Pound-for-pound lists have become a boxing staple. But sometimes the fighters regarded as the best in the sport aren’t always the ones generating the most excitement. Staff writer John Whisler provides his list of the sport’s Top 5 exciting fighters and why they made the cut.
Note: The top two should ring a bell with local fans. Both will be fighting on Saturday’s “Blaze of Glory” card at the Alamodome.
Also, all five are under 160 pounds. Three are from Mexico.
1. Manny Pacquiao
Age: 28
Hometown: General Santos City, Philippines
Division: Super featherweight
Record: 43-3-2, 34 KOs
Career highlight: Knocked out Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in first trip to Alamodome on Nov. 15, 2003.
Reason for ranking: No fighter in the sport today can match Pacquiao’s combination of fearlessness, aggression and energy in the ring. Oh, and the guy is a tremendous puncher for his size, too. Even his defense has improved. The complete package.
2. Jorge Arce
Age: 27
Hometown: Los Mochis, Mexico
Division: Super flyweight
Record: 46-3-1, 35 KOs
Career highlight: March 19, 2005, knockout of Australia’s Hussein Hussein in 10th round that left both fighters swollen and bleeding.
Reason for ranking: Don’t be fooled by his ready smile and circus-like ring entrances. This guy can fight. The term “warrior” often is overused, but with Arce it’s legitimate. Fans get their money’s worth when he fights. He’s never boring.
3. Oscar De La Hoya
Age: 34
Hometown: Los Angeles
Division: Super welterweight
Record: 38-4, 30 KOs
Career highlight: Punctuated their 2002 war of words with a left hook to the chin that sent Fernando Vargas reeling on his rear.
Reason for ranking: Can argue that he’s never won the big one, that his game and focus have slipped, but who produces more drama and excitement every time he fights — just because of who he is — than De La Hoya? Still the undisputed box-office king, hands down.
4. Rafael Marquez
Age: 32
Hometown: Mexico City
Division: Super bantamweight
Record: 37-3, 33 KOs
Career highlight: Stopped Israel Vazquez on March 3 in fight that was on way to becoming a brawl until Vazquez retired on his stool.
Reason for ranking: Finally stepping out of older brother Juan Manuel’s shadow. Gaining in popularity as fans are beginning to recognize his rare combination of power and punching accuracy. It’s no wonder the guy hasn’t lost in seven years.
5. Marco Antonio Barrera
Age: 33
Hometown: Guadalajara, Mexico
Division: Super featherweight
Record: 63-5, 42 KOs
Career highlight: Trilogy of fights against Erik Morales, in which he won two.
Reason for ranking: Despite recent loss to Juan Manuel Marquez and so-called experts calling for his retirement, the “Baby Faced Assassin” still must be considered one of the sport’s most exciting fighters. Even when he loses, he never disappoints. Showing ring wear, but still a tough, resilient warrior.
