10 COUNT

STARS AND STRIPES

George Gigney lists 10 of the best active American fighters

1. ANDRE WARD

The current pound-for-pound king and two-weight world champion faces a tough rematch with Sergey Kovalev next month.

2. TERENCE CRAWFORD

“Bud” is rapidly proving himself to be one of the finest fighters in the world by thrashing each opponent in his path.

3. MIKEY GARCIA

After a lengthy hiatus, this three-weight king is back and looking as devastating as ever. A mouth-watering clash with fellow lightweight champ Jorge Linares could be next.

4. KEITH THURMAN

Thurman has proved he belongs at the top end of the welterweight class with wins over Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia.

5. GARY RUSSELL JNR

Having only lost to Vasyl Lomachenko, the WBC featherweight champ has dazzling hand speed and is on an impressive stoppage streak.

6. DANIEL JACOBS

A one-round blowout of Peter Quillin made the world sit up and pay attention, then Jacobs pushed Gennady Golovkin harder than anyone ever has – and very nearly won the fight on points.

7. SHAWN PORTER

Tight losses to Thurman and Kell Brook never dissuaded Porter, who holds a standout win over Adrien Broner and remains a top operator at 147lbs.

8. DANNY GARCIA

His exploits at super-light were excellent, with wins over Amir Khan and Lucas Matthysse. He will need to rebuild at welter after losing to Thurman.

9. GERVONTA DAVIS

Hailed by some, perhaps a little prematurely, as boxing’s next star, Davis recently destroyed Jose Pedraza and Liam Walsh.

10. JERMALL CHARLO

Though not yet much of a ‘name’, Charlo has earned some excellent wins and produced eye-catching stoppages. Clearly improving and not one to be ignored.