I can't seem to find the monthly ratings either. But I don't think it wise to use the logic that because Butler and Manfredo were ranked, therefore Sheika and Veit were. I'm not saying they weren't ranked in the monthly rankings mind you. But we cannot just assume it. Fair enough. Because a guy isn't necessarily accomplished at a certain weight, does not mean he isn't a good fighter or a better fighter than more accomplished guys in a weaker period. These guys all fought each other. And they were all ranked when they fought. That is the benefit of the S6 tourney. Highly ranked guys were forced to fight each other. Again, I'd say they are higher quality, or at worst on par with, pretty much all the defenses Calzaghe made from 97-06. As I've always said.... Lacy, Bika, Kessler, and Hopkins was a good run.
Calzaghe Ottke Chris John Many others As MaliBua said they never dared to be great (John did have a great win over JMM). (Marquez lost 2 pints for low blows...In Indonesia lol)