by Liam Fitzgerald: Now that the top fighters in the world are starting off their 2010 campaigns, I thought I would share with you the 10 fighters who I believe are the best at the moment. In making my list, the main things that I have taken into consideration are obviously recent form, fighting styles and the calibre of opponents of each boxer.

1. Manny Pacquiao– Welterweight (51-3-2)

Pacquiao has become a global superstar in the last few years and not only just in the boxing world. His non stop, explosive style is thrilling to watch and after earning the title of the ‘Mexicutioner’ when beating icons Morales, Barrera and Marquez in the lower weight classes, his performances above 130 have been nothing short of astonishing. He’s consistently destroyed numerous p4p ranked fighters and stands out alone as the sport’s ultimate performer.

2. Floyd Mayweather Jr- Welterweight (40-0-0)

Perhaps the most naturally gifted boxer out there, his fine defence has made the majority of his opponents look average. The all important ‘0’ in his eyes is cementing his legacy at the moment but what he really needs is a career defining win. Beating Mosley would be very impressive but to get back to the top of the p4p list, he needs to beat the man who replaced him, Pacquiao.

3. Juan Manuel Marquez– Lightweight (50-5-1)

Marquez was comfortably beaten by Mayweather but the higher weight class was clearly the main reason in his poor performance. Before that however, he had proved his quality in destroying the 2 main men at lightweight in Diaz and Casamayor and his exciting fighting style means he is always a must watch. He has run Pacquiao the closest recently more than anyone else and holds some hugely impressive wins in his career. It will be interesting to see what happens with hi in the future.

4. Shane Mosley– Welterweight (46-5-0)

Mosley is a fighter that on his day can beat anyone, as was shown in his last fight when he demolished the tough Mexican Antonio Margarito. However, inactivity and some inconsistent performances in the ring (remember the Mayorga fight) mean his career has not progressed as he would like. A win over Mayweather though on 1st May would undoubtedly move him into the top two and cement his hall of fame credentials.

5. Bernard Hopkins– Light Heavyweight (51-5-1)

Hopkins is a man who has been a top fighter for the last decade and has perhaps even flourished more in his later years. The ex undisputed middleweight world champion has consistently beaten world champions and has only once been outclassed against Roy Jones Jr in 1993. His win over Pavlik in 2008 is one of the most impressive in recent memory and he is still considered by many to be the best man at Light Heavyweight, even at the age of 45. A fight and potential win over Chad Dawson would be a fitting swansong to a fine career.

6. Miguel Cotto– Welterweight (34-2)

Many people will question why Cotto is so high after his crushing defeat to Pacquiao last year but up until then he had proven himself to be one of the best, if not the best, fighter in the 140lbs and 147lbs divisions. These are two of the most competitive weight classes in boxing today and Cotto has defeated many of the best fighters in each division. I fully expect him to outclass Yuri Foreman in their encounter and comfortably rule the 154lbs division.

7. Paul Williams– Light Middleweight (38-1)

A very talented fighter, Williams is unfortunate that his natural height and ability to fight in many weight classes is making him one of the most avoided men on the planet. He can beat the best as he has shown vs. Margarito and Winky Wright whilst his fight with Sergio Martinez was a modern day great. To really make use of his talent though, it would be wise for him to stick to one weight class for a while and collect more titles to make himself a box office name. His fight vs. Cintron promises to be an epic.

8. Israel Vasquez– Featherweight (44-4)

His trilogy with Rafael Marquez has been my highlight of boxing so far this century. The fourth bout will hopefully be as amazing. Vazquez however must also be remembered for fine wins over Oscar Larios, Ivan Hernandez and Jhonny Gonzalez who were all big players in the lower weight classes. His inactivity, which is understandable, has been a major reason in his fall down the list but he will be remembered as one of the greatest small guys of this era.

9. Wladimir Klitschko– Heavyweight (54-3)

Klitschko is a fighter who sparks a lot of debate amongst fans. Some find him boring, others admire his technical skills. He is clearly a hugely effective fighter who takes away his opponent’s offence with his jab, probably the best in the world today. However, he has not really excited fans enough or beaten a truly world class fighter yet which would lead to him being recognised as a great heavyweight. A bout with David Haye needs to be made and only then will we really see how good of a heavyweight he is.

10. David Haye– Heavyweight (24-1)

Another fighter who splits people’s opinions. However, there is no doubt that he is one of the most exciting men to watch at the moment. He unified the Cruiserweight division and will become one of Britain’s best ever fighters should he do the same at Heavyweight by beating both Klitschko’s. And we all know that he will do it the exciting way.

Fighters just outside- Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Rafael Marquez, Timothy Bradley.