I'm with Eric44 on this.

Prior to the start of the Super 6 there was no question in anybody's mind that Bute exluded, this was the best supermiddleweights in the world.

They have all fought each other. Bute, in not entering has been forced to fight inferior opposition.

All of the opponents he has fought have been beaten by guys in the Super Six. Ward beat Bika, Kessler beat Andrade, Abraham bear Miranda.

Bute has done no more than any of those guys in terms of who he has beat.

When you factor in his soft opposition, along with the fact he's incredibly lucky not to have a KO loss on his record, it's hard to place him above Ward and Froch as the main man in the division.

Right now the most accurate statement is to say it's wide open. Bute, Froch and Ward are all making the claim. Hopefully it will be all be decided next year.

But no way is Bute number 1 when two other guys are fighting and winniing against better opposition.