by Mohammed Nasir: The award for fighter of the year is almost as prestigious as becoming a world champion and a good, albeit not perfect, method of distinguishing good fighters from the greats. The tail end of 2009 saw everybody biting at the chomp for Mayweather v Pacquiao and while it is disappointing that the fight never materialized it has left the gate wide open for a more deserving fighter to scoop the award for 2010. My personal nominations for fighter of the year 2010 are as follows.

Runner up: Amir Khan

Critics of Amir Khan have rightfully questioned his ability to take a punch for years and many American fight fans wondered if he would crumble as soon as he fought outside of England. 2010 saw Khan emphatically demonstrate that neither of above apply to him.

Khan started the year with his American debut, a solid TKO against a revitalized and slick former world champion in Paulie Malignaggi. While the Magic Man was in fine form coming off two great performances against Juan Diaz, his lack of punching power meant that there was no danger of being knocked out and the win did little to help Khans reputation of being yet another coddled European fighter.

Following 18 months of speculation Khan did the unthinkable and accepted the challenge of Marcos Maidana, easily the hardest puncher currently operating at 140lbs. In a brutal and dramatic encounter that was closely contested by both pugilists, Khan displayed tremendous heart and chin to win a unanimous decision. Had it not been for the 1st round knockdown and the generous point deduction the cards would have been a lot closer. The power of Maidana was evident from the first bell as were his intentions. As Khan moved towards the centre of the ring with his glove raised to touch Maidana’s, the Argentine lunged in with a hook which was inches from landing, this was the first 5 seconds of an action packed 12 rounds which should be nominated for fight of the year 2010.

Having fought 2 top 10 former champions in good form, no one can accuse Khan of coasting through 2010. A fine year for the 24 year old which has raised everyone’s expectations in what he can realistically achieve in the sport. 2 years ago following his 1st round KO loss to Breidis Precott Khan being touted as a future champ was laughable but now he looks set to unify the division and creep up the p4p rankings.

FOTY 2010

Sergio Gabriel Martinez

Sergio Gabriel Martinez had an amazing 12 months and accomplished more than any other fighter in the sport in 2010. After years of fighting in the shadow of his South American counter parts, Martinez found himself at the wrong end of two questionable decisions in the most important fights of his life against Kermit Cintron and Paul Williams. Coming into 2010 Martinez had everything to prove and he surpassed all expectations despite fighting only twice.

Martinez’s first fight saw him move up from Junior middle to middleweight and his introduction to the weight was Undisputed Middleweight Champion of the world Kelly Pavlik. Many pointed out that Martinez possessed the footwork and accuracy to attack sporadically from unorthodox angle’s to bamboozle the one dimensional champion. Despite this Martinez was an underdog fighting a much bigger and stronger opponent than anyone he had fought previously. As it transpired Martinez destroyed Pavlik over 12 rounds, If Hopkins gave him a boxing lesson – Martinez was the PHD.

For his first defence the Champion took on the most feared man in the sport Paul Williams, the man who has been avoided by Mayweather and Pacquiao for years. It was clear that Martinez saw the fight as his chance for redemption. The opportunity to avenge the disgraceful robbery he suffered 12 months earlier and to propel himself to the highest echelons of the sport, making up of the 15 years of blood, sweat and tears in exchange for precious little.

Martinez sacrificed once more to receive his dues as he was forced to give into some ludicrous demands from the Williams camp – He agreed to a catch weight of 158 lbs, he agreed to take a smaller purse, he agreed to come into the ring and be announced first and fight out of the challengers corner. While the first is becoming increasingly common, the last three are nothing short of a slap in the face. Martinez agreed to the conditions because like the true GOAT’s that he would be victorious come fight night.

Martinez’s sacrifices paid off as he scored a second round knock out which is not only the KO of the year, but will probably go down as one of the greatest KOs in the history of the boxing. The problem with his magnificent displays is that he can kiss goodbye to any chance of getting a piece of either Mayweather or Pacquiao but after his display against Williams its hard for me to not rank Martinez as no 1 p4p fighter in the world.

In 2011 I would like to see Martinez unify the titles and retire as one of the best Middleweights of all time.