2010 pound for pound landscape

We explore how the pound for pound rankings and landscape might be reconfigured in the next few months and into 2010. There are several big fights that are sure to have implications on boxing's increasingly competitive landscape. Top 7 remaining fights of 2009 and decade.

Here are possible ranking scenarios in 2010 based on the fights left this year.

Favored Scenario

2010 Rankings:

#1. Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2)

A Pacquiao win over Miguel Cotto solidifies the Filipino's grip on the top spot and places him in unchartered territory in boxing. Should he go for an eigth title in an eight different weight class? That would mean challenging a fighter like IBF champ Cory Spinks in the 154 lb. junior middleweight division. WBA titlist Daniel Santos and WBC champ Sergio Martinez also serve as other possibilities. Sergio Martinez should be tailored made for the impossibly speedy Pacman. However, the frontiers of the sport could also pose significant health risks for the 5'6" international superstar.

#2. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (39-0)

Floyd's victory over the tough Juan Manuel Marquez re-introduces him to the boxing community as one of the best fighters back in top form. The speculation surrounding his next opponent should create a firestorm of intrigue as well as passionate calls for a bout with the Pacman or Shane Mosley. Many boxing purists prefer him to clean out the welterweight division, but mainstream sports and high dollars require an all-time face-off with the much less brash demeanor of the Filipino southpaw.

#3. Shane Mosley (46-5)

Shane Mosley's frustrations appear valid and reasonable. He is unable to secure a coveted, high dollar fight that affords him the opportunity to showcase his speed and power. Mosley could be the #1 fighter pound-for-pound; all he needs now are two or three great fights that display the same forepower that knocked out the then-regarded Antonio Margarito. Welterweight champion Andre Berto could be next. However, Mosley might think about applying the "Pacquiao Standard" and face bigger guys in the junior middleweight division if he is to secure the glory he is seeking. It's a weak division except for that guy named Paul "The Punishier" Williams.

#4. Paul Williams (37-1)

November 21st is the fight of Paul Williams' life against middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik. A victory for him unquestionably places him in boxing's elite. However, he will likely continue to have a hard time finding worthy challengers to his throne. As the saying goes, "bloom where you're planted." That gives him the chance to be one of the only boxers in history to unify the title belts, and he can do it at the 154 lb. division. Williams has enough talent to beat all the fighters in this division to a bloody pulp. In 2011, we may find "The Punisher" to be the #1 pound for pound fighter in the sport.

#5. Juan Manuel Marquez (50-4-1)

Many are writing off Marquez's chances against the speedy and bigger Mayweather, Jr. In my view, Marquez has an excellent opportunity to outpoint Floyd and go for a decision victory, which would require a much higher punch output. A Marquez loss should still place him in the top 5 pound-for-pound rankings. The Mexican, who gave Pacquiao all he could handle twice, should not be penalized for facing the toughest opponents possible. A blemish on his record however comes from his lackluster performance and loss against Chris John in Indonesia in 2006.

#6. Bernard Hopkins (49-5-1)

There are calls for Hopkins to accept a challenge from Roy Jones, Jr. for a second meeting. Hopkins appears very disinterested in such a fight. Bernard, why not? Give the fans this historic "old school" brawl, and 2009 or 2010 will be a memorable closure for both of your careers. What if Ali never fought Foreman?

Best of the rest:

#7. Israel Vazquez (43-4)

#8. Nonito Donaire (22-1)

#9. Chad Dawson (28-0)

#10. Miguel Cotto (34-1)

Cotto should not be too heavily penalized should he lose to Manny Pacquiao in November. The Puerto Rican has faced the toughest opponents of his division or in boxing in general. These opponents include Ricardo Torres, Carlos Quintana, Shane Mosley, Zab Judah, Antonio Margarito, and Manny Pacquiao.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-4514-Houston-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m8d27-2010-pound-for-pound-rankings