2009 the Year of the Pound for Pound Boxer?

Mayweather, Pacquiao, Williams, Margarito, Cotto, Juan Manuel Marquez, Hatton, Calzaghe, Dawson, Hopkins.

These are just some of the names which will battle it out in 2009 for the title of world's best pound for pound fighter.

First up, is Floyd Mayweather Jr

Floyd Mayweather's return now seems inevitable, mainly due to fiscal reasons, and his attempt to return to the summit of the pound for pound rankings may be difficult.

How will more than a year out of the ring affect his chances of a successful return? Will he suffer from the ring rust, which, along with weight drain, hampered De La Hoya so badly against Pacquiao?

For me, Mayweather's success, and his return at all, depends on the fights which are available, but the winner of Pacquiao v Hatton seems most likely, with a decent tune up before that to ensure he is as sharp as he'll need to be to face either Pacquiao or Hatton.

Here are the other articles in the series: Lightweights and Light Welterweights, Welterweights, and finally the Middleweights, The Super Middleweights and the Light Heavyweights