05.10.05 – Compiled by Chris Ireland
1. Antonio Tarver – “The Magic Man” made it two out of three against Roy Jones last Saturday. Now that it’s clear he has Jones’ number, a rubber match with Glen Johnson is the next logical move for the champ. After that, a move up to heavyweight may not be too far behind.
2. Glen Johnson – Johnson is out to prove his breakout year in 2004 was no fluke. After losing to Antonio Tarver in June, Johnson bounced back with an easy decision victory over George Khalid Jones September 30th. Look for “The Road Warrior” to land another big fight in the near future.
3. Zsolt Erdei – Erdei made a terrific splash when he easily out pointed Julio Gonzalez last year. Since then, the undefeated Hungarian has struggled with Huga Gernan Geray. Erdei won a majority decision against Geray last year and won a split decision this year. Former WBA champion Mehdi Sahnoune is next (October 22nd).
4. Roy Jones – Jones, despite losing his last three fights, says he will be back in the ring. The good news is the former champ did manage to give Tarver some trouble in their third fight, which is a lot more than could be said for their second fight. Now it seems Jones is a fighter more interested in not being knocked out than winning the fight.
5. Fabrice Tiozzo – Tiozzo effectively ended the career of Dariusz Michalczewski in February by knocking out the Pole in the 6th round. A December defense against Paul Murdoch figures to be next.
6. Clinton Woods – Woods out pointed Julio Gonzalez last month to win the IBF title. Before that, he knocked out the undefeated Rico Hoye in the fifth round in March. So far, 2005 has been very kind to the man best known for a questionable draw with Glen Johnson and a TKO loss to Roy Jones.
7. Tomasz Adamek – The WBC champion earned his title the hard way – by beating Aussie Paul Briggs in a 12 round war in May. Now he takes on Thomas Ulrich October 15th in Germany. Adamek is a extremely tough, undefeated young champion that has a bright future in a division ruled by many fighters in the twilight of their careers.
8. Paul Briggs – The former champ lost his belt to the man one spot ahead of him on this list, Tomasz Adamek, in May. Briggs’ next opponent has yet to be determined, although he seems committed to fighting again before the year is out.
9. Thomas Ulrich – Ulrich’s lone loss on his record was against Glen Johnson, which says a lot of good things about the German. Now he gets his shot at a title, against Tomasz Adamek of Poland for the WBC strap.
10. Julio Gonzalez – After beating dangerous veteran Montell Griffin by technical decision earlier this year, Gonzalez lost to Clinton Woods in Woods’ backyard of England. At 29, Gonzalez has already fought elite competition and won a major title (WBO). There’s still plenty of time to rebuild.
Others: Montell Griffin, Stipe Drews, Mehdi Sahnoune, Rico Hoye