The Top Five Boxers of the Post-Pacquiao Era

After dealing Joshua Clottey his first career KO loss, the P4P king Manny Pacquiao will probably have the final fight of his career against either Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Sugar Shane Mosley at the end of the year, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest if not the greatest fighter of all time.

Boxing may never be the same again when Manny hangs his gloves for good, but there are at least five promising boxers who can still keep the fire burning in the sport.

5. Juan Manuel Lopez

This Puerto Rican sensation, who just won his second title in second weight division will win in a unification featherweight bout but only to let go of the titles to pursue another title in the junior lightweight division.

4. Nonito Donaire

Another Filipino great warrior, Nonito Donaire is definitely good for a couple of titles more in as many weight divisions. A possible return match with Vic Darchinyan, and another victory, will propel his P4P ranking. The Filipino Flash will probably have a shot at Juanma Lopez in three to four years and a win against him might put him all the way to the top.

3. Edwin Valero

This ultimate knockout artist can definitely surge in the rankings especially if the Venezuelan become the next Freddie Roach disciple. A raw Manny Pacquiao, this southpaw's skills will definitely improve under the tutelage of Pacman's coach.

His dream fight with Pacquiao may not come into fruition unless Manny unretires, but Valero will become the next important fighter in the planet.

2. Paul Williams

Known as the Punisher, Paul Williams will definitely dominate the middleweight division and will make it as one of the more popular divisions during the post-Pacquiao era. He will win all the belts at 160 and could even win in the supermiddleweight towards the end of his career.

1. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

His superb skills may have been overshadowed by his lack of courage, but once Floyd Mayweather Jr. learns how to shut up and make his walk as his talk, he will definitely have a shot at regaining the top spot in pound-for-pound race.

When Manny Pacquiao walks away from the game, Mayweather will have the opportunity to dominate the sport and be the next poster boy in the sport. But this will only take place after a self-reflection and a change of heart.

Source:  bleacherreport.com