The Boxing Bulletin Pound 4 Pound Top 25 List: 10-6

We're down to the top 10 on our year end top 25 P4P countdown.

For numbers 25-11, check out the following links: 25-21, 20-16 and 15-11.

#10 Lucian Bute

Record 2007-2009: 7-0 (4 KO)

Previous Result: KO4 over Librado Andrade

Up next: TBA

Take that Super-Six!  Having been passed for Showtime's 168 pound tournament, Lucian Bute sent a powerful message to the world's best super-middleweights, with a crushing 4th round knockout of the previously indestructible Librado Andrade. Bute might not be part of the tournament, but until the eventual winner faces the Montreal based southpaw, he'll have a hard time convincing anyone he's the division's true #1.

HBO is reported to be interested in bringing Bute back in April, but with most of the division's top talent wrapped up in the tournament, there aren't too many options in terms of strong opponents at 168.  Names like Bernard Hopkins and Kelly Pavlik have been mentioned, but perhaps the winner of next month's bout between Robert Stieglitz and Edison Miranda is more realistic.

Previous Result: KO12 over Jermain Taylor

Up next: Andre Dirrell on March 6

Abraham, perhaps the sport's biggest puncher, started the year with a couple wins at middleweight, but with making the 160 pound limit increasingly difficult and no showdown with Kelly Pavlik in sight, he jumped at the chance to enter Showtime's tournament and make the move to 168.  Better competition came with the jump in weight, and Abraham responded to the challenge in style, laying out Jermain Taylor with a 12th round highlight reel KO in the opening bout of the tournament.

His schedule is set for 2010, with Andre Dirrell and Carl Froch on tap.  Wins over both will guarantee Abraham keeps his top 10 spot.


#8 Paul Williams

Record 2007-2009: 7-1 (3 KO)

Previous Result: MD over Sergio Martinez

Up next: Hopefully Kelly Pavlik

A hand injury to Kelly Pavlik kept Williams from a chance at the bout he desperately wanted, but he still managed to go 2-0 in 2009, pummelling Winky Wright over 12 one sided rounds in April, before edging Sergio Martinez earlier this month in a FOTY candidate.  Against Martinez, The Punisher absorbed countless flush shots as he battled through a bad cut, while continually wading forward with his own relentless attack.  The toughness and non-stop aggression he showed in the bout are what make him one of the most watchable fighters in the sport, but his defensive flaws that were also on display keep him from being higher on the list.

Now bring on Kelly Pavlik!



#7 Timothy Bradley

Record 2007-2009: 8-0 (1 KO)

Previous Result: UD over Lamont Peterson

Up next: TBA

Despite a frustrating no-contest with Nate Campbell (a bout Bradley was originally credited with a TKO victory in), 2009 was still a breakthrough year for the California fighter, although it nearly was derailed just out of the starting blocks by Kendall Holt. Bradley was caught with a flush left hook in the opening round - a blow that may have finished off a lesser fighter, but showed his composure in taking a knee before getting up and outfighting Holt the rest of the way.  Bradley's final appearance of the year was his best, as he turned away a determined Lamont Peterson, showing his well rounded skills in the unanimous decision victory.

His promoter Gary Shaw has mentioned the possibility of a fight with Amir Khan, and reportedly Frank Warren is interested in matching Khan up.  If that doesn't pan out, Bradley should still have no trouble finding a solid opponent as the talent is rich at junior-welter.


#6 Juan Manuel Marquez

Record 2007-2009: 4-2 (2 KO)

Previous Result: Lost UD to Floyd Mayweather

Up next: Possibly Ricky Hatton in Manchester.

Despite a decision loss to Floyd Mayweather, 2009 was a solid year for Marquez, as he cemented his status as the world's best 135 pound fighter with a sensational stoppage of Juan Diaz in arguably the year's best fight.  The Mayweather loss - as one sided as it was - wasn't all bad, as it represented a career high pay day, a just reward for the masterful Mexican counter-puncher's years of excellence.

Another big payday, and a much more winnable fight, looms for 2010 as Marquez has been mentioned as a potential opponent for Ricky Hatton's return.