We definitely had to wait until the month of July was completely finished to roll out updated power rankings since the Cotto-Margarito took place on the final weekend. Now we've got some movement both up and down the top 10 thanks to some big performances on the part of some boxers and inactivity on the part of others.
If you're not familiar with how our rankings work, the first thing you're going to do is look at them and say, "How the hell can Cotto be above Margarito?" Well folks, this isn't a pound-for-pound list, but a pseudo-mathematical reflection of how fighters have fared over a rolling three-year period. While Cotto is falling thanks to his KO loss, he's still faced and beaten more quality fighters in that time than Margarito - though that's not necessarily Tony's fault, since numerous potential foes wanted no part of him. The Tijuana Tornado does make his well-deserved return to this list though, and if he adds another win later this year he should continue to climb.
For now, here's how we stand at the end of July, 2008:
1. David Haye - 24.15 - I've heard from fans who want to see The Hayemaker in against Wladimir Klitschko now, but it would behoove him to get his feet wet against other heavyweights first. Still waiting to see who he'll face in November.
2. Kelly Pavlik - 23.03 - The Ghost is kind of in a no-win situation against Bernard Hopkins this fall, as The Executioner can make even someone with Pavlik's talent look bad. Hope for an exciting fight but don't be shocked if it's less than thrilling.
3. Wladimir Klitschko - 23.00 - He proved at least a little bit with his knockout of Tony Thompson. Wlad still seems awfully vulnerable for someone who aspires to be universally recognized as the heavyweight champion of the world.
4. Manny Pacquiao - 20.61 - Like Haye, Pacman has a November date in mind for his next fight but no dance partner as of yet. It remains to be seen if a bout with Oscar De La Hoya is reality or fantasy.
5. Arthur Abraham - 19.29 - Probably the guy Pavlik should be fighting, though it doesn't seem too economically appealing since King Arthur isn't well known to the general public. While he awaits his big chance, he'll stay busy taking on Raul Marquez in October.
6. Miguel Cotto - 18.07 - On top of this list just a few months ago, the proud Puerto Rican has to regroup after his punishing loss to Antonio Margarito. His next outing will tell us a lot about the size of his heart.
7. Antonio Margarito - 16.00 - The Tijuana Tornado is on top of the world and in better position than ever to have foes come to him instead of vice versa. We know for sure that he won't back down from anyone.
8. Israel Vazquez - 15.13 - Fans would love to see him back in the ring, but there still hasn't been word of an upcoming fight.
9. Chris John - 15.05 - My streak of never seeing John fight adds another month.
10. Nate Campbell - 13.67 - Has a chance to impress any lingering doubters by beating Joan Guzman in September, but the lightweight picture is as muddled as any division right now.
The next 7: Juan Diaz, Joe Calzaghe, Ricky Hatton, Cristian Mijares, Samuel Peter, Paul Williams, Nonito Donaire
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1 comment:
Haye should soon be off the top of this list. He hasn't fought since March, and by the time he fights again it will have been over six months between fights.
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