2. Welterweight

The welters have had a place in fans’ hearts for years  – most recently thanks to the exploits of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, who eventually fought last year. They’ve both retired since then, but Manny has made the inevitable announcement that he’ll be back – on November 5 against WBO champion Jessie Vargas.

It’s by no means a standout fight, but it’s an interesting scrap and to have the Filipino icon back in the mix is hugely exciting.

His old nemesis, Timothy Bradley, has made no announcement about his next steps but remains one of the best in the division. IBF champion Kell Brook has left 147lbs for now, as he’ll take on middleweight supremo Gennady Golovkin in September. It’s unclear whether he’ll return to welterweight or not, but it could be a struggle for the thick-set Sheffield man.

Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter put on a thriller earlier in the year, and Thurman’s win has put him in the upper echelons of the division. WBC champion Danny Garcia is a real talent though has a tendency to tread water.

Errol Spence boxes this weekend (August 21) in a final eliminator for the IBF title. The uber-talented southpaw is tipped for stardom.

Division leader: Timothy Bradley

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