2009 Top 5 Pound for Pound Fighters

The sport of boxing has several titles in every one of its weight classes, but there is one title that every elite boxer wants even though it isn't an official title. That is to be called the Best Pound for Pound fighter in the sport. To be a pound for pound champion, is to dominate the competition across several weight classes. Many agree that the best pound for pound fighter in the history of boxing is Sugar Ray Robinson and without sugar Ray Robinson's impressive run, the pound for pound term may not even exist. Today the list of top pound for pound fighter's aren't as competitive as they have been in days past, but there are some amazing fighters on top of the boxing world today. One thing about this pound for pound list is that if Floyd Mayweather Jr. were to come out of retirement, he would automatically take the number one spot. Anyhow without delaying any further, here are our top five pound for pound active fighters today.

5. Joe Calzaghe

Many boxing fans many think that just because Joe Calzaghe is the only undefeated boxer on a pound for pound list anywhere, that he should be number one. The only problem is that Joe Calzaghe has only recently engaged in boxing matches with any big-name boxer's. Even with the 46-0 record, most of those wins came over opponents that very few people know exist. Not to down talk and impressive professional fighter, but I really don't think that Calzaghe has competed against the best competition even though he did defeat Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins. I don't think that Calzaghe's career is finished though. If he were to retire now, his name would be forgotten sooner than it would if he took on more younger fighters who are still in their prime. Chad Dawson should be Calzaghe's next opponent.

4. Ricky Hatton

Ricky Hatton has proven to be very tough competitor over the past few years. Like Calzaghe, Hatton racked up most of his victories against more unknown competition. Ricky Hatton's only defeat was a knockout loss to pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. Ricky Hatton has since bounced back knocking out Paulie Malignaggi, and has another chance to compete against an elite fighter of the sport in Manny Pacquiao. This next bout really will determine Ricky Hatton is status in the boxing world.

3. Shane Mosley

"Sugar" Shane Mosley just demolished supposed 'Most Feared Welterweight' Antonio Margarito. Before the fight, I had him ranked 7th on the pound for pound list, but after giving Margarito the beating of his life, I had to move him up to #3. Shane Mosley has accomplished a lot in his career, including 2 victories over Oscar De La Hoya. Now the new welterweight champ should get the respect he more than deserves, and a rematch with Miguel Cotto should be in the making.

2. Bernard Hopkins

Those who think that Joe Calzaghe should be higher on this list, probably thinks that him and Bernard Hopkins should be switched around. Even though Joe Calzaghe has a victory over Bernard Hopkins, his victory was not to all that impressive. The fight could have went either way. Other than that, Bernard Hopkins has a much more solid resume as far as fighters he has faced and defeated. Three of the five losses on his record are questionable decisions. Bernard's last bout was against a much younger Kelly Pavlik who Hopkins was able to make look like the older fighter. Hopkins should be retiring soon. The only possible matchups that I think would mean anything to his career would be avenging losses to Roy Jones Jr., Joe Calzaghe, or Jermaine Taylor.

1. Manny Pacquiao

After his impressive victory over future Hall of Fame on Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao has stamped his name on the number one pound for pound spot. At the beginning of this list, I said that if Floyd Mayweather Jr. came back, that he would automatically take the number one spot, but if Manny Pacquiao is still reigning supreme in the boxing world, he may just have to fight for it. Pacquiao's next opponent will be Ricky Hatton which should be a challenge for them both. Though an upset is always a possibility, my predictions say that we will get to see Ricky Hatton kiss the canvas for a second time. Depending on Pacquiao's next few performances, he definitely has the potential to become boxing's next biggest attraction.