#1 – Carlos ‘TaTa’ Baldomir (43-9 13 KOs) – WBC / Linear champion.
Baldomir isn’t the most skilled craftsman of the boxing trade, but amongst his weight class he is without the doubt the recognized champion. In addition, he’s also campaigning for 2006 fighter of the year; pending his outcome against ‘Pretty Boy’ Floyd Mayweather Jr. Baldomir is a hardnosed, tough welterweight who can be a nightmare because of his solid chin.
#2 – ‘Pretty Boy’ Floyd Mayweather Jr. (36-0 24KOs) – #1 Pound 4 Pound fighter.
In April of this year, he defeated Zab ‘Super’ Judah for the IBF title. Soon after, Mayweather vacated the title in hopes of setting up a mega million match with Oscar De La Hoya. With De La Hoya’s decision in the backfield, Mayweather decided to move forth with his career. On November 4th, he’ll be challenging Carlos Baldomir for the WBC welterweight title. Many fans may dispute the fact that he has only faced Sharmba Mitchell and Zab Judah at 147, but being the best Pound 4 Pound fighter in the world has its benefits.
#3 – Miguel Cotto (27-0 22KOs) – WBO 140lb junior welterweight champion.
On paper Cotto may still be a Junior welterweight champion. But with negotiations underway for a fight in December, possibly at 147lbs, its safe to say that Cotto has done all the right things up to this point and he may make that 7lb jump. Regardless if he makes the jump or not, Cotto really deserves to be ranked amongst this list, despite being a Junior welterweight. Thus, with claims that 140lbs is becoming difficult to make, we could very well see Cotto debut at 147lbs later this year.
This has no relevance to boxing, but its neat that Cotto is taking the time to learn how to speak English. In interviews he’s capable of understanding English spoken to him, but still answers in his native Puerto Rican language. Congratulations to Miguel and much success in his pursuit!
#4 – Paul ‘The Punisher’ Williams (31-0 23KOs) -WBC NABO & USBC Welterweight champion.
At six feet one and with a reach of eighty-two inches, Paul Williams is the largest Welterweight of this weight class. For those thinking that Antonio Margarito was, guess again. He recently defeated Sharmba Mitchell on HBO’s version of Boxing After Dark by 4th round KO. Hopefully he’ll get his opportunity to shine and his physical attributes won’t hold him back. At six feet one, eight-two inch reach and a crafty southpaw, he might be eluded. Good luck and may we wish him success in pursuit of world championships.
#5 Vivian Harris (27-2 18KOs) – Former WBA Junior welterweight champion.
After losing his WBA title to Carlos Maussa of Columbia on June 25, 2005, Harris has been sharp with his two latest victories. One of them included a victory over former Lightweight champion Stevie Johnston. Harris looks forward to calling out some of the division’s top stars, in attempt to further his career from that embarrassing night in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Although his last fight was at 140lbs, it would be safe to mention him under the top ten. Considering that he could easily be catapulted into a lucrative fight at 147lbs.
#6 Ricky ‘Hitman’ Hatton (41-0 30KOs) – Recently vacated 147lb WBA Welterweight title
In May of 2006, Hatton outpoined Luis Collazo in a close and controversial twelve round matchup. Rumor has it that Hatton will fight in January 2007 for his old IBF 140lb junior welterweight title against Juan Urango. Nevertheless, if Ricky wanted to, he could stay at welterweight and gain more lucrative matchups. That can be dangerous, considering he was almost floored by Collazo who many don’t consider much of a big puncher. Would Hatton be as successful against a Shane Mosley other elite welterweight at 147lbs?
#7 Antonio Margarito (33-4 24KOs) – Labeled by Top Rank promotions as the guy Mayweather eludes.
Despite what so called writers throw together about Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather being afraid to fight Antonio Margarito, it’s a bunch of nonsense. The general say is, “What have you done for me lately?” With all do respect to Mr. Margarito, nobody really knows who this guy is. He’s virtually unknown amongst the boxing public, one of the reasons he has a lower ranking beneath the Pound 4 Pound showstopper Floyd Mayweather Jr.
No disrespect to Margarito because he is indeed a solid welterweight fighter, but just not the electric, thunder strike that the media makes him to be. Nevertheless, he does deserve a spot amongst the top ten categories of welterweights. On December 2nd, its speculated that he’ll face Joshua Clottey on Showtime television. Good luck to both men, but if Margarito doesn’t live up to the hype he won’t be on the top 10 welterweight list for long.
#8 Kermit Cintron (26-1 24KOs) – Soon to be fighting for the vacant IBF welterweight title.
What the heck, why not? Cintron is a pretty solid fighter at 147lbs. He’ll be fighting for the vacated IBF 147lb title that Floyd let go off after his fight with Judah to pursue an opportunity with Oscar De La Hoya. Kermit Cintron’s only loss is to Margarito via 5th round TKO, and he’s virtually unknown in some aspects. However, fighting for the IBF title (a highly ranked organization belt) has to mean something, especially in a loaded division like Welterweight.
#9 Luis Collazo (26-2 12KOs) – Lost a controversial decision to Ricky Hatton.
He lost a close decision that many thought he should won, losing his WBA title. As a slick southpaw, Collazo can offer a threat to any major welterweight in the division.
#10 Zab ‘Super’ Judah (34-4 25KOs) – Recently loss to both Baldomir and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
He still should be ranked amongst the top ten welterweights, a huge fall from when he was once #1, one of the top pound 4 pound fighters of the sport. Judah is looking to soon rebound from his loss to Floyd Mayweather. One thing is for certain – whenever Zab Judah is focused and on top of his game he can be a very difficult fighter to beat. Another loss can further tarnish his career, so expect Judah to keep is mind in check from here on out.
