The final boxing pound-for-pound list of the year for 2004.

1. Bernard Hopkins: The top guy from beginning to end, Hopkins took care of Oscar De La Hoya with a body shot in the biggest fight of 2004. Now, he'll wait for Jermain Taylor to progress a little further, or he'll go the rematch route with Felix Trinidad. Either way, Hopkins stands to earn a lot of money in 2005 and extend that all-time middleweight reign.

2. Floyd Mayweather: How long has it been since we've seen Mayweather in a meaningful fight? Certainly not in 2004, when he outpointed the difficult DeMarcus Corley. He's slated for a January outing against a no-name. Enough stalling, already, “Pretty Boy”. Fight someone we care about (preferably Kostya Tszyu), or you'll lose your #2 position sometime in 2005.

3. Felix Trinidad: “Tito” stormed back with a magnificent knockout of Ricardo Mayorga in 2004, and now hopes to capitalize on it with big money fights. He'd like nothing more than a rematch with his only conqueror, Hopkins, but he may also opt for old nemesis Oscar De La Hoya. Either way, Trinidad is sure to fight a big fight sometime in the coming year.

4. Kostya Tszyu: What a difference one fight makes. As recently as late October, the boxing world was wondering whether Tszyu was even serious about the sport anymore. We found out with a second round demolition of Sharmba Mitchell. And that made the junior welterweight division very attractive. Tszyu has several options now, including Arturo Gatti and Mayweather or even a hop up to welterweight to challenge Cory Spinks. Let's hope one of them happens in 2005.

5. Manny Pacquiao: Pacquiao fought twice in 2004, and what a fight the first one was. His thrilling war with Juan Manuel Marquez was the best brawl of the year, and there is a chance that the two rivals will go at it again in 2005. If not, Pacquiao has a list full of options: Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, etc. Pacquiao will fight one of them in the next year.

6. Marco Antonio Barrera: Another guy thought to be washed up when the year started, Barrera resurrected his career for the second time with a masterful victory over Paulie Ayala and a close decision over rival Erik Morales in another great fight. Barrera is obviously shooting for a return with Pacquiao, who decimated him in November 2003. Barrera says it was an off-night. Hopefully, we'll find out if that was the case.

7. Winky Wright: Winky entered the “superstar” realm in 2004 with a pair of decision victories over Shane Mosley. The first was very impressive, as Wright practically shut Mosley out. The second was closer, but proved once again that Winky was the superior fighter. He'd like a shot at Trinidad or Oscar De La Hoya, but neither will happen. He'd probably be best off shooting for a name like Fernando Vargas or Ricardo Mayorga.

8. Juan Manuel Marquez: After several years on the outside looking in, Marquez is finally in a position to make some money after his courageous performance against Pacquiao. He rose from three first-round knockdowns to wage the fight of his life in a fight that was ruled a draw. It would also be interesting to see Marquez against countrymen Barrera and Erik Morales.

9. Erik Morales: “El Terrible” fought another great fight against Barrera, but, again, it was in a losing cause. He has now lost two of three to his fierce rival, and probably wants nothing to do with him anymore. But, eventually, talk of Barrera-Morales 4 will come up again. In the meantime, Morales could shoot for Pacquiao or Marquez.

10. Glencoffe Johnson: The newest entry, Johnson pumped some life into boxing in 2004 with a pair of upsets of Roy Jones Jr. and Antonio Tarver. Now, he's set to make some really big money in rematches with either, or a shot at old conqueror Hopkins. Either way, Johnson is better than anyone imagined.

11. Jose Luis Castillo: Castillo made some comeback noise of his own in 2004, beating Juan Lazcano for his old vacant title and decisioning Joel Casamayor for another big win. He says he wants Kostya Tszyu next, and if that materializes, boxing fans will be in for a treat. If not, Castillo vs. Diego Corrales is a great fight.

12. Oscar De La Hoya: Hard to erase that picture of De La Hoya grimacing in agony courtesy of a Hopkins shot to the ribs, but the “Golden Boy” had no business fighting at 160 pounds. He should drop down to junior middle or even welterweight again if he has any hope of regaining his past form. But 2005 could be the final year for one of boxing's all-time great attractions.

On the brink: Antonio Tarver, Diego Corrales, James Toney

As reported by the Buffalo News, Joe Mesi is suing the New York State Athletic Commission and the MRI center that conducted tests on the heavyweight boxer after his bout with Vassiliy Jirov. Mesi reportedly suffered brain injuries in the Jirov bout, which has left his boxing status uncertain.

The lawsuit alleges Mesi's medical records were improperly released to the NYSAC. The records, the lawsuit goes on to allege, were then released to the media, prejudicing Mesi's right to have his status reviewed by the appropriate boxing authorities.

The lawsuit does not seek specific monetary damages, as the extent of damages will be affected by whether Mesi is able to resume his career as a leading heavyweight contender.

Mesi hopes to have his status reviewed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission within the coming month. The ruling of the NSAC promises to be key in whether Mesi will be able to resume his boxing career.

The year 2004 was an interesting year for boxing. Here's some of the most memorable boxing moments of 2004.

Corrie Sanders soaking up Vitali Klitschko's best shots: Sanders gave Klitschko a fight for a little while, but eventually, the big Ukrainian proved too big and strong. In the end, it was Klitschko's punch against Sanders' chin and guts. Over and over, Klitscho nailed Sanders with his best shots, but the courageous South African never considered going down. He was finally rescued by the ref, but it was as gutty a performance as there was in 2004.

Danny Williams soaking up Klitschko's best shots: Eight months later, Klitschko found another willing target in Williams. And, like Sanders, Williiams accepted his beating like a man. He may not be the most talented guy in the world, but Williams sure showed the boxing world a thing or two about courage.

Roy Jones Jr. getting stretched twice: Something we never expected to see. The first one – a one punch knockout courtesy of Antonio Tarver – was the more shocking of the two. The second – a one punch knockout courtesy of Glencoffe Johnson – was the more violent of the two. The knockouts probably ended the career of the best fighter of the last decade.

Oscar De La Hoya getting knocked out by a body blow: Some wondered how a fighter could get knocked out via a body punch, but the pain etched on De La Hoya's face sure wasn't an act. Hopkins was too big and too strong for little Oscar – who paid the price with his liver.

Felix Trinidad back in the ring: It had been more than two years since the boxing world had seen “Tito” in gloves and trunks, and it didn't take long for the great Puerto Rican to make a statement. His war with Ricardo Mayorga was vicious, and when he prevailed via 11th-round knockout, it returned a superstar to the Sweet Science.

Acelino Freitas quitting: Granted, “Popo's” slugfest with Diego Corrales was brutal. And he had displayed grit and courage in rising from previous knockdowns. But when Freitas shook his head and provided a Brazilian version of “no mas”, it shocked fans and experts alike. A great warrior just walking away like that? Duran never quite erased the stigma. Neither will Freitas.

Juan Manuel Marquez surviving round one against Pacquiao: Marquez was superbly executing his fight plan against Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao midway through round one when he was dropped with a straight left hand. Two more times Marquez fell, and the last time, it appeared his night was over. But Marquez made it through the round, and went on to win most of the next 11 rounds.

Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales going toe-to-toe again: This was a memorable moment from both 2000 and 2002. And the great Mexican warriors produced more unforgettable moments with their third and possibly final fight in 2004. The exchanges were numerous and brutal, and it reminded the entire boxing world why this sport is so very special.