MODERN DAY
Active world kings in the midst of unbeaten runs
1 WANHENG MENAYOTHIN, 49-0
The WBC strawweight boss has notched eight defences. The Thai fighter has lived a largely sheltered life as champion, but could go down in history as one of the few who made it to the end without defeat. Now 32, his peak is likely behind him.
2 DEONTAY WILDER, 39-0
America’s WBC heavyweight champion has scored 38 inside-schedule victories but – despite registering six successful defences of his title – remains untested at the very top level.
3 GENNADY GOLOVKIN, 37-0-1
The WBC, WBA and IBF middleweight supremo appears to be in a slow decline, yet with an insatiable appetite for the sport it would be a surprise to see Kazakh monster “GGG” walk away without a defeat on his record.
4 MIKEY GARCIA, 37-0
The three-weight belt-holder is challenging IBF super-lightweight champ Sergey Lipinets in February, aiming for a world title in a fourth weight class. At 30, and approaching the most dangerous divisions of his career, American Garcia’s unbeaten run will get ever more perilous.
5 GILBERTO RAMIREZ, 36-0
The Mexican’s activity has slowed dramatically since he reached world title level (WBO supermiddleweight), and while impressive so far, his full potential remains a mystery. At this stage, a long and formidable unbeaten streak while clearing out divisions looks unlikely to occur.