By Alex Trickett

Mayweather may seek to unify the lightweight division

For all of its international stars, America has always been boxing's hotbed.

And nothing will change in 2004 as a band of prime US champions look to stay on top.

Dominant title-holders Bernard Hopkins and Floyd Mayweather will continue to be targeted by ambitious challengers.

And veterans James Toney and Roy Jones Jr will cause a stir at whichever weight they chose.

The fight many purists would like to see is a rematch between the two, Toney having re-invented himself at heavyweight with an impressive stoppage of Evander Holyfield.

But if that falls by the ringside, what price a mega-money match-up between Jones and a bankrupt Mike Tyson?

BIG FIGHTS TO HOPE FOR: Jones Jr v Tyson Spinks v Mayorga (Nic) II Hopkins v Calzaghe (Wal)

The richest pickings may be at welterweight, however.

A tasty return bout between Cory Spinks and the outspoken Ricardo Mayorga must be on the cards.

And "Sugar" Shane Mosley, Vernon Forrest and the fallen "Golden Boy", Oscar de la Hoya, are still lurking.

Make no mistake, there are some interesting matches out there to made.

But fans will still be hoping for new stars to emerge from the Athens Olympics to freshen up the US boxing scene.

Hopkins gave Joppy a master class

King of the ring: Hopkins made his 17th successful world title defence in December, confirming him as one of best middleweights of all time.

That is some tribute in a division that has boasted the likes of Carlos Monzon, Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Robinson.

But it is well deserved.

Hopkins, 37, has had a long and distinguished career and showed no signs of slowing down when he outboxed William Joppy to round off a superb Christmas card in Atlantic City.

A bout with Joe Calzaghe would interest the boxing world and is every Welsh fight fan's dream.

One to watch: He is hardly a bright young hope any more, but you cannot take your eyes off Mayweather, who has swept aside all before him at lightweight.

The 26-year-old beat Victoriano Sosa and Phillip N'dou in 2003, the latter win perhaps ranking as his best to date.

And 2004 shows every sign of being the year of "Pretty Boy".

Fading stars: They were once great, but heavyweight grandfathers Tyson and Holyfield must step aside now.

"Iron Mike" may well be drawn out for one last payday to ease his financial worries.

And Holyfield, who is no longer able to live up to his moniker "Real Deal", has steadfastly refused to retire.