Currently, who is the most protected fighter (e.g. someone like Sven Ottke)?

[Rantcatrat]

I don't know about protected, as it might be more a case of no available opposition beause of the Super Six but Lucian Bute has fought some pretty poor opposition for how highly rated he is.

Nonito Donaire was the same for the last few years although he did step up to fight Montiel and looked sensational. Back to easy fights again now though.

Both of these fighters fight in extrememly strong divisions though, with lot's of excellent competition so their fight resume's are surprisingly lacking.

Slightly down a level Alexander Povetkin has taken his sweet time to step up, and now with Holyfield apparently next he should feel pretty ashamed.

That said, given how easily everyone is being despatched by the brothers Klitschko it may be a smart move.

I understand Povetkin dodged the Klitschko bullet, but he doesn't belong because he just faced Ruslan Chagaev who is a top heavyweight.

Chagaev 'was' a top heavyweight. He hasn't been in the top 10 for a while. He'd been struggling to even get a license the past few years because of his hepatitis scare. He'd also looked pretty poor in his outings since losing to Wlad, labouring to points wins over mediocre opposition.

Plus I thought he came close to beating Povetkin. Povetkin's stock dropped quite a bit for me after watching that fight.

I don't disagree with your last part, but as far as ranking goes, he was ranked in the top ten when he faced Povetkin. I don't believe the heavyweight Haye faced anyone as good as Chagaev prior to facing Wlad, but that's a different discussion and I don't mean to get off topic.