Manny Pacquiao
The third fighter on my short list is the one everyone has been talking about for years, Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38 KOs) has the total package. He matches up well with Floyd Mayweather’s experience, skills and drawing power. This matchup captures the imagination of most boxing fans, fringe and die hard.
Pacquiao, 35, has won titles in eight different weight divisions and has earned multiple “Fighter of the Year” awards as well.
He too has fought the best, beating the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales.
I have recently found myself theorizing the following equation; what if Mayweather, who will be 38 in February, will fight those last two fights without fighting Pacquiao?
Should he win those fights he ties the great Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 record. He then becomes a free agent to fight where he wants and when he wants. Does he then end his career against Pacman?
That fight stands poised to gross more money than any other fight in history and provides an opportunity for Floyd to put a resounding stamp on his career.
The jury is still out on whether any fighter will be able to hand Mayweather a loss. Speaking solely as a lifetime boxing fan, I would settle for seeing him keenly tested while on the edge of my seat if and when it happens.
