Well it's that time of year again, and Christmas is nearing. With it comes gifts for friends and loved ones. It's also time to let Santa Claus know what you want for Christmas. So, since it is that time of year and Santa is getting ready to do his chimney squeezing, here's a Christmas wish list for boxing fans for 2007. Hopefully, Santa will come through on at least some of them.

*Heavyweight Division

Wish: There aren't any particular fights that jump out. But, the wish for 2007 is that some sort of attempt at unifying this sacred title will occur.

Chances of it happening: Slim at best.

Boxing fans have been hoping for unification of the heavyweight titles for a long time, and it has alluded them. So, it's hard to think things will change. Besides you got guys like Oleg Maskaev and Nicolai Valuev content on fighting no names, so they can keep their title(s). The best bet is that Wladimir Klitschko might fight Shannon Briggs and unify 2 of the titles, but even this is probably doubtful.

*Light Heavyweight Division -175 lbs

Wish #1: Tomasz Adamek vs Chad Dawson

Chances: Great, this fight is set for 2007.

Dawson is one of the highest touted prospects around, and Adamek is a underrated and exciting fighter. This is a great fight for the division.

Wish #2: Zsolt Erdei vs Tomasz Adamek

Chances:  Not likely.

First off Adamek has a date with Chad Dawson, which will be a big hurdle. But, I will say this, if Adamek were to survive Dawson, I don't think either fighter would be against the fight. But a lot of hurdles in the way before these 2 world champs may meet.

*Super Middleweight Division-168 lbs

Wish #1: Mikael Kessler vs Joe Calzaghe- This would be a dream fight because it involves two great fighters, and it would unify the division.

Chances: Poor.

Calzaghe seems content on avoiding Kessler, as he has a March date with Peter Manfredo Jr. Kessler has shown interest, but Calzaghe has not.

Wish #2: Librado Andrade vs Allen Green - Two highly touted prospects who can brawl and slug. This would make for an exciting fight.

Chances: Non existent.

Andrade has a title shot with Mikael Kessler next year, so he has bigger fish to fry.

Wish #3: Danny Green vs Allen Green or Danny Green vs Peter Manfredo Jr. - All these guys are good sluggers and fight an exciting style. The styles would make this an eye pleasing match up.

Chances: Almost none.

Danny Green usually fights in Australia and I can't see Allen Green going there to fight him for no title. As for the Manfredo match up, Manfredo is scheduled to fight Joe Calzaghe, so like Andrade has bigger fish to fry.

*Middleweight Division - 160 lbs

Wish #1: Jermain Taylor vs Winky Wright - The first fight was an excellent technical fight, that left a sour taste with the draw. So, people naturally would want to see a rematch between two of the better fighters in the game.

Chances: 50-50.

There is definitely a demand for it, the only thing keeping it from happening was Winky's anger over the decision. If Winky would get over it and realize that he doesn't have many options and that Oscar de la Hoya will never fight him, then there may be a shot at a rematch.

Wish #2: Jermain Taylor vs Edison Miranda - Could you imagine the bombs that would be thrown in this fight. Miranda might be the only middleweight that packs a bigger punch than Taylor. If Taylor chose to brawl with Miranda he might have problems, he would have to try and outbox him. I hate to make this comparison, but considering how these two can punch, this could be like a Hagler-Hearns fight.

Chances: Lukewarm.

This is a fight that could happen eventually, but not real soon. If Miranda keeps impressing like he has been doing then this fight could happen by 2008.

*Junior Middleweight Division - 154 lbs

Wish #1: Oscar de La Hoya vs Floyd Mayweather Jr. - Two of boxing's biggest names, Junior fighting against his father's fighter. This should be the biggest show in 2007.

Chances: Excellent.

The fight is already scheduled for May 7th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Wish #2: Shane Mosley vs Antonio Margarito- The quick, hard punching Mosley versus the aggressive, going forward Margarito would make for an exciting clash.

Chances: Not out of the question.

Shane is one of the few guys who has mentioned Margarito's name as a possible opponent. Mosley has been known to give guys chances that no else would (i.e. Winky Wright). This is probably Margarito's best chance at a big fight, because the guys he has called out, Mayweather and Oscar de la Hoya, will never fight him. If Margarito can defeat Paul Williams, which is a huge task, this could set the stage for a match with Sugar Shane.

*Welterweight Division -147 lbs

Wish #1: Miguel Cotto vs Antonio Margarito - This would be an exciting tilt between two hard punching, offensive-minded fighters.

Chances: Doubtful, but not out of the question.

Cotto has been looking at everyone but Margarito. But, a good performance by Antonio Margarito against Paul Williams could possibly sway Cotto's mind a bit.

Wish #2: Kermit Cintron vs Miguel Cotto- This would go over huge in Puerto Rico. With Cintron bouncing back and now having a world title, the possibilities would be greater towards a fight between these two heavy hitters.

Chances: Decent, but not soon.

Cotto will look at other higher paying options soon. But, he again could realize how big this fight could be in Puerto Rico and give it a look. Cintron seems like he's ready to step back up to the big stage now.

Wish #3: Andre Berto vs Paul Williams- I know I'm stretching it here, but wouldn't this be a treat between these two highly touted powerful prospects.

Chances: No Way!

For one thing they both would have too much to lose, and even though Berto might be the better fighter in the long run, right now Williams is a little further along in his career.

*Junior Welterweight Division - 140 lbs

Wish #1: Ricky Hatton vs Jose Luis Castillo or Diego Corrales - Since Hatton has decided to go back to 140, these would be his two most appealing fights. Either fight would be a war and a treat for boxing fans.

Chances: Not great.

One of the bigger hurdles would be that Hatton fights on HBO now, and both Corrales and Castillo fight on Showtime. This could be a possibility in 2008, but both Corrales and Castillo are just dipping their toes into the 140 pound division, and it would be later on before they would look into another blockbuster.

Wish #2: Diego Corrales vs Jose Luis Castillo- This is exactly that, a wish. Of course I would like to see these guys again at a weight that they can actually make, who wouldn't?

Chances: Very slim.

All the fallout from their near third fight and the bad words and blood that came from it make this a tough fight to ever put together again.

Wish #3: Paul Malignaggi vs Mike Arnaoutis - Exciting young fighters coming off tough losses, but their stock is still high. This fight would be a bit of a crossroads fight, but it would be exciting, with a lot on the line.

Chances: None.

Both are climbing back up and are probably not interested in a crossroads type fight right now.

*Lightweight Division - 135 lbs

Wish #1: Jesus Chavez vs Juan Diaz - This would partly unify a division that has taken a hit with all the fighters that have moved up to 140. But, this would have the makings of an exciting action packed fight, with a lot of punches being thrown.

Chances: A little Iffy.

If Chavez's fight with Marco Antonio Barrera fell through then this would be his best option. Diaz is eagerly awaiting a big fight after a year full of injuries. They're both Texas fighters, and the fight would be huge there. So, this fight is a possibility, but with some doubts.

Wish #2: Juan Diaz vs Julio Diaz: A battle of young studs, the rangy, hard hitting Julio, vs the young bull Juan.

Chances: So-so.

This scenario could be a possibility if either Diaz can't get a fight with Jesus Chavez, and therefore the chances are probably 50-50. While both fighters are looking for a big fight, all things considered, they might be best to look at each other.

Wish #3: Jorge Barrios vs Jesus Chavez: Barrios is moving up to 135 after losing his title to Joan Guzman. Again, a fight in which the punches would be non-stop. Would be a great fight for the boxing fans.

Chances: Not great.

Barrios may want a tune-up at 135 first, and Chavez is looking at Barrera first and foremost.

*Junior Lightweight Division - 130 lbs

Wish #1: Manny Pacquiao vs Marco Antonio Barrera - This would be one of the more anticipated bouts of 2007 if it happened.

Chances: Decent.

Barrera has not seem that enthused about a possible rematch with Pacman, but Pacman seems up for it. If they realize how much money they could make on this fight, then minds could change.

Wish #2: Manny Pacquiao vs Edwin Valero: Can you imagine the bombs that would be thrown in this fight? Well, maybe it's hard to imagine since most of us have not actually seen Valero fight. But if his power is anywhere close to the hype, then this could be a war.

Chances: Good.

It would not happen in the United States obviously, but Pacman has expressed a lot of interest in the fight, and Valero wants the fight more than any other. It may take a while but this fight could happen.

Wish #3: Joan Guzman vs Manny Pacquiao: Guzman's stock has been rising lately, which makes this a very intriguing fight. Two hard hitters would make this one an easy watch.

Chances: Not real good for 2007.

Pacman has a lot of other fights he's looking at for '07, but in '08 if Guzman keeps impressing this could be a reality.

Wish #4: Juan Manuel Marquez vs Manny Pacquiao- The more Pacman dominates, the more this rematch is being demanded. It's still a fight many would like to see, since the first encounter didn't disappoint.

Chances: Decent.

Marquez and his camp blew the chance for this the first time. But, Marquez is more willing now. For Pacquiao this is a fight he would like to avenge. So this fight is a possibility.

*Featherweight Division - 126 lbs

Wish #1: Juan Manuel Marquez vs Chris John- With the division dwindling, this fight is the best the division could offer. Most people couldn't believe that John won the first time, since few actually saw it. So, a rematch we could all see would be in demand.

Chances: Decent.

Two scenarios would have to happen. One, a possible Marquez fight with Pacquiao would have to fall through. Second, the fight would have to be fought outside of Indonesia, which John has rarely done. If these obstacles could be overcome, then there's a possibility.

Wish #2: Rudy Lopez vs Orlando Salido- The styles would make for an entertaining fight, and it would also unify two of the belts.

Chances: Not bad.

The division is thin, and both of these two would have trouble finding other big fights, so this might be their best short term solution.

*Junior Featherweight Division - 122 lbs

Wish #1: Israel Vazquez vs Daniel Ponce de Leon: Ponce is always fun to watch and Vazquez would give him trouble, but it would still make for an exciting fight.

Chances: Fairly Good.

Both know that it would be an exciting, marketable fight and neither is known for dodging fights. Also the promotion companies they work for (Golden Boy and Sycuan) work together well.

Wish #2: Israel Vazquez vs Celestine Caballero- Caballero's size could pose an obstacle for Vazquez, but again a potential good fight for Vazquez, who has been in many of late.

Chances: So-so.

 Vazquez will probably look at other opportunities first, but this is definitely a possibility.

Wish #3: Israel Vazquez vs Jhonny Gonzalez- The first fight was great, and a second would only make sense.

Chances: Good.

Gonzalez definitely wants a rematch, and the fight is probably the best possible big fight for this division.

*Bantamweight Division - 118 lbs

Wish #1: Rafael Marquez vs Jhonny Gonzalez- A war between two of the better fighters in these lower weight classes. Would be a mega fight for the division.

Chances: Decent.

 Gonzalez will probably try to go after a rematch with Vazquez first. But, if the chips fell a certain way this fight could be made.

Wish #2: Rafael Marquez vs Israel Vazquez- This would be a mega fight in these weight classes. The two best little guys in the past couple of years squaring off. This would have classic written all over it.

Chances: 50/50.

I think that both would be up for doing it, realizing how big the fight would be. The money obstacles, and putting the fight together would probably be the toughest part.

*Super Flyweight Division - 115 lbs

Wish #1: Martin Castillo vs Fernando Montiel- Two great fighters coming off bad performances. There would be a lot to risk, but certainly a potential great fight.

Chances: below average.

 The risk factor may be too high, but if nothing else was open then this fight would get some looks.

Wish #2: Martin Castillo vs Alexander Munoz: The first fight was terrific. A rematch loses some of it's luster since Castillo lost his title, but still a fight I would watch again.

Chances: Not great.

It's more and more apparent that each fighter is looking in different directions, especially Castillo. But, you never know...

*Flyweight Divison-112 lbs

Wish #1: Jorge Arce vs Vic Darchinyan- This fight would be at the top of my Christmas wish list. Two exciting, big punching, offensive minded, haymaking throwing, big mouth fighters squaring off. It could be the second coming of Michael Carbajal - Chiquita Gonzalez in the 80s.

Chances: 50/50.

Arce is scheduled to fight in January, and has not been too hot about the idea. Darchinyan has been pushing a long time. I don't believe Arce is afraid, and if Darchinyan keeps pushing and the demand comes more and more then this fight might happen. At least I hope.

12-24-2006