Beautiful to watch
Paul Williams the most feared man in boxing. He has been ducked and dodged more than the Draft Board in the 60's, and yet and still real fans know: THE KID IS A PROBLEM. Why, you ask..? Well consider this- he is a 6'2" (although some will say he is as tall as 6-3) tall and lanky SOUTHPAW that stays busy routinely throwing well over 100 punches a round. As a point of reference, Floyd Mayweather usually likes to counter off his man, throwing on average anywhere between 25-35 punches per round. Not only that the kid has seriouspower (24 career knockouts). Simply put, he's like a young Tommy Hearns, only he's lefty. For those that are wondering, that means that he punches at a downward angle against ALL his opponents (remember he is fighting in the 147 pound weight class), but they are also coming from a weird angle since he fights with this right foot forward. For any top dog in the Vicinity of 147 all the way up to 160, a fight with The Punisher is a dangerous high-risk low reward proposition.
Next Up: Most Likely a mega-fight title eliminator against Miguel Cotto. I cant wait.
Honorable Mention: cruiserweights David Haye and Steve Cunningham, light heavy Chad Dawson, middleweight Jermain Taylor, Jr. Middleweight Vernon Forrest, Heavyweight Samuel Peter, Jr. Welter Paulie Malinaggi, welterweight Zab Judah, Welter Joshua Clottey.
(c) Kweku kj Killuminatti Word Press 2008
#1. Floyd Mayweather Undisputed Welterweight (147lb) Champ 39-0 with 29 knockouts.
Simply put Pretty Boy Floyd aka Money Mayweather is the personification of a poetic practisioner of the pugilistic arts. The man’s hand skills (we’re talking about boxing here, folks) are impeccable. He doesn’t put on performances for the crowd, he paints Portraits for the masses see: his Masterpiece against Jr. Welterweight (140lb) World Champ Ricky Hatton. When he caught the British Bulldog (shout to Davey Boy Smith) with the check left hook and pivoted out to let Hatton careen face first in to the corner, it was the purest expression of poetry in motion since the Greatest stepped out of the Ring for good in 1980 (both admirers and naysayers alike have GOT to attest to that). Peep Game:
FUN FACT: Floyd’s middle name actually isn’t Money, or Pretty Boy. Nope—its Joy. Thats right Joy. Still and all, ain't none of yall want it with Pretty Boy.
Next up: ??? PBF says he is taking a few weeks off, but Killuminatti and the smart money says Money Mayweather will be back before long.
#2. Bernard Hopkins Undisputed Light Heavyweight (175lb) Champ 48-4-1 (32 KO’s)
What can I say about The Executioner-- This North Philly cat just know how to box, plain and simple. This ol' head is the fighter’s fighter and has defied logic and expectations his whole career. Lost his first career fight, (at Light Heavyweight= 175lbs), moved down to Middleweight (160), and despite three more career losses- one a decision to All-Time great and future Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. -- yall musta forgot-- defended his Title strap a record 20 times, before losing two controversial decisions to Jermain Taylor. There can be no doubt that B-Hop has earned the classification of a Living Legend. His thorough dismantling and complete sonnage of Tito Trinidad in 2001
catapulted him into elite status, where he has remained ever since. Owns quality wins over Trinidad (KO12), Antonio Tarver (unanimous decision) and Winky Wright.
FACT: Bernard spent 56 months in a box at Graterford State Prison in PA as a teenager. Ain’t nuthin fun about that.
Up next: Hopefully a late April/ Early May fight against 168-pound champ Joe Calzaghe of Wales in the desert. This is a fight that HAS to happen.
#3. Manny Pacquaio Ring Magazine Jr. Lightweight (130lb) Champ 45-3-2 (35)
While at times it may seem like Floyd has a whole nation of haters on his back and could use a jaunt off to a private island somewhere in the South Pacific, Manny Pacquaio literally has a WHOLE NATION that got his back, and is creeping behind his back (word to Abus Sayaf (c) Pinoy kidnap division. Pac Man literally gets no privacy in his own island in the south Pacific. The Filipino fireplug has maybe the most crowd-pleasing style out of any elite fighter in he game right now. He is a straight ahead all-action fighter, that is able to use his relentless attack, speed, and considerable power in the lighter ranks to overwhelm his opponents, even despite the fact that his arsenal usually consists of nothing more than the ol' one two (in his case, a jab followed up by a straight left hand) and OCCASIONALLY mixed in with an occasional hook/ uppercut.
FUN FACT: Manny’s wife’s name in Jinky. I always find that humorous.
#4. (tie) Joe Calzaghe Undisputed Super Middleweight (168lb) Champion 44-0 (32)
and Kelly Pavlik Undisputed Middleweight (160lb) Champion 32-0 (29)
I’m gonna be be real: A part of me soooo didn’t wanna put either one of these white boys this high, on my inaugural gift to the uniformed masses, but facts is facts. They are both undefeated Champeeens and both have impressively high KO ratios. In his 32 career fights as a pro, Pavlik has 29 wins by Kayo (for all you smart dumb niggras-- that means) Only three men to step in the ring with Pavlik have gone the distance. His most impressive wins were his two most recent fights- stunning and brutal KO’s of Edison Miranda and Former Middleweight champ Jermain Taylor, both of whom had carried unblemished unbeaten records with them at the time they stepped in to the ring with Pavlik, who evidently goes by the nickname the Ghost (but my affinity for Styles P won’t allow me to refer to him as that).
FUN FACT: Larry Merchant the Senile 77 year-old "expert" commentator gives a definition of the phrase crunk within the first twenty seconds of this clip. Seriously.
Up Next: The fighting pride of Youngstown Ohio will have to prove that his win over Bad Intentions was no fluke, and that he deserves a spot this high on my coveted P-4-P list, as they will fight a mandatory rematch in a few weeks.
As for Calzaghe he is getting up there in age, but duke ca straight up fight, or box, or brawl, depending on what style the man opposite him chooses (Golden Rule of Thumb in Boxing = STYLES make fights). And not only has he mastered various styles, but HIS remains the most tricky for an opponent to master:that of a slick, skilled southpaw (word to Paul Williams), which makes him so dangerous. He owns quality wins over Omar Sheika and Peter Manfredo Jr. as well as dismantlings of former Champions such as Chris Eubank and Jeff "Left Hook" Lacy.
Fun Fact: Calzaghe is known around Cardiff Wales as the Italian Dragon. Huh?!
#5. Miguel Cotto Ring Magazine#1 Ranked Welterweight (147) Contender 31-0 (25)
For reasons beyond me, there are still people that aren't convinced this Boricua Brawler ain't tha Bizness....
Despite often being lambasted by critics for having only rudimentary boxing skills and porous defense, Miguel Cotto boasts wins over former Champions DeMarcus Chop Chop Corley, and Zab "Super" Judah, current champion Paulie Malinaggi and (most impressively) Sugar Shane Mosley.
FUN FACT: At one point, Cotto had to take out a restraining order against the estranged mother of his child.
Up Next: TBD but hopefully a eliminator with Paul Williams (see below).
#6. Wladimir Klitchko Ring Magazine Heavyweight (200lbs+) 49-3 (44)
I welcome and want so much hate for this selection (see:Pavlik, Kelly and Calzaghe, Joe). But once again, Proof is Truth. "Dr. Iron Fist" (i know, I know) is currently regarded as the generally accepted Linear Heavyweight Champ (top Heavy on the scene). Even though his is so obviously flawed, he has deserved his spot. Despite being knocked and out by the feather fisted Corrie Sanders back in 2003 (even being knocked senseless by a JAB at one point) Klitshcko has rallied and under the tutelage of reneowned Kronk Gym professor Emmanuel Steward, cleared out most of the top dogs in the division. In my mind, the only other Heavy that has the rock jaw necessary to sustain the rifle like right cross employed by Klitschko is Nigerian Samuel Peter, whom Wlad beat by decision back in December of 2005. For all of yall that question Wlad even being on this list, check this out:
OUCH. Would you want to fight a 6'7" real-life Drago with boxing skills that hit that hard??
#7. (tie) Sugar Shane Mosley 3rd Ranked Welterweight Contender 44-5 (37)
and Ronald "Winky" Wright Ring Magazine #2 Middleweight Contender 51-4-1 (25)
Once again, these two old vets are two "Fighters Fighters." Even depite the fact that he is getting older, I still rate Sugar Shane as the fighter (other than someone that will surprise you) that will/would give Pound-for-Pound Kingpin PBF the hardest time. Shane has all the necessary attributes to fight Floyd at an even level:
Hand speed? CHECK
Foot Speed/ Defensive Maneuverability to offset Floyd's speed? CHECK
Swift and Stiff Jab to his timing? CHECK
Boxing Skills to hang wit Floyd in the middle of the ring? CHECK
The POWER (the great equalizer) that Floyd would have to respect and therefore, not get reckless? CHECK
A good Beard (i.e solid chin) to withstand Floyd's counter left hooks and Lead Rights? CHECK (never been KO'd in a 49 fight pro career)
A Champions Pedigree/ Experience Fighting on the Huge World Stage of a Big-Time WORLD TITLE FIGHT? CHECK
and last, but probably most importantly, The GUTS and HEART of a WARRIOR? CHECK
FUN FACT (re: Mosley) Everytime I see his wife Jin she leaves me speechless NO DISRESPECT
Next up: If God is a Fight Fan- a matchup with Floyd Mayweather.
If you don't really mess with the Sweet Science and appreciate the thinking "chess on your feet" strategy that manifests itself through taking the right angles, timing, and feinting-- you probably won't appreciate Wink.. He's almost like the Ol' Mongoose (RIP Archie Moore) using his turtle shell high defense to block everything thrown his way, and then BOOM! He is on the offensive countering you... Wright has been in there with all the top elite fighters of his generation (with the exception of ODLH) and has held his own with each and every one of them.
FUN FACT: Krispy Kreme donuts are a staple of Winky's diet, even during the regiment leading up to a fight.
Next up: ???
#8. (tie) Juan Manuel Marquez #1 Ranked Jr. Lightweight Contender 48-3-1 (35)
and Paul "the Punisher" Williams #2 Ranked Welterweight Contender 33-0 (24)
One half of the fighting Marquez brothers (brother Raphael is a top contender) Juan Manuel is considered by most purists to be a textbook puncher and counter puncher. For evidence of this, look at the Pac Man video from above (yes the one where he was dropped three times in the first round) and know this: that fight was ruled a draw. Even crazier is the fact that many people including some in Manny's camp, felt that that decision was favorable to Pacquaio. In other words, he basically gave Manny a boxing lesson and shut down everything he was trying to do for the reaminder of the fight.. Beautiful to watch
Paul Williams the most feared man in boxing. He has been ducked and dodged more than the Draft Board in the 60's, and yet and still real fans know: THE KID IS A PROBLEM. Why, you ask..? Well consider this- he is a 6'2" (although some will say he is as tall as 6-3) tall and lanky SOUTHPAW that stays busy routinely throwing well over 100 punches a round. As a point of reference, Floyd Mayweather usually likes to counter off his man, throwing on average anywhere between 25-35 punches per round. Not only that the kid has seriouspower (24 career knockouts). Simply put, he's like a young Tommy Hearns, only he's lefty. For those that are wondering, that means that he punches at a downward angle against ALL his opponents (remember he is fighting in the 147 pound weight class), but they are also coming from a weird angle since he fights with this right foot forward. For any top dog in the Vicinity of 147 all the way up to 160, a fight with The Punisher is a dangerous high-risk low reward proposition.
Next Up: Most Likely a mega-fight title eliminator against Miguel Cotto. I cant wait.
Honorable Mention: cruiserweights David Haye and Steve Cunningham, light heavy Chad Dawson, middleweight Jermain Taylor, Jr. Middleweight Vernon Forrest, Heavyweight Samuel Peter, Jr. Welter Paulie Malinaggi, welterweight Zab Judah, Welter Joshua Clottey.
(c) Kweku kj Killuminatti Word Press 2008
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Darius George on -
cotto..is too high up...he is really overrated...
mayweather would give him the bizness...
early
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Permalink Reply by KilluminattI7 on -
I dunno man.. this Kid Cotto surprised me in his last fight.. Don't get me wrong, I don't think he is ready for Floyd, but if he ever cathces up with him... It could be trouble
Ahhhh, F*ck am I sayin... Floyd don't smoke, he ain't takin NOOO L's..
so, what yall think about Bernard vs. Joe Calzaghe?
**boxing crickets**
"HEELLLLLLOOOOOOO???
Anybody out there??"
*startled sleeping crickets that found barren unpopulated area to rest*
((until the next episode...))
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Permalink Reply by R.J.Orion on -
... no love for 2006 HBO fighter of the year, Manny Pacquiao ? ... a smaller, asian Roberto Duran ...
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Permalink Reply by KilluminattI7 on
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But of course... See Number 3
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Permalink Reply by KilluminattI7 on
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No worry... but you on point in that assesment/ comparison... Yo Land-- When you gonna post that position-by-position breakdwon/ prediction of the Big Game?
We needz that
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Permalink Reply by R.J.Orion on
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@K7
... say WORD ... you just inspired me to do just that ... (c) Friday, Feb. 1 ...
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Permalink Reply by KilluminattI7 on
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HaHa yezzzir... Lookin 4ward to it... Don't ask me why but I'm feelin confident in the G-Men chances, for some strange reason (strange, since I am in no way shape or form involved in any NYG Fandom)... I'll expound on that and save rest of my in preperation for responsding to your sure to be on point prognostication...
but yeah, No pressure on providing an accurate prediction or anything...HA HAAHA (c) DJ Clue
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Permalink Reply by Freshfrom82 on -
you must be on crack! mayweather been dodging bullets against cotto, and this is before cotto was champion..Now if cotto beats gomez, and he fights the winner of cintron or margirito..Floyd has no choice to fight cotto..we he dodge him then?
Cotto will destory floyd with body shots alone, i know he is not that qucik against floyd, but cotto breaks bones! watch his previous fights and tell me he want..by the way, cotto should be at least #2..cause hopkins is old and a boring fighter to watch.
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