The boxing headlines have been dominated with articles about the fight between Margarito and Pacquiao, but there are other topics in the sport that are also worth discussing such as the upcoming fight between Khan and Maidana along with the exciting card of the 'In Harm's Way' event, which features Chavez Jr. and Gomez as the main event.

The card will also include a fight between Urbano Antillon and Humberto Soto, which will likely be the most competitive bout of the night.  Also on the card is Nonito Donaire Jr., who is going up against Volodymyr Sydorenko, a fighter scheduled to be trained by Freddie Roach.

There is also the long awaited rematch between Sergio Martinez and Paul Williams on the horizon, a fight that might produce an alternative opponent for either Pacquiao and Mayweather if a fight between the two falls through once again.

No doubt, there are a lot to talk about in regards to boxing, so I am starting a weekly mailbag where I will answer some of the questions from the readers and below is the first one.  

 

Do you think Nonito Donaire deserves to be on to be on the top ten pound for pound fighters in boxing?

SM

I have no problem if someone puts him in the top ten, but I wouldn't have a problem either if someone excludes him.  It depends on what you are basing your rankings on.

In terms of overall skills and talent, he is certainly worthy to be on the list. Also he hasn't lost since his second fight as a professional, which was against Rosendo Sanchez.  Sure many of his victories came against mediocre opponents, but don't forget that many top fighters in his division seemed to have ducked him and turned a deaf ear when he called them out.

However, when strictly basing your rankings on recent accomplishments, he probably don't belong to be on the top ten, let alone top 15 or 20.  It might not be totally his fault, but there is no denying the fact that he has not fought an elite opponent since Darchinyan. In fact besides Darchinyan, Concepcion and maybe Harutyunyan, his resume is arguably filled with journeyman fighters.

 

What weight division, do you think is the deepest?  Also who do you think is the best fighter in that division?

Ricky Manalo, Philippines

I would say the light welterweight division.  It might not only be the deepest, but the most talented laden division as well.  Most of boxing's future superstars and potential multiple divisional champions are probably there such as Khan, Bradley, Ortiz and Alexander.  Then you also got the talented yet undisciplined Judah who has the ability to beat anyone in the division when he is focused.  

But the best of them all might be Victor Ortiz.  Many might be surprised by that answer, but he might have the best overall combination of physical gifts and skills out of all them.  He is probably as fast as Bradley and Alexander, but more powerful.  Although many question if he has the passion and heart that is required to be an elite fighter because of his performance in the fight against Maidana.  

 

Who do you think are the best young prospects right now?

James Noland, San Jose, CA

The most promising young prospects right now are probably Frankie Gomez, Jose Benavidez Jr., Danny Garcia and Saul Alvarez.  As a matter of fact, a fight between amateur rivals, Gomez and Benavidez Jr. might be a future 'superfight.'  In the amateurs, Frankie Gomez beat Benavidez Jr. to become the 2009 U.S.A. Amateur National Champion.  However, it might be a different story in the professional ranks since Benavidez has greatly improved under the tutelage of Freddie Roach.

 

Who do you think Pacquiao should fight if he wins versus Margarito and negotiations with Mayweather falls through again?

Kevin 

Honestly, Pacquiao can retire already and concentrate on his responsibilities as a Congressman.  He's surpassed all expectations and has done enough to be considered among the upper echelon of the greats in the history of the sport.  He also deserves to retire healthy and be able to enjoy his wealth.

But if he wants to continue and enhance his legacy, then a fight with the winner of the Martinez and Williams fight might be the best choice.  A fight with either fighter is a win-win situation for Pacquiao because he will share the ring with a very skilled fighter who is much bigger and is in his prime. So win or lose, he will still gain a lot of respect from the fans.

 

Send your questions to theboxingoracle@fanvsfan.com

 

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