A look at the top 10 welterweights in boxing

Manny Pacquiao hopes to capture the World Boxing Organization welterweight belt for a fourth time when he meets current world champion Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas on Saturday. It sets the stage for a strong run of 147-pound bouts next year.

Unbeaten World Boxing Council champion Danny Garcia needs only to emerge victorious in a hometown tune-up in Philadelphia next week to finalize a showdown against unbeaten World Boxing Assn. champion Keith Thurman on March 4.

Former world champions Timothy Bradley, Shawn Porter and Amir Khan are also due back in the ring in the winter, and another champion, England’s Kell Brook, is expected to defend his International Boxing Federation belt in the first half of the year.

Here’s a look at the top 10 welterweights:

1. Manny Pacquiao, Philippines, No. 1 WBO contender, 58-6-2, 38 KOs

He’s 37 and has been occupied with a steady workload as a senator in the Philippines, but the old fire was resparked by the gnawing feeling he can do better in a rematch with retired Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Next fight: Saturday against Vargas, in his first defense as WBO welterweight champion.

2. Danny Garcia, Philadelphia, WBC champion, 32-0, 18 KOs

He’s been accused of taking too many old or soft touches, but he is unbeaten and has committed to the showdown with Thurman.

Next fight: Took the Nov. 12 hometown date against lightly regarded Samuel Vargas because Garcia hasn’t fought since beating Robert Guerrero in February.

3. Keith Thurman, Clearwater, Fla., WBA champion, 27-0, 22 KOs

He could’ve used a stay-busy fight before year’s end to further boost the recognition he received from beating Shawn Porter in June.

Next fight: March 4 against Garcia, although New York’s steep insurance premiums may force that bout to Las Vegas.

4. Kell Brook, England, IBF champion, 36-1, 25 KOs

His game September showing against feared unbeaten middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin was impressive, and it’s left Brook wanting another big fight; he is pushing for a bout with Pacquiao if Mayweather won’t return.

Next fight: Has to decide to make a mandatory defense against gifted Errol Spence Jr., or to turn over his belt.

5. Timothy Bradley, Cathedral City, No. 2 WBO contender, 33-2-1, 13 KOs

Took the fall off to coach football at La Quinta, but remains with trainer Teddy Atlas and has told those closest to him that he’s seeking two more big fights before considering retiring.

Next fight: TBA; one key insider believes that Amir Khan is the favorite.

6. Errol Spence Jr., Desoto, Texas, No. 1 IBF contender, 21-0, 18 KOs

Spence’s talent and charisma are unmistakable, and exactly the injection of electricity the sport needs.

Next fight: TBA as Brook heals from a fractured orbital bone and decides what to do.

7. Shawn Porter, Las Vegas, No. 3 WBC contender, 26-2-1, 16 KOs

His slight margin of defeat against Thurman revealed the strides he’s making, and Porter’s daring style makes him an enjoyable watch.

Next fight: TBA, but should face a quality opponent early in 2017.

8. Amir Khan, England, No. 3 Ring Magazine, 31-4, 19 KOs

His bold move to fight Canelo Alvarez for the middleweight title proved his mettle, but a KO loss suggests that his chin is brittle.

Next fight: TBA.

9. Jessie Vargas, Las Vegas, WBO champion, 27-1, 10 KOs

Feeling confident after rocking Bradley in the final seconds of his loss last year, then claiming the vacant WBO belt by defeating Sadam Ali. What will his youth, height and reach advantages mean against the skilled Pacquiao?

Next fight: Saturday night, makes first title defense against record seven-division champion Pacquiao.

10. Andre Berto, Hollywood, No. 1 WBC contender, 31-4, 24 KOs

His financial demands were said to have complicated plans to place him against Garcia on Oct. 15 at Staples Center. After receiving millions of dollars in a 2015 loss to Mayweather, it’s hard for Berto to accept far less.

Next fight: TBA, former 140-pound champion Lamont Peterson has been mentioned as a possible foe next year.

OTHERS TO WATCH: 11. Konstantin Ponomarez, Russia, (30-0, 13 KOs); 12. Omar Figueroa, Weslaco, Texas, (26-0-1, 18 KOs); 13. Frankie Gomez, East Los Angeles, (21-0, 13 KOs); 14. Jose Benavidez, Phoenix, (25-0, 16 KOs); 15. David Avanesyan, Russia, (22-1-1, 11 KOs).

lance.pugmire@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimespugmire