Andre Ward did not disappoint on Saturday night and proved he is, without a doubt, the top super middleweight.

With his willingness to fight rather than simply coast to an easy decision victory, the way he dominated Carl Froch proved he will be difficult to beat in the near future.

The win not only solidified his position on boxing’s top pound-for-pound list, it also cemented his name on the Boxing Writers Association of America’s "Fighter of the Year" ballot. And without a notable fight on the docket this coming week, let’s take a look at all the names being sent out on this year’s ballot.

1. ANDRE WARD: His latest win over Froch awarded him Showtimes’s Super-Six Tournament trophy along with the Ring Magazine Super middleweight title and WBC Super middleweight belt. Ward also retained his WBA strap, which he defended three times in the last 13 months. He’s definitely made his mark over the last year and with the recent win fresh on the minds of voters, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he won.

2. NONITO DONAIRE: The reigning WBC and WBO bantamweight title holder is also the former WBA super flyweight, and IBF flyweight champion. He has never lost a title fight and captured his current belts with a TKO victory in the second round against Fernando Montiel in February of 2011, then defended and retained his title in October. Donaire is scheduled to move up and challenge for the WBO super bantamweight championship after the new year.

3. WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO: The current Ring Magazine heavyweight champion has also unified the WBA, Super WBO, IBO, and IBF heavyweight titles, and if his brother didn’t occupy the WBC belt rest assured it would be displayed around Wlad’s waist as well. He holds the WBO, IBF, and IBO record for longest reigning champion and most title defenses. His last loss was over seven years ago and though many believe the heavyweight division’s been weak this past decade, only three of his last 14 opponents made it to the final bell. Unfortunately his 2011 body of work is not enough to warrant many votes.

4: FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. He’s only fought three times since December of 2007 but the overall body of work throughout his career makes him the rightful owner of the top spot on my personal top pound-for-pound list. Mayweather is scheduled to fight again in May of 2012 but has yet to name an opponent. There is little doubt when he finally chooses to hang up his gloves, his name will be forever mentioned with the greatest of all time. But this "yearly" award should not be given to a fighter with only four rounds on the books.

5. MANNY PACQUIAO: The reigning WBO welterweight title holder is also considered the "super champion" and the first to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes. The same writers who will crown the 2011 "Fighter of the Year" recently named him "Fighter of the Decade" for the 2000’s, so he definitely holds a place in their hearts. He fought and won three title fights in the last 13 months, which included decision victories over Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez in 2011.

It may come as a surprise that Sergio Martinez was left off the ballot when he didn’t receive the mandatory votes, but until he faces and beats much stiffer competition or is at least involved in a mega-fight, it will be difficult for him to receive many accolades.

In the end, I believe the voting will come down to Ward and Pacquiao. Based on the recent history of the Boxing Writers Association of America, as well as looking at the resumes of their most recent winners, when the votes have been counted Pacquiao will most likely be named the 2011 "Fighter of the Year."

GOSSIP:

Promoter Lou DiBella says he spoke briefly with Mayweather Jr.’s camp to see if there is any interest in making a fight happen against Martinez if negotiations with Pacquiao stall. According to DiBella, if a deal can’t be reached to face Pacquiao on May 5, Floyd’s scheduled return to the ring, a catch-weight bout with Martinez is not out of the question.

Boxing-MMA record: 36-17 (68%)

(By-Line: Vegas-Runner is a pro sports bettor in Las Vegas featured on CNBC and ESPN. He holds the Sports Monitor record for "Most Units Won" in a single year for all sports combined. Follow him on Twitter (@vegasrunner) and at Pregame.com)