Now that 2016 is underway, it’s time to refresh our pound-for-pound list. With Floyd Mayweather off buying supercars in retirement, there are new faces in the top five to consider. Casual fans may not know the top name on this list, but that could change this year.
Let’s take a look at the five best fighters in the world, regardless of weight class. And if there are odds available on their next fights, we’ve got them listed here for you.
1. Roman Gonzalez - 43-0, 37 KOs
Weight Class: Flyweight
Next Fight: TBA
“Chocolatito” takes the No. 1 sport, vacated by Floyd Mayweather. 2015 was the year Gonzalez introduced himself to American fight fans, and hopefully he’ll have more opportunities to showcase his elite skills in 2016. He’s coming off a dominant showing against Brian Viloria this past October, when he posted a ninth round TKO.
2. Gennady Golovkin - 34-0, 31 KOs
Weight Class: Middleweight
Next Fight: TBA
Arguably the most feared fighter in the sport today, Golovkin is still waiting on a star opponent to step up and face him. We’d love to see him face Canelo Alvarez, but there are still a number of obstacles that could force delays before the matchup come to fruition.
3. Sergey Kovalev - 28-0-1, 25 KOs
Weight Class: Light heavyweight
Next Fight: Sergey Kovalev -2000 vs. Jean Pascal +900, January 30
Russia’s “Krusher” torched the unheralded Nadjib Mohammedi this past July, but his next bout shouldn’t be as easy. Kovalev will met former champion Jean Pascal later this month, and is a huge favorite going into the bout. If he can put away Pascal, he’s got a ton of intriguing matchups waiting for him.
4. Manny Pacquiao - 57-6-2, 38 KOs
Weight Class: Welterweight
Next Fight: Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley, April 9
Yes, Pacquiao is past his prime and lost convincingly to Floyd Mayweather. But you cannot deny that he is still one of the best fighters in the world. He’ll take one more match before retiring against a familiar foe: Timothy Bradley. The two have squared off twice already, with each man possessing a win.
5. Andre Ward - 28-0, 15 KOs
Weight Class: Super middleweight
Next Fight: TBA
Ward is coming off a ninth round TKO victory over Paul Smith this past June, but has yet to find an opponent for 2016. 2015 was supposed to be the year that Ward broke out, but injuries and contract disputes derailed much of his momentum. Perhaps it’ll happen in 2016 - a bout with Sergey Kovalev would be particularly appealing.
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