We’ve compiled a list of the world’s top-10 boxers, pound-for-pound.
Taking weight out of the equation, this subjective list factors in fighters’ recent results, as well as their style, resilience and punching power.
The list will be updated periodically and should be treated as a talking point. Let the debate begin!
1. Floyd Mayweather – Welterweight
United States (39 wins, 0 losses, 0 draws, 24KOs)
The lavishly-gifted Mayweather announced his retirement in June, but we will keep him at the top of the rankings for now as we have all heard it all before on more than one occasion.
2. Manny Pacquiao – Super-featherweight
Philippines (47-3-2, 35KOs)
The all-action Pacquiao became a four-weight world champion by destroying David Diaz to claim the WBC lightweight title and will now fight Oscar de la Hoya in December.
3. Joe Calzaghe – Super-middleweight
Wales (45-0, 32KOs)
Calzaghe outpointed Bernard Hopkins on his US and light-heavyweight debut and will now fight the great Roy Jones Jr in New York on 8 November.
4. Antonio Margarito – Welterweight
Mexico (37-5, 27KOs)
Margarito pipped Miguel Cotto in a thrilling match-up and proved he has perhaps the best chin in the sport. Margarito defends against Joshua Clottey next.
5. Miguel Cotto – Welterweight
Puerto Rico (32-1, 26KOs)
Cotto finally met his match against Antonio Margarito in a classic encounter, but lost little of his lustre in doing so and is young enough to rise to the top again.
6. Juan Manuel Marquez – Super-featherweight
Mexico (48-4-1, 35KOs)
Lost his WBC super-featherweight title in his rematch with Manny Pacquiao, and will now face Cuba’s Joel Casamayor at lightweight in September.
7. Kelly Pavlik – Middleweight
United States (34-0, 30KOs)
Pavlik boxed beautifully to beat Wales’ Gary Lockett in June and will next face former middleweight king Bernard Hopkins in Atlantic City in October.
8. Israel Vazquez – Super-bantamweight
Mexico (43-4, 31KOs)
Vazquez reclaimed his WBC belt from Rafael Marquez in August and nicked the rubber match in March. A relentless fighter with a vicious left hook.
9. Ricky Hatton – Light-welterweight
England (44-1, 31KOs)
Hatton defeated tough Mexican Juan Lazcano in his first fight since losing to Floyd Mayweather and should have enough to beat Paul Malignaggi in the autumn.
10. Paul Williams – Welterweight
United States (34-1, 25KOs)
Williams defeated Antonio Margarito in 2007 before losing to Carlos Quintana in February. Williams won the rematch and a second clash with Margarito is now a distinct possibility.
