Golovkin, Pacquiao top our list of boxing’s best welterweights and middleweights

Gennady Golovkin defends his middleweight title Saturday against IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook, who moves up in weight for this bout in London. This match inspires a discussion of the best boxers ranging from 147 to 160 pounds.

The welterweight field, with its 147-pound limit, is boxing’s deepest division with the Nov. 5 return of Manny Pacquiao, who will fight Jessie Vargas. The division also includes Brook’s fellow unbeaten welterweight champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia.

After Canelo Alvarez staged consecutive 155-pound-limit middleweight title fights against Miguel Cotto and Amir Khan, he gave up that belt. He continues what he says is his preparation for a September 2017 date with Golovkin by fighting next week for Liam Smith’s World Boxing Organization 154-pound junior-middleweight belt.

Below is The Times’ list of the top 10 boxers in the 147 to 160 pounds weight classes:

1. Gennady Golovkin, Kazakhstan, Middleweight, 35-0, 32 KOs.

Golovkin smartly pushed for this bout in England to expand his worldwide recognition in the fight-friendly country, and it only took a few hours for the fight at O2 Arena to sell out.

Next fight: Saturday against Brook in defense of Golovkin’s WBC and IBF middleweight belts (the WBA judged the matchup too one-sided).

2. Manny Pacquiao, Philippines, Welterweight, 58-6-2, 38 KOs.

The 37-year-old spent months focused on his election as a Senator and the job’s duties. His last bout was a convincing April triumph over Timothy Bradley Jr. Pacquiao is fighting Vargas in the hope of perhaps landing a 2017 bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Alvarez.

Next fight: Nov. 5 against Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas in Vargas’ first defense as WBO welterweight champion.

3. Canelo Alvarez, Mexico, Junior-middleweight 47-1-1, 33 KOs.

He’s taking heat for steering clear of Golovkin and picking an opponent, Liam Smith, considered a paper champion; pricing the pay-per-view bout at $64.95 won’t calm the criticism.

Next fight: Sept. 17 at Texas’ AT&T Stadium for Smith’s belt on HBO pay-per-view.

4. Danny Garcia, Philadelphia, Welterweight, 32-0, 18 KOs.

His 2013 victory over Lucas Matthysse should’ve been the start of a long string of big fights. Instead, it’s unclear when his supposed meeting with Andre Berto will happen.

Next fight: Uncertain, because CBS and Premier Boxing Champions officials scheduled fights against Saturday night college football games last year, which proved a painful ratings venture.

5. Keith Thurman, Clearwater, Fla., Welterweight, 27-0, 22 KOs.

He survived a test of grit by the aggressive Shawn Porter in June, landing the more effective punches down the stretch to convince judges in a brutal 12-rounder.

Next fight: Nothing scheduled, but Timothy Bradley Jr. and Amir Khan could be in play.

6. Kell Brook, England, Welterweight, 36-0, 25 KOs.

Deserves extra points for accepting the Golovkin bout even if it is something of a no-lose cash grab. Brooks’ boxing skills staved off the pressure of Porter three years ago at StubHub, but it’s unlikely to work this time.

Next fight: Saturday versus Golovkin in London on HBO.

7. Timothy Bradley Jr., Cathedral City, Welterweight, 33-2-1, 13 KOs.

“I’ve only lost to Pacquiao,” is an impressive asterisk. Bradley is letting his body recover from the April setback as he awaits another bout amid television budget and scheduling woes.

Next fight: Poised to be placed against a PBC fighter early next year.

8. Erislandy Lara, Cuba, Junior-middleweight, 23-2-2, 13 KOs.

The WBA 154-pound champion has won four consecutive fights after his 2014 split-decision setback to Alvarez. Lara’s complex style, crafted on the island nation, makes the 33-year-old a problematic test for anyone.

Next fight: Uncertain. But insiders familiar with plans indicate a young opponent by the end of the year and a 2017 showdown against a name fighter.

9. Errol Spence Desoto Jr., Texas, Welterweight 21-0, 18 KOs.

The 2012 U.S. Olympian has an impressive knockout defeat over Chris Algieri on his resume this year and also had the good fortune to win his last bout in August on NBC after the U.S. won the men’s basketball gold medal, enjoying a PBC-record audience of 6 million.

Next fight: Unclear. But he is the best young fighter in Al Haymon’s stable.

10. Jermall Charlo, Houston, Junior-middleweight, 24-0, 18 KOs.

By virtue of his May decision over former champion Austin Trout, the unbeaten IBF champion edges twin brother and fellow champion Jermell in the top 10.

Next fight: Had laser eye surgery that postponed the anticipated match with unbeaten Julian Williams.

OTHERS TO WATCH: 11. Julian Williams, junior-middleweight; 12. Miguel Cotto, middleweight; 13. Amir Khan, welterweight; 14. Jermell Charlo, junior-middleweight; 15. Danny Jacobs, middleweight.

lance.pugmire@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimespugmire