by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg
This weekend is a slow one for boxing as no major fights take place. However there is good news as Arturo Gatti has officially agreed to fight "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather Jr. This fight has the makings of a classic as you pit the classic slugger vs. the quintessential boxer. I, and many in the boxing community can't wait for this fight to happen. It is taking place in Atlantic City on June 25.
With out any big fights I have compiled a list of boxing rankings, ranking the best fighters in the world pound-for-pound. Doc's Undisputed Pound-for-Pound Boxing Rankings:
I. Bernard Hopkins - 20 title defenses speaks for itself. Downside is age and the fact he seems to be slowing down and conserving energy in all his fights, prime for the first big name to plummet this year. Agenda for 2005: Jermaine Taylor, Felix Trinidad
II. Kostya Tszyu - only loss was 8 years ago, since then is 13-0(11 KO). Has devastated the division and is on June 4 he is going to slaughter Ricky Hatton. Agenda for 2005: Hatton down, Gatti or Mayweather to go
III. Floyd Mayweather - finally put down the hankies and signed the Gatti deal. Boxing's worst attitude, but probably its best talent. Just needs to stay in the ring and out of jail. Agenda for 2005: Arturo Gatti on June 25, probably more court dates
IV. Marco Antonio Barrera - sure he was blown out by Pacquiao, but he was unfocused and rebounded with a win over his biggest rival Eric Morales. Many great performances over last few years make this spot his. Agenda for 2005: Mzonke Fona in a tune-up, then winner or Pacquiao vs. Morales
V. Manny Pacquiao - devastating in KO of Barrera, and draw with Juan Manuel Marquez. Boxing's most electric fighter. Agenda for 2005: Morales on March 19 in a fight of the year candidate, then Barrera or Marquez.
VI. Felix Trinidad - I know he has only had 1 fight in 2 years, but it was a great one! KO over Mayorga was vintage Tito and this guy doesn't need to do much to be here in my book, resume is Hall of Fame worthy already. Agenda for 2005: Winky Wright on May 19, win = Hopkins, loss = retirement?
VII. Diego Corrales - murderous puncher gave Freitas his first loss, and it was man vs. boy. Chico also beat the "Cuban Cutie" Joel Casamoyer. Willingness to fight anyone, anywhere makes him truly one of the few throwbacks left. Agenda for 2005: Jose Luis Castillo showdown on May 7.
VIII. Rafeal Marquez - along w/ Kostya is boxing's best puncher. Devastating over the last few years and is a surprise entrant, but wins over Mark Johnson and Tim Austin speak for themselves. Agenda for 2005: Ricardo Vargas in a tune-up, then possibly Fernando Montiel.
IX. Winky Wright - steady over the years but never spectacular. Got here with hard work and dedication, not superstar talent. Solid wins over smaller Mosley got him here for time being. Agenda for 2005: Merciless Trinidad on May 19.
X. Glen Johnson - similar to Winky in every way, KO of Jones and win over Tarver sprung him onto the list. Agenda for 2005: Tarver rematch.
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