1. Manny Pacquiao 43-3-2 (33 KOs) – The “Pacman” gave boxing three wonderful fights this year including two fight of the year candidates. His two devastating stoppage victories over Erik Morales clinched the number one spot in this pound for pound ratings. The man from the Philippines is every boxing fan’s dream fighter. He always give fans their money’s worth with tremendous fights with all out action. But Pacquiao is not just about excitement he is also an elite fighter stomping his way to the hall of fame. However, “Pacman” is still waiting for his promotional problems to clear out before he could step in to the ring once again..
2. Floyd Mayweather Jr. 37-0-0 (25 KOs) – Floyd has been on top since Bernard Hopkins’ defeat against Jermain Taylor last year. However, his pound for pound throne has been captured by Pacquiao later this year because of Pacquiao’s impressive victory over Morales. Perhaps a win over boxing superstar Oscar De La Hoya in May plus an expected inactivity of Pacquiao (due to contract disputes) may pave way to Floyd’s comeback to his pound for pound throne.
3. Ronald “Winky” Wright 51-3-1 (25 KOs) – The best technical fighter in boxing made a successful return when he beat former Welterweight champion Ike Quartey earlier this month. His win over Quartey was perhaps the best fight he had this year even surpassing his previous fight against Jermain Taylor. Winky is looking towards a rematch against the young Middleweight champion in 2007.
4. Marco Antonio Barrera 63-4-0 (42 KOs) – Marco had a so-so year this 2006 with two victories over Rocky Juarez including a shut-out win. He is looking forward to a match against Manny Pacquiao in 2007. However, that much anticipated fight may have to wait because of Pacquiao’s problems outside the ring. A fight against Juan Manuel Marquez is the most probable fight for Barrera right now as he looks towards Pacquiao in the future.
5. Jermain Taylor 26-0-1 (17 KOs) – Bad Intentions had a below average performance against a former Junior Middleweight champion Kassim Ouma. However, his two wins over Bernard Hopkins and draw against Winky Wright still stands out that is why he’s at number five. There are speculations that Jermain Taylor may move-up in weight and face Super Middleweight ruler Joe Calzaghe.
6. Rafael Marquez 36-3-0 (32 KOs) – He is perhaps the most devastating puncher in the lower weight class. Rafa has defended his IBF Batamweight title seven times with. He’s reportedly going up in weight to challenge Super Batamweight king Israel Vazquez. People are expected to be treated for an exciting fight if these two fighters go at it for Super Batamweight supremacy.
7. Joe Calzaghe 42-0-0 (31 KOs) – The Pride of Wales has been challenging legends like Roy Jones and Bernard Hopkins. However, with those fighters busy schedule he has to settle with a match against reality TV show Contender runner-up Peter Manfredo. Calzaghe has defended his title twice this year including an almost flawless victory against IBF Super Middleweight champion Jeff Lacy.
8. Miguel Cotto 28-0-0 (23 KOs) – Cotto earned the number eight spot in this edition because of his impressive win against another undefeated fighter. In addition to that, he captured his second world title with his impressive TKO win over fellow Boricua Carlos Quintana. He is scheduled to defend his new title against Oktay Urkal this coming March before taking the winner of the Antonio Margarito-Paul Williams WBO title fight.
9. Wladimir Klitschko 47-3-0 (42 KOs) – Wlad has been on rampage in 2006. He captured his second world title by beating long time heavyweight champion Chris Byrd in Germany. After that, he fought undefeated heavyweight contender Calvin Brock wherein he scored a devastating knockout victory. Ukrainian is looking for a unification fight against any heavyweight champion out there just to settle on who’s truly the best in the division.
10. Israel Vazquez 41-3-0 (30 KOs) – Magnifico had two fights in 2006 wherein he scored two amazing stoppage victories. He dropped to number ten due to the performance of Miguel Cotto and Wladimir Klitschko. Regardless of those performances, Vazquez is still the main guy in the Super Batamweight division. The report of Rafael Marquez moving-up in weight is definitely a challenge Vazquez is very open to accept.
Next Five:
11. Ricky Hatton 41-0-0 (30 KOs)
12. Jose Luis Castillo 54-7-1 (47 KOs)
13. Joel Casamayor 34-3-1 (21 KOs)
14. Juan Manuel Marquez 46-3-1 (35 KOs)
15. Jorge Arce 45-3-1 (35 KOs)
Note: Bernard Hopkins not included because of inactivity despite of his announced comeback.