Four of our top ten boxers were in action last month and it caused a big shakeup in the rankings. See how the fallout from the Pacquiao-Cotto effected the rankings. Also, we welcome two new boxers into the Top Ten.
Inside Fights Pound-For-Pound Rankings
1. Manny Pacquiao
Last Month: 2
“Pacquiao deserves to be on top after knockout wins over Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto back-to-back-to-back. All that’s left to do in his incredible career is take on Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the superfight to end all superfights.” – Corey Willinger
2. Floyd Mayweather Jr
Last Month: 1
“Pacquiao has taken and overcome the challenges necessary to earn the top spot. If Mayweather wants to be recognized as the best then he needs to beat the best. Right now, Pacquiao is the best.” – Trent Pusey
3. Bernard Hopkins
Last Month: 3
“Hopkins has made it another year without getting old overnight. Enrique Ornelas didn’t tell us too much about Hopkins’ ability to still fight at the top level, but at least he’s fighting.” – CW
4. Paul Williams
Last Month: 4
“Williams takes on Sergio Martinez this weekend and a strong performance will solidify his standing in the top 5.” – TP
5. Juan Manuel Marquez
Last Month: 5
“Though stomped by Mayweather last time out, Marquez still has plenty of options in the lightweight division if he chooses to campaign there. Who wouldn’t tune in to see him against Michael Katsidis, Edwin Valero or Ali Funeka?” – CW
6. Shane Mosley
Last Month: 6
“Mosley finally got a fight. Although not the megafight he was hoping for, Mosley will take one step towards unifying the welterweight titles when he battles Andre Berto in January.” – TP
7. Chad Dawson
Last Month: 8
“Dawson took care of business against Glen Johnson in his last fight and looked brilliant doing it. Nobody knocks out Johnson, but Dawson dominated the entire fight and now looks forward to possibly fighting Hopkins in 2010.” – CW
8. Arthur Abraham
Last Month: 9
“Abraham currently sits atop the Super Six standings but every fight will be a stern test for the German. Andre Dirrell will be up next for Abraham.” – TP
9. Andre Ward
Last Month: NR
“Ward’s dominance over Mikkel Kessler will go down as one of the more shocking developments in 2009 and has made him a co-favorite with Abraham to win the Super Six tournament. He now sits tied in second place with Carl Froch. Ward next meets Jermain Taylor in Group Stage 2.” – CW
10. Nonito Donaire
Last Month: NR
“Donaire has been right on the outside of the rankings looking in for quite some time. The losses for Cotto and Kessler paved the way for the Philippine to take a much-deserved respite in the top 10.” – TP
Dropped Out: Miguel Cotto (7), Mikkel Kessler (10)
