Victor Ortiz
Victor Ortiz (right) is an up-and-coming boxer. Reuters

Rising stars come and go in the sport of boxing.

A single punch can change the dynamics of any fight, regardless of who the fighter is.

In the meantime, keep your eyes on these five boxers as they climb to become recognized as first-class boxers of our time.

Brooklyn's Sechew Powell (26-2, 15 KO) is no stranger to the ring, but he's still at a point in his career where he must prove he can take his skills to another level. After a couple of losses in 2008, he has stayed committed to the gym and is currently preparing for a rematch with Cornelius Bundrage for the IBF Light Middleweight Championship on June 25th. Powell knocked out Bundrage in the first round back in 2005, and he will likely face a more difficult challenge this time around. Powell has tremendous focus and power in both hands, and doesn't hesitate to throw hard punches.

WBC and WBO Junior Welterweight Champion Timothy Bradley (27-0 11 KO) is a force to be reckoned with, and might the most under-rated boxer alive. A very smart fighter, Bradley carries out his game plan by adapting to the style of his opponent. Once Bradley figures out his opponents' style, he seizes on opportunities.

2011 has been quite a year for welterweight Victor Ortiz (29-2, 22 KO). His win over Andre Berto has earned him a fight with the best pound for pound, Floyd Mayweather (41-0, 25KO) September 17th for the WBC Welterweight Title. When fighting, Ortiz frequently produces a damaging right hand followed by a left hook to his opponents. And at just 24 years old, he has a lot of endurance and it is seen through his footwork. He makes any fighter work hard against him.

Junior welterweight Lamont Peterson (28-1, 14KO) relies on a well-honed defensive strategy. When faced with hard-hitting opponents, Peterson uses his feet to work in sync with blocking his chin. He accurately lands punches by the volume. His last fight ended with a draw against Victor Ortiz, but Peterson was able to connect on more punches. Peterson takes on Victor Manuel Cayo (26-1, 18KO) July 23rd in Las Vegas.

After choosing world-renowned trainer Freddie Roach, Peter Kid Chocolate Quillin (24-0, 18 KO) is on his way to leaving a mark in the middleweight division. He recently captured the USBO Super Middleweight title by a third-round knockout and is currently preparing for a July 23rd bout against Tarvis Simms (27-1, 11 KO). Qullin is a tactical defensive fighter. His right hand generates a massive amount of power when it lands. Fighting from the outside, Quillin is quick to carry out a series of punches on his opponents that leads to ending in a knockout.

These five boxers have proven they have the skills to be a force in boxing.

Now they must prove that they belong at a world-class competition level.

Boxing