Alright, this is intended primarily as a joke. But with all of the back and forth about catchweights between 147 and 140, what's "fair" and what's not for whom, I figured we might as well get some new rankings set up in what clearly has become the most glamorous fictional division in the sport, 143.5. #1 - Floyd Mayweather Jr. Outside of one controversial evening at 135, never seriously threatened in the ring. By most accounts, the most talented active fighter in the game. Undefeated though largely untested at 147, it stands to reason that he would be favored against any other fighter at 143.5, with the possible exception of Manny Pacquiao. #2 - Manny Pacquiao Possibly the most explosive offensive fighter today, in many ways the yin to Mayweather's yang. 143.5 is probably his perfect weight, although some may argue that 140 should be his ceiling. The fact remains, however, that he is the only man to stop Oscar De La Hoya at 147, and that he has shown blazing offensive ability, not to mention surprising physical strength, in two rounds at 140. Based on his drastic recent improvement and current ranking as P4P #1, some will also argue that he also deserves the #1 ranking at 143.5. And they may be correct. #3 - Shane Mosley A natural lightweight who skipped 140 entirely and beat Oscar De La Hoya prime for prime. Possibly the best pure athlete at 143.5, but questions remain whether he can drop down from 147 safely at the age of 37. Based on physicality, an argument exists that he is the most dangerous H2H opponent in the division, should draining the weight not completely debilitate him. #4 - Miguel Cotto Holds a clear win over division #3, however there are massive doubts surrounding his punch resistance south of 147, which puts him at a disadvantage against much of his competition at 143.5. And with a very tough fight ahead of him at 147, he may soon drop out of this discussion completely. #5 - Juan Manuel Marquez The current P4P #2, scheduled to fight division #1 Mayweather. May even deserve the #4 slot, based on his classic unfinished trilogy with Pacquiao. However, we will not know how the 35 year old Marquez's body holds up to the demands of fighting above 140 until after his July showdown with Mayweather. Logic says this will be a steep hill to climb, especially should the fight take place at the welterweight limit. #6 - Ricky Hatton Until he officially retires, his run as 140 pound kingpin merits a ranking at 143.5, and his only two losses, while coming by way of brutal KO, were to the two best fighters in the world. There still might be time for Hatton to make noise here, as while 147 is clearly too heavy for him, 143.5 might rejuvenate a body that by now, has obviously seen better days. #7 - Timothy Bradley In all likelihood, the best fighter currently campaigning at 140. A smooth boxer with excellent mental capacity, Bradley is untested against P4P entrants, but would not embarass himself against anybody at 143.5. Most people would pick him to beat Hatton if they fought this year. #8 - Zab Judah Too many credentials at both 147 and 140 to leave the talented but fragile Judah off the list. 143.5 might be exactly where he has truly belonged for the better part of a decade. Would have a puncher's chance against anybody at 143.5. Owns competitive losses to #1 and #4. #9 - Andre Berto While Berto is built extremely soildly, his frame suggests that making 143.5 would not be impossible for him. Young and inexperienced compared to the rest of the fighters listed, Berto would be in the deep end against most of 143.5. But he has excellent speed, and showed heart in his war with Luis Collazo at 147. He deserves a top 10 ranking here. #10 - Kendall Holt Lacks the credentials of anyone else in the top 10, but his length and speed compared to the rest of the division would make him a dangerous out for anybody. Just missing the top 10, in order, are Juan Urango, Nate Campbell, Victor Ortiz, Ricardo Torres, and Paulie Malinaggi. Left off for questions about weight are Joshua Clottey and Paul Williams. Frankly, my mind can't even comprehend Williams getting down to 143.5. If someone wants to put him in their list, be my guest. And remember, I'm not saying 143.5 should really be created. This is just a goofy thought based on recent developments.
Very interesting list. Not much arguements here - other than the fact that you called Cotto's win over Mosley "CLEAR". I had the fight a Draw - so to me that isn't that clear. Other than that - I don't really have much to say - except - good job.
After AA/Miranda and Taylor/Pavlik II, it looked like we might be in for "Junior Super MW". Thankfully, that seems to have passed, though an AA/KP at JSMW is not out of the question. SJWW, however, now clearly seems to be the hottest non-existent division in boxing.
Excellent post. Obviously like you say though there is doubts how much we will see of the true Floyd Mayweather, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto etc should they ever actually make 143lbs.
There's always that catchweight of 170 aswell, with guys like Hopkins especially making good use of it. But considering it's inbetween super-middle and light-heavy, I have no idea what we will call it. 'Junior light-heavyweight' perhaps? Or 'super-super-middleweight'? :?
there should be just 7 divisions flyweight, bantamweight, lightweight, welter, middle, lt. heavy and heavy weight
Yep, was thinking about that, too... JLHW... Dawson may try to make use of it. Our poor sport. Criticized for too many titles in too many divisions and people are busy making up p4p titles with amorphous rules to be contested in non-existent divisions.
Good list. Id like to see Floyd fight against natural 143.5 pounders rather then natural 135 or natural 154 pounders.
True, but you know what? At the end of the day, casual and hardcore fans both appreciate getting the best fighters to fight eachother. I agree that it robs fights of their historical significance, but if a few pounds one way or the other make a fight happen, I can live with it.
:nono there are THOUSANDS of fighters. you'd have so little buzz about any fight because each weight division would be flooded. There would be fewer champions and less big shows for them as a result. MMA would steamroll the sport IMO.
No, agreed; in fact, there's always that little sense of satisfaction when big fights come off without an ABC belt. Keep the *******s away from the big night.
