Pound for Pound Best Boxers
Top 5 Boxers in the World At the End of 2008
So who is the best boxer in the world at the end of 2008? With so many big fights taking place, there have been plenty of chances for fighters to prove themselves and move up the pound for pound list. Floyd Mayweather Jr. had been the recognized number one pound for pound fighter, however he has stayed true to his retirement… for now.
Number 1 Pound for Pound Boxer: Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao just pulled off a huge upset win, stopping Oscar De La Hoya. Pacquiao has spent most of his time at under 130 pounds, but somehow was able to utilize his speed and aggression to best De La Hoya, the naturally larger man, at welterweight. There doesn’t seem to be anything Pacquiao can’t do, and he should not be doubted again.
Number 2 Pound for Pound Boxer: Joe Calzaghe
Joe Calzaghe is still undefeated, a remarkable achievement after being in boxing for well over a decade. He has recent wins over two legends in Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. and before that he unified the super middleweight championship against Mikkel Kessler. He just has not been as spectacular or dominant as Manny Pacquiao has been, despite his recent wins.
Number 3 Pound for Pound Boxer: Juan Manuel Marquez
Juan Manuel Marquez has come up achingly short against Manny Pacquiao in two encounters. He seems to be the only one who can handle Pacquiao, but he has not gotten a win against him, although many people feel he won their second fight. Juan Manuel Marquez now holds the lightweight title and is clearly hoping that Manny Pacquiao will decide to finish off a trilogy between the two great fighters.
Number 4 Pound for Pound Boxer: Bernard Hopkins
Another boxer who should never be doubted again is Bernard Hopkins. A huge underdog against middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik, Hopkins completely dominated their fight. Bernard Hopkins is approaching 45 years of age, but still has great conditioning and the wily, veteran tricks of the trade that two decades in the game will teach you. This win by Hopkins does however also prove the legitimacy of Joe Calzaghe, who beat Hopkins just earlier this year.
Number 5 Pound for Pound Boxer: Israel Vazquez
Israel Vazquez can be down, and he can be almost out, but he can never be written off. Vazquez is the king of the come from behind victory. He has given us half a dozen all time great battles, but his recent three fights with Rafael Marquez will be remembered throughout history as one of the best trilogies of all time. Vazquez was able to win two out of the three encounters over his contemporary great Marquez and therefore deserves to make it into the top 5 pound for pound.
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