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

[Kev]

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.

Donaire and Bute may not be fighting the types of challenges we would like to see top p4p guys face, but I wouldn't call them protected (as you pointed out in your post). What I'm talking about is a little bit different. For example, Donaire's next fight is against the top ranked junior bantamweight fighter in the world and I don't really see him as a case where he's not facing the people he should face. Also, Bute is facing Glen Johnson who is a top 10 super middleweight now.

Not the same as Chavez Jr., Chris John, or Felix Sturm who are seasoned professionals continuing to face club fighters.

Bute and Donaire have been world champs for several years though. Chavez Jr hasn't even had one defence yet. By comparison Bute's opposition is worse than Chavez's considering he's about 4. years ahead of him in career terms

Bute won his world title in 2007, 4 years ago. Look he's fought since then. It's risible.

Same with Donaire. From Darchinyan to Montiel he fought nobodies.