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The Boxing Bulletin Pound 4 Pound List: 20-16

Photo © Ray Kasprowicz - Filipino super-flyweight Nonito Donaire comes in at #19 on The Boxing Bulletin's Top 25 P4P list.

Photo © Ray Kasprowicz - Filipino super-flyweight Nonito Donaire comes in at #19 on The Boxing Bulletin's Top 25 P4P list.

We started the list off yesterday with numbers 25 to 21, and today we're moving to the next 5.

Unlike many P4P lists that take a conservative approach, basing their rankings mainly on accomplishments, we've decided to be more aggressive with our list, going with a fighter's current level of ability as our top criteria, while also taking into consideration a fighter's accomplishments over the last 3 years.

Let's get to numbers 20-16...

Star-divide

#20 Chris John

Record 2007-2009: 6-0 (2 KO)

Previous Result: UD over Rocky Juarez

Up next: TBA

The Indonesian featherweight made his American debut in 2008 with two bouts against perennial contender Rocky Juarez. Having appeared to win the first bout, the quick handed John was forced to settle for a draw when all 3 judges returned 114-114 scorecards, but set the record straight a few months later with a decisive victory.

John is clearly a skilful fighter, but his pound for pound credentials are arguably not as strong as a few fighters that failed to make the list. That could change soon though, as with an influx of talent into the 126 pound class, opportunities should be there to strengthen his resume and cement his status.

 

#19 Nonito Donaire

Record 2007-2009: 6-0 (5 KO)

Previous Result: UD over Rafael Concepcion

Up next: Gerson Guerrero on February 13

The Filipino Flash crushed Raul Martinez in April, before moving up a class from 112 pounds to 115 later in the year.   Donaire was far from dominant in winning a unanimous decision in his first and only bout so far at the new weight, but considering his opponent Rafael Concepion came in almost 5 pounds over the limit, his struggles were certainly understandable.

It’s been almost 2 ½ years since Donaire exploded on the scene by blasting out Vic Darchinyan with a short counter left. The result still holds weight, but if he’s to improve upon his P4P credentials, he’s going to need to make another big splash soon.

 

#18 Jean Pascal

Record 2007-2009: 10-1 (4 KO)

Previous Result: UD over Adrian Diaconu

Up next: Possibly Chad Dawson in June

Pascal came up short in his first step up to elite competition in December of last year against Carl Froch, but rebounded in style with a fine 2009 that included 4 victories. Among the wins were two clear cut decisions over tough local rival Adrian Diaconu, the second of which was that much more impressive considering Pascal battled it out with an injured shoulder for much of the fight.

Despite the big year, the speedy Canadian’s resume is still thin by pound for pound standards, and his placing is mainly due to our belief in his level of ability - we certainly wouldn’t argue with anyone that needs to see more before giving him a lofty ranking.  Should he meet Chad Dawson in June as has been rumoured, Pascal will get the opportunity to prove he really belongs.

 

#17 Andre Ward

Record 2007-2009: 11-0 (8 KO)

Previous Result: UD over Mikkel Kessler

Up next: Jermain Taylor on April 17

As with the case of Pascal, Andre Ward’s resume against quality opposition still needs some building. He’s made the list based on his decisive victory over Mikkel Kessler, and the belief that his level of ability is truly pound for pound quality.

To go with his speed, the 2004 Olympic champ showed some craft and a mean streak against Kessler, and considering he’s guaranteed two meaningful bouts in 2010, Ward could well find himself higher in the rankings by this time next year.

 

#16 David Haye

Record 2007-2009: 5-0 (4 KO)

Previous Result: UD over Nikolay Valuev

Up next: TBA

The former cruiserweight king may have picked up a heavyweight strap in 2009, but his actions during the year didn’t win him many fans. For all the brash talk, Haye stepped into the ring only once in what was an underwhelming decision win over big Nikolay Valuev.

Haye’s placement is due mainly to his good work at the 200 pound limit, but given it’s been almost two years since the last time he fought below heavy, his performances in the coming year will need to be spectacular (and that likely means beating a Klitschko) if he’s to keep his high ranking.

Yesterday, we counted down numbers 25-21. Check back in with us tomorrow for numbers 15-11 of our P4P countdown.

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