Bleacher Report Boxing Pound-for-Pound Rankings: June 09

June just got a lot less interesting for boxing fans. According to Johnny Benz over at Maxboxing, Haye/Klitschko is off.

Still, we have Cotto/Clottey, John/Juarez II, and Victor Ortiz returning to action. Of these fights, Cotto/Clottey is the only one with pound-for-pound implications. If Cotto should win, he will not only solidify his ranking, but will be in the running for the Pacquaio sweepstakes.

As usual, I asked the top 10 boxing writers for their lists, and I averaged them out. I thank everyone who participated, and those who did not, you owe me 100 pushups.

On to the rankings:

1. Manny Pacquiao

Pacquiao has literally become boxing's cash cow. Whether it's Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, or Floyd Mayweather Jr., they all seem to be lining up for a shot at Pacquiao. Bob Arum has told us Oct. 17 is the date of his next fight, but who will he be fighting?

We don't have the answer to that yet, but one thing is certain. Pacquiao should remain atop the pound-for-pound list, at least until that date.

2. Juan Manuel Marquez

You have got to admire the heart of this Mexican warrior. When he called out Floyd Mayweather Jr. after his last fight, it reeked of posturing.

Well as it turns out, he was not posturing for another fight with Manny Pacquiao. When he said he wasn't waiting around, he meant it.

Marquez is in total control of his destiny. A win over Mayweather Jr. not only wrecks Mayweather vs Pacquaio, but almost guarantees himself a third fight with Pacquiao.

3. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

As a testament to Mayweather's greatness inside the ring, he returns to our pound-for-pound rankings without even fighting. As a testament to his lack of intestinal fortitude, its against a lightweight moving up.

Say what you will about Mayweather Jr. outside the ring, but inside the ring he has yet to taste defeat. With the possibility of fighting both the number two and number one guys in his next two fights, we may see Mayweather Jr. reclaim his number one spot.

4. Shane Mosley

It came down to my vote to break a tie for Mosley or Cotto in this spot. I chose Mosley only by the tiniest of margins. I believe the Cotto fight could have gone either way for Mosley, and Mosley's last performance is still etched into my memory.

It remains unclear who Mosley's next opponent will be, and no one seems to be excited about facing him next. Mosley wants Pacquiao, and I for one hope he gets him.

5. Miguel Cotto

Cotto is the only guy on the list fighting in June, but his spot shouldn't change much unless he loses. What will be interesting is who Cotto will fight next should he get by Clottey. Does he want Pacquaio? A rematch with Mosley?

6. Bernard Hopkins

Is the Executioner gonna fight in '09? Let's hope he can find a dance partner and get in the ring soon. Time is not on his side.

7. Nonito Donaire

Finally some love for the Darchinyan conqueror. He checks in at number seven on our list. It remains to be seen whether Darchinyan will step in the ring again to fight Donaire, as Gary Shaw is adamantly opposed to the idea.

8. Vic Darchinyan

Darchinyan is one of boxing's all-action guys, and never backs away from a challenge. He goes for broke with every punch, and never seems to want the fight to go to decision.

Since his loss to Donaire, he is showing more patience and a jab to set up those brutal power punches. A more complete Darchinyan is a frightening thought for anyone fighting under the featherweight limit.

9. Israel Vazquez

Vazquez may be seeing his last days on the pound-for-pound list. Coming off of four eye surgeries and brutal wars with Rafael Marquez, his best days may be behind him as well.

How much does Vazquez have left in the tank? His upcoming fight may very well let us know.

10. Rafael Marquez

Marquez still remains on the list at number 10. A fourth fight with Vazquez may be the best option left for either of these fighters.