Boxing: Four Questions on the Road to Pound-for-Pound Supremacy

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Four fighters, four nationalities, three weight classes, and one pound-for-pound king, this is the scenario that boxing fans from all places contemplate these days and, unlikely as it is, few others could fit the bill as well.

But, first, there are questions to ponder before it all unravels.

Manny Pacquiao

Pacquiao is the reigning pound-for-pound No. 1 and  the undisputed champion of the junior welterweights. The way he has been jumping up weight classes is only comparable to the way he pounds on opponents.

However, considering the way his last three opponents looked after the Filipino was done with them, one does get the feeling that the Pacman's abilities as a prizefighter are not being tested to their full extent.

The question is: Does such a statement say more about Pacquiao's quality as a fighter or that of his opponents?

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Mayweather is the former undisputed pound-for-pound king and was able to achieve champion status as high up as super welterweight.

A supremely gifted boxer in the purest sense of the word, many say he hasn't lived up to expectations; however, his unblemished record and belt-wrapped waist serves as counterevidence.

The reason for the criticism: Mayweather failed to take on the biggest threats to his reign at welterweight.

The question is: What is the true motivation behind Mayweather's return, and is he focused enough on the non-business side of the sport in order to earn the unrefined respect his prizefighting quality, but not his record so far, commands?

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?