3 More Rounds’ P4P Rankings

(As of December 19, 2012)

Photos by Jeff Fusco-Hoganphotos / GBP

1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. (43-0, 26 KOs)

• Was head to head with Manny until Marquez ended the discussion with one punch.  There is no question at this moment who the best fighter in the world is, period.  No fight currently scheduled, but likely to return on May 4 in Las Vegas.

2. Andre Ward (26-0, 14 KOs)

• At this point in his career, it seems Ward can’t do any wrong.  He steamrolled through the super middleweight division; reigns as its champion, and decimated the light heavyweight champion in his previous fight, via TKO at that.  He’s a defensive magician who can turn up the heat when he needs to and keeps getting better.  Will face Kelly Pavlik in February.

3.  Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 40 KOs)

• Of his 40 KOs, none have been as massive as his knockout of Manny Pacquiao.  Despite “officially” down 2-1-1 in the series, Marquez stamped his name in the record books with one of the most historic KOs in history, while finally giving fans a crystal clear winner in the rivalry.  Who knows what’s to follow for Juan, but a nice relaxing vacation to soak up the win is likely in his future.

4. Sergio Martinez (50-2-2, 28 KOs)

• Martinez is getting older, but is still fighting at a top level.  Though he nearly found himself getting stopped by Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in the final round of the fight, Martinez completely dominated him for eleven rounds.  It was a moment of carelessness that nearly cost him but he’s still one of boxing’s best.

5.  Nonito Donaire (30-1, 19 KOs)

• Nonito is in the prime of his career at age 30 and has continued to dominate his opponents.  Is coming off a devastating KO win over Jorge Arce and holds two junior featherweight titles.  Donaire is hoping to face Guillermo Rigondeaux or Abner Mares next.

6. Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs)

• Pacquiao may no longer be at the top of his game, but is still among the sport’s most gifted fighters in the world.  Was sitting atop the P4P list until rival Juan Manuel Marquez knocked him off his perch with a single right hand in the sixth round.  Has the ability to climb the rankings again but the knockout took a lot luster off of him.  Forget a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight now.

7.  Wladimir Klitschko (59-3, 50 KOs)

• Unless Vitali breaks the promise made to the Klitschko mom, there’s no one in the top-10 in the heavyweight division that can knock Klitschko off his perch.  At this juncture, it appears only retirement will stop him. Is coming off a decisive win over Mariusz Wach in November.

8. Vitali Klitschko (45-2, KOs)

• In his most recent outing, he demolished Manuel Charr in his second win of 2012.  Still holding the WBC heavyweight title, Klitschko may be at the end of his reign, as politics have taken a bigger chunk of his time in the Ukraine.  Don’t be surprised if 2013 is his final year.

9. Timothy Bradley (29-0, 12 KOs)

• Bradley has been inactive since his controversial decision win over Manny Pacquiao and thus has been unable to parlay that into anything meaningful.  Has reportedly been pricing himself out of fights but will hopefully return early in 2013.

10. Adrien Broner (25-0, 21 KOs)

• Next to Mayweather, probably the second on this list with the most pure, raw talent.  Has blazing fast hands, power, a good defense and is explosive.  Will continue to improve and his recent destruction of the usually tough Antonio DeMarco gives us a glimpse of how good he can be.  Will likely step up in competition in 2013 as he continues his reign as lightweight titlist.

Honorable Mention: Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Abner Mares, Austin Trout