28.01.07 – 1. Manny Pacquiao 43-3-2 (33 KOs) – The year 2006 was a great year for the “Pacman”. He practically dominated the year two spectacular wins over Erik Morales and taking tough tune-up against Oscar Larios. He is scheduled to face WBC Featherweight Champion In Jin Chi this April. However, with the promotional turbulence he is having I believe that Pacquiao’s reign will be in serious trouble this year..
2. Floyd Mayweather Jr. 37-0-0 (25 KOs) – Pretty Boy Floyd is scheduled to face boxing superstar and six-time world champion Oscar De La Hoya this May. A win over the Golden Boy will punctuate his claim as one of the best fighters ever. At stake in that fight will be the WBC Super Welterweight Championship which De La Hoya claimed by defeating Nicaraguan Ricardo Mayorga.
3. Winky Wright 51-3-1 (25 KOs) – The best technical fighter in boxing defeated another former Welterweight champion in Ike “Bazooka” Quartey. He is still in seek for a serious challenge this year. A rematch between him and Middleweight king Jermain Taylor will be the most probable fight for Winky. However, if he wants to explore new things and capture furthermore greatness then he should move-up challenge somebody like Joe Calzaghe.
4. Marco Antonio Barrera 63-4-0 (42 KOs) – After having two successful defenses against Rocky Juarez, Marco Antonio Barrera looked forward to a mega fight rematch with Manny Pacquiao that was suppose to be scheduled early March of this year. However, with Pacquiao’s trouble with promoters, managers etc. the proposed mega fight came crumbling down early this month. Barrera settled with a familiar Pacquiao opponent in the presence of former WBA/IBF Featherweight champion and current WBO Interim Featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez. His much anticipated showdown with Marquez is scheduled this March.
5. Rafael Marquez 36-3-0 (32 KOs) – After a successful reign as the main man at 118, the explosive Rafael Marquez decided to move-up in weight and challenge Super Batamweight king Israel Vazquez. He will try to capture his second world title in two weight division with a win against Magnifico. The explosive fight is scheduled this April and will be shown on a major television network in the U.S.
6. Joe Calzaghe 42-0-0 (31 KOs) – The Pride of Wales had a successful run last year by defeating two tough opponents. He recently challenged ring legends like Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins. However, these fights may have to wait or probably impossible to some. Calzaghe will put his Super Middleweight throne to line against reality television Contender Finalist Peter Manfredo Jr. this April.
7. Miguel Cotto 28-0-0 (23 KOs) – Cotto’s is perhaps the next big thing coming from the Island of Puerto Rico. He has captured his second world title by defeating undefeated fellow Boricua Carlos Quintana last December. He is scheduled to face tough Oktay Urkal this March and probably take on the winner of the Antonio Margarito-Paul Williams WBO Championship fight.
8. Jermain Taylor 26-0-1 (17 KOs) – Bad Intentions had a dismal performance against former Junior Middleweight Champion Kassim Ouma. Improvements have rarely been seen to Taylor’s game since his win over long time Middleweight King Bernard Hopkins in 2005. A rematch between him and Winky Wright is probable to happen. Beating Winky impressively will definitely boost his claim as one of the best fighters in world. But a possible departure from the Middleweight division is also speculated from Taylor.
9. Wladimir Klitschko 47-3-0 (42 KOs) – Klistchko is probably the best Heavyweight out there. He has proven his dominance in 2006 by defeating long time IBF Champion Chris Byrd by knockout and flattening previously undefeated Calvin Brock down to the canvas. He is scheduled to face another tough Heavyweight challenger from the U.S.A Ray Austin.
10. Ricky Hatton 42-0-0 (30 KOs) – The Hitman came back with a bang by defeating undefeated Juan Urango for the WBA Junior Welterweight Championship. He captured his third championship belt in two divisions with his win. Hatton is now scheduled to face tough Mexican warrior Jose Luis “El Temible” Castillo this coming June.