By Geno McGahee, Ringside Report
Bob Arum has noted that the super fight between the two pound for pound best fighters in the world may not happen due to a missed deadline. Floyd Mayweather, JR., 41-0, 25 KO’s, has been on the radar of Filipino superstar, Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao, 51-3-2, 38 KO’s, for quite some time, but several factors have prevented the fight from happening.
The Deadline
Bob Arum has gone public and said that because Mayweather, JR., has missed the deadline for exclusive negotiations rights, he has stated that Antonio Margarito or Miguel Cotto are now in the mix for Pacquiao opponents. Cotto has already lost to Pacquiao by TKO in the 12th round, dominating the Puerto Rican star for the majority of the fight. A rematch would mean zero and the boxing fans would not buy the fight as a viable challenge to Pacquiao.
Antonio Margarito has problems with getting the right to fight in the states due to his cheating ways, loading his gloves, using Plaster of Paris in his hand wraps. When he didn’t have loaded gloves, Margarito was easily defeated by Shane Mosley, and most believe that Pacquiao would have a field day with the slow of foot Mexican fighter and not too many are even interested in Margarito after his disgusting behavior.
Timothy Bradley Challenge
Timothy Bradley, fresh off his one-sided win over Luis Carlos Abregu, made the challenge: “I want Manny Pacquiao!” It’s the equivalent of saying: “I want money,” because Pacquiao is one of the biggest draws in boxing and Bradley has flown under the radar of the mainstream. His lack of punching power and charisma make him an unlikely choice by Team Pacquiao. As talented as Bradley is, he does not bring the name value to merit a pay per view challenge.
Floyd Mayweather, JR., should a Pacquiao fight not materialize most likely would not entertain a fight with Bradley either because it’s little reward, high risk. Style-wise, Bradley is a bad match up for Money Mayweather. It would be a more difficult fight for him then Pacquiao would be.
Floyd’s Denial
Recently, Mayweather has denied any existence of any deadline and has gone as far as to say that there were never any concrete plans to take on Pacquiao. This statement can be challenged and will most likely be disproved in the near future. All of the details of the negotiations have been kept quiet by contract and a November 13th deadline was the plan for this fight and still may be, but there is a big problem for Money Mayweather.
Roger Mayweather’s legal problems
In August of 2009, Roger Mayweather, trainer to Floyd, was arrested for attacking a female fighter, choking her and physically striking her several times. This case is still hanging over his head and it is likely that the “Black Mamba” will be placed in a cell for some time for this assault. Without his trainer, Floyd may not be mentally ready for the biggest challenge of his career.
Boosting the Gate
There is a train of thought that is beginning to make a lot of sense. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and the more that they string us along and make us think that the fight is on the ropes, makes us want it that much more. It’s that entire idea that you want what you can’t have.
There have been whispers of a plan to increase the gate and insure the biggest gate in the history of boxing by manipulating the media and fans with false headlines and an off again/on again message.
Mayweather holding the Cards
Despite reported money problems, family issues, and more, Floyd Mayweather, JR., is still the big draw, and he knows it. Even though Pacquiao’s style is more appealing to most and most certainly more exciting, Floyd has gone mainstream through his smart business. He has painted himself the villain and has gained fans from different areas, ranging from the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) to the fans of Dancing with the Stars. Compile that with his boisterous ways and flashy style, he has become the new Muhammad Ali. People want to see him lose.
Pacquiao needs this fight. He has beaten a string of impressive foes, but Floyd is the prize. Mayweather, JR., has not only won, but he has won most of the rounds of his career. Pacquiao’s string of wins, his continued improvement, and exciting style have made him the challenge that people want to see imposed on Floyd, but even the most diehard fans of Pacquiao realize the problem he will face and that he will be the underdog going in.
The fans screaming “shut him up” are now directed at Pacquiao in hopes that somebody will finally beat Mayweather. People like Pacquiao but want Mayweather to actually be challenged for once and the only one that can apparently do it is Manny.
Bombshell
The word now is that there will be an announcement shortly from Floyd Mayweather, JR., in regards to this fight and his plans. The word is that everything has been agreed to and that Floyd is currently entertaining other trainers for this fight should Roger be kept on ice. This fight will happen and things are in the process of being ironed out. Expect Floyd to make a statement soon.
Source: ringsidereport.com
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