BoxRec

Of those left at Welter these 8 are who I consider to be the best in the division right now. Forget Rios, Chaves, Alexander, Berto, Vargas, Guerrero.

I reckon any one of these beating two of the others listed next year would put them in prime position to be considered the best at the weight (and hence most credible/sellable opponent to tempt Floyd out of retirement).

Who do you think comes out on top? Brook probably just edges it for me.

Manny Pacquiao - likely to be past his best, although possible he still has enough left to beat two of these guys. Has already beaten Bradley.
Kell Brook - still making a name for himself, has just cracked Ring P4P Top 10, 2016 should be a big year for him. Has already beaten Porter.
Keith Thurman - another on the up and like Brook is fearless, I think his chin is vulnerable and he needs a decent name on his record.
Amir Khan - thinks he's better than he is and thinks he brings more than he does. Would not pick him to beat any of these except maybe Porter/Bradley.
Shawn Porter - regained some momentum with a recent win over Broner. Needs to fight one of these listed next year to prove he's elite.
Timothy Bradley Jr - another likely to be past his best but is a big enough name with a win over Pacman. Very likely he'll fight one of these next year if he stays at the weight.
Danny Garcia - lost momentum he had at Light Welter in 2013 and yet to establish himself as a top Welter. Undefeated and has already beaten Khan.
Errol Spence Jr - looks a real talent but next year might be too soon to be in with the top guys. Expect to see him in with Rios/Chaves/Berto/Collazo/Guerrero type opponents.

Notable mention to Crawford but more likely he'll stay at 140 for at least next year.

Good question! I'm eliminating Garcia and Porter as I think they have limitations and would lose to most of the other names on the list. You're only as good as your last fight and Khan looked really poor so I'll count him out too.

Pacquiao at his best would be my pick but he's definitely slowed down and someone like Khan, Thurman or Brook might beat him now. Bradley is a brilliant boxer but again might be on the slide and at times uses daft tactics when he could win easily by boxing. I'll go for Bradley but wouldn't surprise me of someone with more of a dig like Thurman or Brook took it.

I voted Brook because I am a long time fan and obviously bias. He does have the skill to do it though as does Thurman. All they need is the right fights to show what they can do. Spence looks very good as well but no point rushing him along.

Amir Khan just gets on my nipple ends something chronic nowadays! I saw a bit on SSN where he was shipping aid to refugees, which is obviously a good thing but he had his picture on the vans! Good deed but I couldn't help but think 'what a helmet'!

Can't believe the amount of Brook votes. He undoubtedly has the ability, but he won't be in against any of the top boys to stake any sort of a claim to number one. When he beats Chaves, look for Sam Eggington in a domestic grudge match (if Sam beats Frankie Gavin) which will be PPV and a 'stacked' undercard.

Happy Slapper wrote:Can't believe the amount of Brook votes. He undoubtedly has the ability, but he won't be in against any of the top boys to stake any sort of a claim to number one. When he beats Chaves, look for Sam Eggington in a domestic grudge match (if Sam beats Frankie Gavin) which will be PPV and a 'stacked' undercard.

Mr Half Glass Full lol. Thing is you wouldn't put that kind of thing past Hearn! You're right though after Chavez they need to push onward and upward! There are big fights to be made and the fans deserve to see them. I think most people are voting for Brook on ability and not necessarily his record. As you say, he has the ability he just needs the names. The ball is in Hearns court but Brook has to push for these guys and show more ambition.

I think Floyd Mayweather will be the number one Welter at the end of 2016 - although his last fight could be sometime in that year. I would love to take him at his word right now, as retirement does indeed sound like a grand plan.

magwitch wrote:I think Floyd Mayweather will be the number one Welter at the end of 2016 - although his last fight could be sometime in that year. I would love to take him at his word right now, as retirement does indeed sound like a grand plan.

I don't buy the retirement nonsense either. He's just trying to maximise his earning potential for what will be his 50th and IMO last fight. I think it'll be at 154 though against the Cotto/Canelo winner.

For me its probably between Brook and Thurman. Matchmaking will be important hear but if Brook can get a fight (and wins) vs some decent names like Bradley and Khan he has a good chance of being the best.

Stuarty30 wrote:

magwitch wrote:I think Floyd Mayweather will be the number one Welter at the end of 2016 - although his last fight could be sometime in that year. I would love to take him at his word right now, as retirement does indeed sound like a grand plan.

I don't buy the retirement nonsense either. He's just trying to maximise his earning potential for what will be his 50th and IMO last fight. I think it'll be at 154 though against the Cotto/Canelo winner.

Scale-wise (or maybe I should say "sale" wise) that fight certainly can be described as a bit of a blockbuster......Although I'm sure he already beat Canelo didn't he?

I said this year he's got 4 more years IF he wanted. That's how good he is - and how far ahead of the pack he is. However - what's got me thinking he may just be serious is the recent remarks about getting out healthy. He might want to just sit back and take stock, and that is completely his right - however, if he is coming out with remarks about "leaving the sport with his health intact" - whilst knowing full fine well that he has no intention of retiring - then he's insulting every active boxer in the game, and also every past-fighter that's ever lost part of his health to the sport. There's no indication that this is the case mind you.

Stuarty30 wrote:

Happy Slapper wrote:Can't believe the amount of Brook votes. He undoubtedly has the ability, but he won't be in against any of the top boys to stake any sort of a claim to number one. When he beats Chaves, look for Sam Eggington in a domestic grudge match (if Sam beats Frankie Gavin) which will be PPV and a 'stacked' undercard.

Mr Half Glass Full lol. Thing is you wouldn't put that kind of thing past Hearn! You're right though after Chavez they need to push onward and upward! There are big fights to be made and the fans deserve to see them. I think most people are voting for Brook on ability and not necessarily his record. As you say, he has the ability he just needs the names. The ball is in Hearns court but Brook has to push for these guys and show more ambition.

I don't blame Brook but am so disillusioned by Chavez as an opponent. Hearn needs to put him with someone top drawer soon or his peak years might pass him by, which would be a massive shame as I genuinely rate him highly.

PBF

Voted Brook for ability wise but as has already been mentioned he hasn't had brilliant names on his record.

Record wise I think the best will be Bradley, could see him beating Garcia and Porter, dont think he beats Brook though.

If Eddie Hearn gets him the fights then it's Brook for me.

Eddie has to really step up now. And I'm sure he will.

Personally I think Floyd will still be fighting then and still number 1.

If not then I would go Thurman. They need a PPV star there and I think they will mould Thurman to be that star. Easier to make PPV fights at welter due to the big names.

It is a really good question. If Mayweather doesn't fight again then I think it will be a close run thing. Brook and Thurman will have belts, possible Pac Man may pick up another. I don't think there will be one guy that most will be decided on. It is a great division, so we should see a lot of competitive fights.