Ending 2009 with a loss in a world championship bout, 2010 looked to be a rebuilding year for Jean Pascal. But with his devastating knockout of Pablo Nievas in April, Pascal announced to everyone in attendance, “I’m baaaack!” Back he was, Pascal was tagged to move up in weight and face cross-town rival Adrian Diaconu after the Interbox fighter’s repeated attempts to defend his WBC world title fell through. Brought in as an optional defense, forced to move up in weight, giving up promotional options, it looked as Pascal was merely the ticket draw to spark fan interest in Diaconu. Pascal though proved to be a changed fighter, questions of stamina, heart and chin were laid to rest as superbly prepared Pascal fought the fight of his life, cashing in on the superb talent and speed he is blessed with. Pascal was able to take care of mandatory challenger Silvio Branco and then once again retain his WBC in a rematch with Diaconu, this time with a separated shoulder. 4-0, Fight of the year, round of the year, KO of the year candidate, Pascal did it all in 2009 and Fightnews salutes the fighter for his outstanding achievements.

If the previous year ended with questions marks for Lucian Bute, 2009 ended with exclamation marks for the southpaw. Bute appeared on Showtime and faced off against knockout artist Fulgencio Zuniga and was questioned how he would fare against a heavy hitter after ending the previous year being knocked down. Bute responded with a dominating performance, stopping the Columbian in four. Clearly Zuniga was Librado Andrade, but as it turned out, Andrade was no Lucian Bute. The charismatic southpaw answered all questions, stopping the Mexican warrior for the first time in his career in front of an International audience on HBO.