The Five Fights I Most Want To See in 2009

'Sugar' Shane Mosley vs. Floyd 'Money' Mayweather

When Mayweather walked away he was the best welterweight in the world, and right now in his absence that title has fallen around the waist of Shane Mosley. This fight was originally mentioned a few years ago, but never quite came off.

Back then, Mosley was a contender though, now he is numero uno, the big dog. The only true way for Mayweather's imminent return to be a success would be for him to come back and show he's the bigger dog and take back his yard.

Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao vs. Ricky 'The Hitman' Hatton

Luckily for me, and for fight fans all around the world, this fight looks like it will happen. After weeks off negotiation, this on-again off-again affair was inked for May 2nd. Both men love to come forward and apply pressure and both men hold shattering power in their shots.

This has all the ingredients to become a modern classic. It's one of those fights were you get the idea that neither man will be the same when they leave the ring. It's the kind of fight which has you glued to the edge of your seat. This could be the best fight since Corrales/Castillo I.

Miguel 'Junito' Cotto vs. 'The Tijuana Tornado' Antonio Margarito II

When these two went at it last time, they both endured incredible punishment. The two men dished out a beating to each other. But when all was said and done it was Margarito who got the win when referee Kenny Bayless intervened with 55 seconds left in the 11th round.

If that isn't reason enough to see a rematch, Margarito's recent hand wrap debacle has stoked the fire. Margarito was found to have plaster-of-paris pads in his wraps before his fight with Shane Mosley, and has since been fined for cheating, although the Mexican continues to plead innocence.

This prompts the question, did Margarito cheat against Cotto, too? This question means a rematch has become a must. Whether 'The Tornado' cheated or not isn't important, all that is important is that Cotto gets his chance for redemption. Hopefully he, and we, won't have to wait for too long.

Chris 'The Nightmare' Arreola vs. David 'The Hayemaker' Haye

In a relatively weak Heavyweight division, this is the only clash of the giants which catches my interest. Both men have explosive power: Arreola has finished 23 of 26 opponents early, compared to Haye's also impressive ledger of 21 KO's in 22 fights. Both me also have question marks surrounding their punch resistance with both finding themselves in trouble in recent fights.

This fight most likely wouldn't last long, but it would be explosive while it did. This could be the fight to return the glamour back to the heavyweight division.

Israel 'Magnifico' Vazquez vs. Juan Manuel 'Juanma' Lopez

This is the kind of fight you see in the movies. A tough, battle-hardened warrior champion clashing with a hungry, powerful, undefeated challenger. It's the irresistible force vs. the immovable object.

This fight is so intriguing because of the questions it raises. Can Vazquez's adamantium jaw hold up against the vicious bombs of Lopez? Will Vazquez's experience and toughness be too much?

How much did the epic trilogy with Rafael Marquez take out of Vazquez? Questions need answers, and we need this fight.

Thanks for reading!