With 2011 coming to an end, it is time to look back at the best fights from the world of boxing. With the year dominated by officiating controversies and legal troubles to some of boxing's top stars, it is easy to forget the gems that some of the world's elite boxers gave us.
Feb. 26: Brandon Rios vs. Miguel Acosta
Brandon Rios began his superb year in 2011 by taking the lightweight title away from Miguel Acosta with a technical knockout in the 10th round. Rios was attacking during the entire fight, while Acosta tried unsuccessfully to counter.
July 2: Hernan Marquez vs. Luis Concepcion
The fight between the Mexican and Panamanian boxers was a complete slugfest, with superb combinations from both sides. Ultimately, Marquez took the victory with an 11th-round knockout.
April 9: Marco Maidana vs. Erik Morales
The legendary Mexican fighter lost an all-out slugfest against the Argentinean Maidana, who was not intimidated and hit hard the entire fight to win in a split decision. Many believe the fight should have been called a draw by the officials.
April 16: Orlando Salido vs. Juan Manuel Lopez
The veteran Orlando Salido had one of the biggest upsets of the year against the top Puerto Rican contender, Juan Manuel Lopez. Salido not only took the featherweight title, but also ended Lopez's undefeated record.
April 16: Victor Ortiz vs. Andre Berto
The American Victor Ortiz surprised everyone by beating his compatriot Andre Berto in a unanimous decision to take away his WBC welterweight title. Ortiz exhausted himself physically during the fight, but he came out victorious.
May 8: Jorge "Travieso" Arce vs. Wilfredo Vasquez Jr.
The Mexican Jorge "Travieso" Arce knocked out the Puerto Rican Wilfredo Vasquez in the 12th round. At the time, he became the first Mexican to win world titles in four different classes.
Sept. 18: Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Victor Ortiz
Floyd Mayweather Jr. took part in one of the most controversial decisions of the year, defeating Victor Ortiz by knockout in the fourth round. The fight was disappointing but makes the list for including the most lucrative fighter in the world. Mayweather got the win by punching Ortiz when he did not know the fight had been restarted.
Nov. 7: James Kirkland vs. Alfredo Angulo
James Kirkland had one of the most impressive comebacks of the year when he defeated Alfredo Angulo. The two fighters came out hitting but Angulo may have gotten too carried away. His legs gave out on him toward the end, allowing Kirkland to take the victory.
Nov. 12: Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez
Like his elite counterpart, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao's victory over Juan Manuel Marquez was highly controversial. He was outhit and outboxed by the Mexican fighter, but ultimately took the win in what would have been one of the best fights of the year were it not for the controversial ending.
Dec. 12: Lamont Peterson vs. Amir Khan
Lamont Peterson got the best upset of the year against one of the best (and certainly fastest) boxers in the world, the Brit Amir Khan. Peterson was able to work himself to the corners were the speed from the British boxer would be less powerful and was able to edge out a split decision win that Amir Khan is still appealing.
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