Pound for pound: Top 10 lists of Rosenthal, Fischer -- Ring

By Michael Rosenthal, The Ring

The various Top 10 pound-for-pound lists have been static of late. That could change soon, though.

Eight fighters on the Top 10 lists of RingTV.com Co-Editors Michael Rosenthal and Doug Fischer, submitted as members of voting panel for the Yahoo! Sports monthly poll, are scheduled to fight before the end of the year.

Two of the eight – Paul Williams and Sergio Martinez, who are on both lists – are fighting each other on Nov. 20, meaning a shakeup is likely.

So by the first of the year Top 10 lists could look entirely different. Of course, that depends on how the rated fighters do.

Here’s a breakdown of which matchups involving fighters on the lists of Rosenthal and Fischer are most competitive (and are therefore more likely to result in changes), less competitive and least competitive.


MOST COMPETITIVE

Paul Williams vs. Sergio Martinez, Nov. 20, Atlantic City, N.J., HBO: Their first fight, won by Williams, was as close as it gets. There’s no reason to think their second meeting will be any different.


LESS COMPETITIVE

Juan Manuel Lopez vs. Rafael Marquez, Nov. 6, Las Vegas, Showtime: We know what we have in Lopez, a young, complete fighter on the rise. The question is whether Marquez still has it at 35.

Andre Ward vs. Sakio Bika, Nov. 27, Oakland, Calif., Showtime: Ward is emerging as a star; Bika is merely a solid replacement opponent. An upset here would be a shock.

Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Michael Katsidis, Nov. 27, Las Vegas, HBO: Marquez looked strong against Juan Diaz in his first fight after he was embarrassed by Floyd Mayweather Jr. Katsidis is tough but a clear underdog.


LEAST COMPETITIVE

Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito, Nov. 13, Las Vegas, PPV: Most observers believe Pacquiao will be too quick for the plodding and presumably rusty Margarito. Some give the Mexican a chance because of his size advantage.

Tomasz Adamek vs. Vinny Maddalone, Dec. 9, Newark, N.J., PPV: Maddalone is just an opponent as Adamek continues to position himself for a shot at a heavyweight title.

Wladimir Klitschko vs. Dereck Chisora, Dec. 11, Mannheim, Germany: Chisora has had 14 pro fights and has faced no one remotely close to Klitschko’s ability or experience. This isn’t a good matchup on paper.


MICHAEL ROSENTHAL’S TOP 10

1. Manny Pacquiao: His position at the top shouldn’t be seriously challenged on Nov. 13.
2. Floyd Mayweather Jr.: Only he knows when we might see him fight again.
3. Paul Williams: Can reclaim his imposing aura with a victory in his rematch with Sergio Martinez.
4. Andre Ward: Should have no trouble with Sakio Bika as he looks forward to the Super Six semis.
5. Sergio Martinez: Victory over Williams
6. Timothy Bradley: Can make a big statement against Devon Alexander on Jan. 29.
7. Juan Manuel Lopez: Is Rafael Marquez a legitimate threat?
8. Wladimir Klitschko: A victory over Dereck Chisora will mean very little.
9. Vitali Klitschko: Victory over Shannon Briggs meant very little.
10. Juan Manuel Marquez: Will have to be at his best against Michael Katsidis.


DOUG FISCHER’S TOP 10

1. Manny Pacquiao: Division-conquering Filipino icon epitomizes the term "pound for pound."
2. Floyd Mayweather Jr.: Five-division titleholder possesses great talent, skill and technique, but toughest foe may be himself.
3. Juan Manuel Marquez: Lightweight champ good enough to give Pacquiao his toughest fights; tough enough to go 12 with Mayweather at welterweight.
4. Wladimir Klitschko: Heavyweight champ has dominated division for past six years.
5. Vitali Klitschko: No. 1-rated big man just as dominating as his younger brother.
6. Paul Williams: Two-time welterweight beltholder among the sport's best middleweights and junior middleweights.
7. Sergio Martinez: Middleweight champ proved elite status and mettle by giving Williams hell in their fight and by unseating Kelly Pavlik.
8. Fernando Montiel: Mexico's most-talented fighter is unbeaten in last 11 bouts, including a KO of excellent bantamweight titleholder Hozumi Hasegawa.
9. Pongsaklek Wonjongkam: Flyweight champ looked ordinary in last bout but the Thai legend clinched eventual hall of fame entrance with decision over undefeated Koki Kameda.
10. Tomasz Adamek: Former light heavyweight titleholder and former cruiserweight champ now rated among top heavyweights.

Source: ringtv.com