Top Rankin’

With Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao both taking fights this fall, the race is back on to see who will be the #1 pound for pound fighter in the world. Life+Times offers up the pound for pound rankings and break down the 10 best fighters in the sport and give a look into their respective futures.

Manny Pacquiao
Record: 52-3-2, 38 KOs
Titles: WBO Welterweight Champion
Last Fight: UD vs. Shane Mosley (5/7/11)
Next Fight: November 12th vs. Juan Manuel Marquez

Once again, Manny Pacquiao wrecked his opponent in a lopsided win. And once again, there is only one fight that is remotely intriguing against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. But Pacquaio will instead face Juan Manuel Marquez on November 12th. Although some may groan that the name signed on the dotted line isn’t Mayweather, Marquez is still a formidable opponent that has taken Pacquiao to the brink twice before. On the flipside, the two last fought at super featherweight (130 lbs). This fight will be at a catchweight of 144 lbs. When Marquez faced Mayweather at 147 lbs, he was far too small. We anticipate the same when the two meet again.

Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Record: 41-0, 25 KOs
Titles: None
Last Fight: UD vs. Shane Mosley (5/1/11)
Next Fight: September 17th Vs. Victor Ortiz

He’s undefeated and the class of boxing when it comes to technical skill in the squared circle. But he’s constantly been knocked for not facing the best fighter available. The obvious opponent is Manny Pacquiao but for one reason or another, the two just can’t seem to iron out the details to make it happen. Instead, Mayweather will fight the talented Victor Ortiz. Not necessarily a “gimme” for Mayweather, but hopefully a warm-up fight before he faces Pacquiao. Maybe we can see the superfight in 2012…before they are senior citizens.

Sergio Martinez
Record: 47-2-2, 26 KOs
Titles: WBC Diamond Middleweight Champion
Last Fight: TKO vs. Sergiy Dzinziruk
Next Fight: TBA