I have a question about the nature of the p4p moniker - didn't this term originate to compare top fighters from weight classes far enough apart that they wouldn't normally fight one another? It seems logical to apply this title to the fighter who displays the most skill and faces the tougher opposition - regardless of division.

I'm somewhat confused by all the credence given to fighters who regularly move up in weight. I understand that fighting a naturally larger opponent is increasingly difficult as the weight difference grows, but is that a true measure of boxing skill? Should the p4p moniker go to the man who can compete across the most weight divisions? Or should the division be irrelevant, and the focus be directed solely to the skills displayed and the level of opposition faced?

For example, PBF has steadily moved up in weight, facing solid opposition at each step. Maybe not the toughest fights at each level, but definitely not gimme bouts, either, considering the natural weight difference. Credit must be given to PBF for these feats - he's consistently winning against much larger men, and winning handily.

But how meaningful is this accomplishment? In my opinion - and that isn't worth a whole lot - PBF hasn't taken the fights against the toughest level of opposition at each weight jump. He fights solid opposition - once again, I am supremely impressed with his skills in the ring, and do not mean to take anything away from what he's done - but he does not fight the top echelon fighters. So is he a p4p champ just because he can jump weights and box circles around carefully selected opponents?

He has the skills to be p4p #1. No doubt about it. But for my money, I'd rather see him face better opposition. It's an insult to his talent that he always chooses the path of least resistance.

That's why I think Pacquiao has eclipsed PBF in this context. Personally, I rate quality of opposition more heavily than skill. Let's face it, PBF is gonna outbox just about anyone out there, skill wise. But he avoids the fights where skill might not be enough. ODLH is a move in the right direction, but is it too little, too late?