B/R Boxing Writers Pound 4 Pound Rankings: Who's #1?

The rankings system has always been a subject of criticism. Every boxing fan has their opinions on who is really in the top 10. That's why I chose to compile all of these opinions from some of the most respected writers on B/R, and make one list.

Each fighter was given 10 points if they were voted number one on a writers list, nine points for a number two ranking, all the way down to one point for a number 10 ranking.

With all the points added up, the B/R pound for pound rankings became unbiased through the cooperation of six great writers currently contributing to B/R.

Rankings (Votes received)

1. Manny Pacquiao 50-3-2 (60) six first place votes

Honestly did you think it could be anyone else? Pacquiao ended his 2009 campaign with a thrilling performance versus a naturally bigger true welterweight in Miguel Cotto, whom he stopped in the final round. Pacquiao became the first fighter to win titles in seven weight divisions, an outstanding feat.

2. Floyd Mayweather 40-0 (50)

"Money" Mayweather has indeed stayed undefeated throughout his career with impressive performances against top opponents. Until he stepped into the welterweight division. He has yet to fight a prime welterweight, something that Pacquiao has done and its a big reason why he is not number one.

3. Shane Mosley 46-5 (37)

Mosley, one of the great talents today, has been the odd man out of mega-fights. He has been inactive for a year. His destruction of Antonio Margarito last year was phenomenal and his next outing is against up-and-coming undefeated champion Andre Berto. Lets hope "Sugar" hasn't gotten old overnight.

4. Bernard Hopkins 50-5-1 (33)

Hopkins was last seen dismantling journeyman Enrique Ornelas in a lopsided decision. His hopes of a Roy Jones Jr. fight was derailed when Jones was knocked out by Danny Green. We may see Hopkins traveling to Australia soon, for a bout with Green even though Chad Dawson lives in Connecticut.

5.Juan Manuel Marquez 50-5-1 (25)

The world's best lightweight lost a lopsided decision to Floyd Mayweather in his last bout, but Marquez now knows his limits and has a bright future. He has an option to fight Michael Katsidis and defend his lightweight titles or move up to fight Ricky Hatton. The Hatton fight seems more lucrative, especially for a fighter well into his 30's.

6. Chad Dawson 29-0 (23)

Dawson wishes for a fight with Hopkins, but Hopkins seems to want no part of the young fighter. His next fight could be with Jean Pascal, but Pascal is currently injured and doesn't want to go into a fight with Dawson nursing a shoulder injury. He could fight the winner or runner-up in the Super Six Tournament, but that won't be until 2011. What about Lucian Bute?

7. Paul Williams 38-1 (22)

The fight every boxing fan wants to see is Williams-Pavlik. We got close last year, but Pavlik pulled out numerous times, citing injuries. Sergio Martinez proved to be a worthy replacement in a loss at middleweight to Williams. A rematch would excite, but giving Martinez more time to prepare is risky.

8. Vitali Klitschko 39-2 (21)

"Dr. Iron Fists" closed out his 2009 campaign with an ugly, but lopsided, win over American Kevin Johnson. Vitali went the distance only for the second time in his career. There is no other worthy heavyweight candidate out there for Vitali besides his  brother.

9. Wladimir Klitschko 53-3 (17)

Since stopping Ruslan Chagaev in June, Wladimir has been sidelined due to shoulder surgery. Him and his brother are clearly the most dominant heavyweights today and he has dominated every opponent since his TKO loss to Lamon Brewster. His next opponent Eddie "Fast" Chambers plans to change all that. Expect more of the same.

10. Ivan Calderon 33-0-1 (8)

One of the slickest fighters today had a couple of sloppy contest against Rodel Mayol. The Sept. 12 rematch ended in the seventh round with Calderon winning a tight split technical decision. Could this be a sign of a decline?

Almost: Timothy Bradley (7), Celestino Caballero (5), Miguel Cotto (4)

Special Thanks:

Lorne Scoggins

Zeferino Jackson

Sean Morehouse

Ja Dawson

Fight Fan Forever

More writers are welcome to contribute to make the best list possible

Bryant Maxwell can be reached at [e-mail]