Updating The Junior Welterweight Rankings After Bradley Vs. Campbell

Bryan Trafford by Columnist Written on August 06, 2009
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 10:  Timothy Bradley celebrates his win against Junior Witter for the WBC Light Welterweight fight on May 10, 2008 at Nottingham Ice Arena in Nottingham, England. (Photo by John Gichigi/Getty Images) (Photo by John Gichigi/Getty Images)

After Timothy Bradley's third round TKO victory over Nate Campbell, here are the updated junior welterweight rankings.

1. Manny Pacquaio (49-3)

Will Pacquaio win a welterweight title if he defeats Miguel Cotto? As of this writing, its still up in the air. What is known is that Pacquiao clearly beat the last champion at this weight, Ricky Hatton. So badly in fact, there is little clamour for him to fight the next challenger, Timothy Bradley.

2. Timothy Bradley (25-0)

"Desert Storm" is a very good nickname for Bradley. With his swarming, aggressive style, he has clawed his way to the top. He is the best fighter at junior welterweight not from the Philippines. His three round steamrolling of Nate Campbell was his latest stamp on an ever growing resume. Next Up for Bradley?

Apparently Bradley wants to travel to England. He wants to fight either Ricky Hatton or Amir Khan. I would favor him to beat either.

3. Amir Khan (21-1)

Khan is in a difficult place. He has finally reached the point where he should fight the division's best. The problem is, his chin may not do him any favors against anyone with a decent punch. I know, I know, Freddie Roach fixed all that.

I still worry about what's gonna happen next time Khan gets cracked........

4. Ricky Hatton (45-2)

I am conflicted about ranking Hatton at all. The brutal nature of his last loss worries me. Couple that with his recent health problems and he should be retiring. However, all indications say he will fight again. I think he would lose to Amir Khan, hence the number four ranking.

5. Devon Alexander (19-0)

Alexander is coming off a steady performance against Junior Witter. Alexander is a good boxer, with sound fundamentals. I think he lacks pop, which may hurt him as he progresses. His next rumored fight could be against Nate Campbell. If he can handle Campbell, he is ready for the big dogs.

6. Paulie Malignaggi (25-2)

Malignaggi is at a career crossroads. He got rid of Buddy Mcgirt. He has lost both times he stepped up to the top level. He is a good boxer with quick hands and feet. He has virtually no power, and gets hit a little too often for a slick boxer.

His upcoming fight with Juan Diaz should show us what Malignaggi has left.

7. Juan Urango (21-2-1)

Urango was last seen losing to welterweight prospect Andre Berto. His only other loss was to Ricky Hatton. Urango is a tough customer for any junior welterweight. He looks like a bodybuilder, and has an unorthodox style.

8. Andreas Kotelnik (31-3-1)

Kotelnik's last fight was a loss to Amir Khan. Kotelnik is a gatekeeper at this point, and should be fodder for other up and coming fighters. A brief warning though, Kotelnik is a tough out.

9. Kendall Holt (25-3)

Has Kendall Holt ever been in a bad fight? His fight with Timothy Bradley was one that definitely warrants a rematch. Holt is an up and down performer. On any night, he could put your lights out. On the flipside, he may be uninterested in doing so.

10. Marcos Maidana (26-1)

Can someone please get this guy back on TV immediately? Maidana is coming off a fight of the year candidate with Victor Ortiz. There has been rumor of a Khan fight floating around. Freddie Roach should put that rumor down immediately. Khan wants not part of Maidana.

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written on August 06, 2009 Rankings/List

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