Terence Crawford is fifth.
The rest of the pack has fallen away, with the voting set to end next week.
NOMINEES
Other nominees for the award include Billy Joe Saunders for his dominant win over David Lemieux recently, joining the now-retired Andre Ward on the list for his repeat win over Sergey Kovalev.
Also, current multi-weight world belt-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.
Srisaket Sor Rungvisai‘s shock double triumph over Roman Gonzalez means the Thai fighter is among the elite this year on merit.
Rounding off the voting is the current unified 147-pound number one Keith Thurman, who took Danny Garcia’s ‘0’ and WBC strap way back in January.