Three-time winner Gennady Golovkin has taken an early lead with last year’s holder of the trophy Vasyl Lomachenko in second.
British pair Ryan Burnett and Anthony Joshua come next, with the rest of the pack in danger of falling away in the initial stages to leave a four-horse race.
In what has been a stellar year, a record twelve nominees have been selected and can take home the new award by gathering the most votes in the month-long poll.
Billy Joe Saunders is in for his dominant win over David Lemieux recently. The Briton joins the now-retired Andre Ward, included for his repeat win over Sergey Kovalev and current multi-weight world title holder Mikey Garcia.
Wanheng Menayothin finds his name among the 2017 elite for reaching a milestone 49-0, whilst heavyweight puncher Deontay Wilder impressed this year with another two stoppage wins. It was the American WBC champion’s crushing first round victory over Bermane Stiverne that sealed the nod though.
New welterweight Terence Crawford was a no-brainer due to his claiming four world championships at 140 pounds, whilst Srisaket Sor Rungvisai‘s shock double triumph over Roman Gonzalez means the Thai fighter is in with a chance.
Rounding off the voting is current unified 147 pound number one Keith Thurman, who took Danny Garcia’s ‘0’ and WBC strap way back in January.
