Shane Mosley’s win over Antonio Margarito last month caused a slight change in our rankings. February, however, will see lots of top fighters in action including Juan Manuel Marquez, Kelly Pavlik, Miguel Cotto, and more.
Inside Fights Pound-for-Pound Rankings
1. Manny Pacquiao – “Pacquiao is still the man in boxing, and the deal has finally been made for what should be an all-action fight against Hatton in May.” – Corey Willinger
2. Joe Calzaghe – “Calzaghe just announced his retirement making this his last appearance on our list. He said he had nothing left to prove and I can’t say I blame him.” – Trent Pusey
3. Juan Manuel Marquez – “Trying to keep up with Pacquiao, Marquez continues to take on great challenge after great challenge and will have his hands full with Juan Diaz this month.” – CW
4. Bernard Hopkins – “Calzaghe’s retirement eliminates one of B-Hop’s few fight possibilities. Retirement just may be in Hopkins’ future as well.” – TP
5. Israel Vazquez – “Boxing fans around the world are waiting in anticipation of Vazquez’ return to the ring, but he is doing a truly smart thing in taking time to heal after his hellacious trilogy with Rafael Marquez.” – CW
6. Paul Williams – “Unable to find opponents at 147 and 154, Williams, who is a bonafide example of what it means to be pound for pound, will be challenging Winky Wright at 160 pounds. A win would certainly boost him a spot or two on the list.” – CW
7. Chad Dawson – “Fights Tarver in March but can kiss any hopes of a bout with Joe Calzaghe goodbye now. Hopkins doesn’t want to fight him either so his future looks bleak.” – TP
8. Shane Mosley – “Mosley made his way back into the pound-for-pound discussion by dismantling Antonio Margarito. Mosley can have just about any fight he wants in the welterweight division now.” – TP
9. Jermain Taylor – “Taylor needs to face the best at 168 pounds to solidify his position among the sport’s best.” – CW
10. Arthur Abraham – “Abraham is defending his middleweight title in March but the big fight looming this summer is Abraham and Kelly Pavlik.” – TP
Other receiving votes: Kelly Pavlik, Miguel Cotto.
February Fights to Watch
February is loaded with solid fights so we will offer you the top 2 fights to watch this month (honestly, it was just too difficult to pick between the two):
1. Vic Darchinyan vs. Jorge Arce
February 7th on Showtime
“This fight is happening this weekend and should be a total barnburner for several reasons. First and foremost is that neither guy takes a backward step, and both throw defense virtually out the window. There won’t be a lot of skill on display, but there will be fireworks. This fight would be big enough just based on styles, but it’s also a big time grudge match since they’ve been calling each other out for nearly two years.” – CW
2. Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Juan Diaz
February 28th on HBO
“This fight, as well as Darchinyan-Arce, has the potential to be a fight of the year. Marquez needs to keep looking sharp if he ever wants to get back at Pacquiao. Diaz is young and likes to throw punches, which makes him an exciting counterpart to Juan Manuel Marquez. This is the kind of fight you can’t wait for as a boxing fan.” – TP
