Most carefully managed fighters of the last 5 years.

Just wanted some thoughts on who you think the most carefully managed (protected) fighters of the last five years have been. Here's my top five.

1. Floyd "Money" Mayweather: Give the man credit, he managed to earn a fortune by beating big names for big money, while at the same time, conning idiots into thinking he's the second coming of SRR. The belts he won at 140 and 147 were against the weakest title holders in the division. Never before have I seen a guy get away with systematically avoiding the biggest threats, yet still be considered P4P#1 in the eyes of so many. Jones came close, but Floyd took the cake. At least Jones fought other HOF talents in their primes and won (Toney, Hopkins) and stepped up after the Ruiz fight and fought the top guy at 175 (Tarver).
2. Amir Khan: Is he ever gonna step up and fight some guys outside the UK? Or is he taking a page out of Calzaghe's book and spend his career fighting bums over in Europe....seems to be a pattern with Frank Warren's better fighters. I wouldn't mind it so much if Khan didn't talk so much thrash about how great he already is. I know you don't want to rush a prospect to a title shot but damn!!!
3. Jermain Taylor: Gained some respect for him in the Pavlik rematch for coming back strong against a guy that knocked him out but his title reign was nothing short of disgusting. He fought 3 junior middleweights in a row and looked awful against each one. When he was finally forced to fight the number one contender (Pavlik had won, not one but two eliminators) he got KTFO. Now I don't entirely blame Taylor. I think Lou DiBella was doing anything he could to protect his bread and butter from taking his first loss. Now, instead of Froch he's gonna fight Lacy?...I rest my case.
4. Joe Mesi: Is he even fighting anymore or is he just Quasi-retired? Talk about "Great White Hope". At least guys like Gerry Cooney and Tommy Morrison stepped up and fought some top guys. I know the brain injury from the Jirov fight probably derailed his title aspirations but he's up there with one of the worst HBO heavyweight hype jobs I've ever seen....though not quite as bad as M. Grant and Calvin Brock.
5. Felix Sturm: Give Abraham credit for coming to the US to fight Miranda and wanting to establish himself internationally. Sturm is like a younger Joe Calzaghe, no interest in unifying and no interest in fighting outside of Europe. He just wants to stay over in Germany and play champion by defending his meanigless belt against tomato cans. At least Calzaghe finally grew a pair later in his career and unified the SMW titles...who about this guy though.

Honorable mention: Kessler, Jones jr., Duddy and Sergio Mora.

 

I only put Jones because he's been avoiding the top Lt. Heavyweights like the plague since the 3rd Tarver fight...not that I blame him though. Man needed to get some confidence back, but none the less. I would've rather seen him fight a rematch with G. Johnson than Trinidad.

 

Yeah he's a prospect but he has almost 20 fights now and if he's gonna talk it, let him walk it. Why not have him fight some older guys like Stevie Johnston. Hell, I heard the other day that E. Morales wants to fight again, that would be a good start.

 

He didn't stay long at 140 and it was a situational thing cause the top guy Tzyu was beaten by Hatton, but the fact remains that old ring worn Gatti was far from a threat to Floyd and his welterweight reign was nothing short of disgraceful. I guess Margarito, Williams, Cotto and the rest of the top 147 pounders were all ducking Floyd too?

 

Strong possiblity...but you asked me why I thought Roy deserved mentioned of late.

 

Damn your right man. Floyd has always sought out the best fights since he's been at 147 hasn't he? I guess it was just a lie that he turned down 8 million to fight Margarito too.