Who’s #3? After Mayweather and Pacquiao, who’s the world’s best fighter?

The consensus numbers one and two in the world have changed position quite a bit over the last couple of years, but most still agree that Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are, pound for pound, the two best fighters in the world.

But if Floyd and Manny are numbers one and two, who’s number three?

Recently, Andre Ward and Sergio Martinez have both made a case for themselves to be placed in the number three slot. At the same time, old pro Juan Manuel Marquez also deserves some consideration.

Here’s a look at all three fighters and their qualifications for Top 3 placement:

Sergio Martinez (50-2-2, 28 KOs)

Just recently outclassed Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. to re-take his rightful place as WBC middleweight champ. Martinez is a late bloomer and a fighter who, really, has only been considered a world class fighter since 2008.

Five Best Wins: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (UD 12), Kelly Pavlik (UD 12), Paul Williams (KO 2), Matthew Macklin (RTD 11), Darren Barker (KO 11)
Worst Performances: Antonio Margarito (L TKO 7)

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Andre Ward (26-0, 14 KOs)

The Olympic gold medalist became the top dog at 168 after winning the World Boxing Classic. Since then, Ward has defended his two belts against light heavyweight titlist, Chad Dawson.

Five Best Wins: Carl Froch (UD 12), Chad Dawson (TKO 10), Mikkel Kessler (TD 11), Arthur Abraham (UD 12), Allan Green (UD 12)
Worst Performances: (W Henry Buchanan UD 12)

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Juan Manuel Marquez (54-6-1, 39 KOs)

Marquez’s long, distinguished career may be best defined by his three close fights with Manny Pacquiao. Many feel that the Mexican counter-puncher deserved at least two of the three close contests against the Filipino star. A fourth clash between the arch-rivals is set to take place on December 8.

Five Best Wins: Joel Casamayor (TKO 11), Juan Diaz (TKO 9), Michael Katsidis (TKO 9), Marco Antonio Barrera (UD 12), Orlando Salido (UD 12),
Worst Performances: Chris John (L UD 12), Freddie Norwood (L UD 12)

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Pound for Pound lists are all very subjective and, really, just for fun. So, what say you? Ward, Martinez, or Marquez? Maybe someone else?

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