Defense may win titles, but offense captures headlines and inspires fan support. Here’s a look at the 10 best offensive fighters in the sport.
Vitali Klitschko (43-2, 40 KOs)
Yes, the heavyweight division is in critical condition and hardly a battleground of proven warriors, but to carry a near 90% knockout rate at the elite level of any weight class is absolutely stellar. “Dr. Ironfist” calmly walks his opponents down, picks them apart, and finishes them with a patient accumulation of heavy-handed blows. So far, that formula has led to complete domination for more than eight years.
Brandon Rios (28-0-1, 21 KOs)
What “Bam Bam” lacks in technique and style, he more than makes up for in raw ambition and angry, single-minded aggression. Most recently, the lightweight terror has put away three legitimate top 10 fighters in his last four bouts: Urbano Antillon, Miguel Acosta, and Anthony Peterson.
Nonito Donaire (26-1, 18 KOs)
The one criticism leveled against the “Filipino Flash” is that we just don’t get to see the two-division world titlist against anyone who can provide a true challenge. Fans just may have to accept the fact that, as recently evidenced by his second round blow-out of veteran world champ, Fernando Montiel, Donaire may be just too dominant for anyone he meets.
Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KOs)
While boxing’s cash cow hasn’t scored a stoppage victory since beating Miguel Cotto in November of 2009, few can argue with the excellence behind Pacquiao’s offensive surges and aggressive mindset. The Filipino legend is all-action, all the time and, for that reason, has become one of the sport’s most popular fighters ever.
Juan Manuel Marquez (53-5-1, 39 KOs)
The Mexican legend is, quite possibly, the most technically perfect offensive fighter in the sport. Even at 38, Marquez’s picture-perfect technique has proven too much for the likes of other offensive powerhouses like Michael Katsidis and Juan Diaz. With one draw and one disputed split decision loss to Manny Pacquiao, Marquez is set to face his arch-nemesis once again on November 12.
