Written by Scott Swerbinsky

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Our resident fight doctor checks in with us again this weekend, this time to lay out his top ten pound for pound fighters right now in the sport of boxing. Pretty Boy Floyd and Miguel Cotto are a no brainer one and two, but how did the rest of his list play out? And where do Jermain Taylor and local product Kelly Pavlik (set to fight in 5 weeks) rank?

1) "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather Jr. 38-0, 24 KO's

No debate here. This guy is clearly the best fighter I have ever seen. He has it all. Speed, power, defense, and charisma. I don't see him losing. Ever.

Next fight: December 8th vs Ricky Hatton

2) Miguel Cotto 30-0, 25 KO's

He might be the only guy who could give Mayweather a run for his money due to his power. He is coming off of a great display in his win over Zab Judah. Great counter puncher with tremendous power. Very exciting to watch.

Next fight: November 10th vs Shane Mosley

3) Joe Calzaghe 43-0, 32 KO's

Silky smooth southpaw coming off a devastating KO of Contender alum Peter Manfredo. I wasn't sold until he made Jeff Lacy look like a bum off the streets. Has power in both hands and his chin really hasn't been tested. Seems to be getting better as he gets older.

Next fight: November 3rd vs Mikkel Kessler

4) Manny Pacquiao 44-3-2, 35 KO's

Could be the most consistantly entertaining fighter. Every fight is action packed due to his all out style. Has been dominant in last few fights, one of which was a brutal 3rd round KO of Erik Morales. Just might move up the ladder if he can beat Marco Antonio Barrera a second time.

Next fight: October 6th vs Barrera

5) Paul Williams 33-0, 24 KO's

Just won a statement fight vs Antonio Margarito in July. This guys throws 500 or so punches a round it seems. His punch output and accuracy has him shooting up the ranks. He is another guy who simply gets better and better every time out. He appeared to slow down in the later rounds but then dominated the 12th round to seal the victory over Margarito.

Next fight: To be announced

6) Jermain Taylor 27-0, 17 KO's

Hasn't looked too impressive in his last few fights. Those fights were all against counter punching defensive fighters however, and he still won them. His heart will be put to the test when he steps in with Youngstown's Kelly Pavlik. I think his defense will prove to be the difference in that fight, but we shall see.

Next fight: September 29th vs Pavlik

7) Ricky Hatton 43-0, 31 KO's

Just ended Jose Luis Castillo's career is fine fashion back in June. He isn't going to have the same advantage of fighting a wore down guy when he steps in with pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather. I'm still not completley sold on this guy but he keeps knocking people out. Seems to be a dirty fighter a la bernard Hopkins.

Next fight: December 8th vs Mayweather

8) Wladimir Klitschko 49-3, 44 KO's

It's hard to tell how good he really is as he is beating up on a bunch of guys that should be fighting tough man competitions. Since he has added Manny Steward to his corner, he is a totally different fighter. His jab is like a jackhammer that can't be stopped. Excellent power.

Next fight: To be announced

9) Juan Manuel Marquez 47-3-1, 35 KO's

Just defeated Marco Antonio Barrera in pretty dominating fashion in March. The fight he had with Manny Pacquiao in 2004 was a classic. He was battered and knocked down 3 times in the 1st round and rallied for a draw. Has the biggest heart in the fight game.

Next fight: September 15 vs Rocky Juarez

10) Ivan Calderon 28-0, 6 KO's

The best fighter nobody knows because he fights at strawweight. I love watching this little dude beat people up and make them look silly.

Next fight: August 25th vs Hugo Fidel Cazares

Best of the rest:

Kelly Pavlik

Coming off of his most dominating victory of his career to best set up the biggest fight of his life. A win here and he'll shoot up the rankings. His defense appears to be his only weakness. His determination is second to none.

Shane Mosley:

Has looked impressive recently but has fought suspect competiton. Gets the tough task of stepping in with Cotto. I don't like his chances in this one.

Antonio Margarito:

Was impressed with his performance versus Paul Williams if you take out rounds one through four. Simply started way too slow and it cost him the fight. Should be back in title contention soon.

Marco Antonio Barrera:

Is this another guy that has been in way too many wars to keep on going? Looked so-so in a loss to Marquez and has a date with destiny as he gets a rematch with the Pac-Man.

Kermit Cintron:

Another young guy I love to watch. Had the KO of the year when he destroyed Matthysse. Only loss was to Margarito but that was two years ago. He's looking for that rematch.