No Mayweather? Probable Pacquiao Opponents Line Up

At this point in time, nobody knows whether or not Floyd Mayweather will once again go into a hiatus and leave the boxing world hinging on what could have been an explosive showdown between himself and Fighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao. But in any case Mayweather does make true of his statements and leave boxing again and leave his crusade for drug-free boxing matches and “focus” on his other endeavors, here are some good fights Pacquiao and his camp may consider for his one last hurrah before the Fighting Pride of the Philippines shifts his attention to the Philippine politics. 

Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto II (Light Middleweight) 

Miguel Cotto tops the list of possible replacements should Pacquiao-Mayweather will never materialize. Cotto is coming off from a fresh win over former WBA light middleweight champion Yuri Foreman and rematch between the two presents a huge significance for Pacquiao. A victory over Cotto at light middleweight will give Pacquiao his 8th title in eight divisions, which would definitely up his ante exponentially. However, Pacquiao might be pushing himself if he does go north the scales and add more weight. 

And then there is also the element of revenge. Cotto suffered a beatdown and should they fight again, expect the Puerto Rican to return the favor.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito (Welterweight) 
Top Rank boss Bob Arum is bent on pushing this matchup should Mayweather decides not to fight. However, many in the boxing community do not feel Margarito deserves another marquee fight, or any other fight for that matter, after being suspended for attempted tampering of his handwraps against Shane Mosley. But whether Margarito deserves another shot or not, this matchup possesses intriguing elements, like the size differential and the styles of both fighters. It might be a good fight on paper, but it is not a very significant fight for Pacquiao, who wishes to close his career with one last battle. 

Manny Pacquiao vs, Andre Berto (Welterweight) 

Although Pacquiao is far from the twilight of his boxing career, a match with the youthful Andre Berto is akin to clash between a legend and a rookie. But by no means is Berto a fresh meat in the sport. He holds the WBC version of the welterweight crown and have defended it three times against high caliber opponents. For Pacquiao, a victory over Berto would unify the WBO and WBC championships and in the process, he will become the first Asian boxing champion to win and unify multiple belts at the welterweight division.


Fantasy Match-Ups 


Manny Pacquiao vs. Amir Khan (Light Welterweight)

Two speedsters with potent punches and a huge array of offensive skills, this is a great fight both on paper and on the ring. Khan is much like the younger version of Pacquiao, only bigger and taller. Skill wise, Pacquiao will own the Bolton native, but Khan has the physical attributes and the power to stop the Filipino on his tracks, as well as handpseed that equals that of Pacquiao. That said, Pacquiao has the edge in experience and ring generalship. A very intriguing fight to say the least, one that people would definitely watch if the powers that be make it happen.

Manny Pacquiao vs Tim Bradley (Light Welterweight)

Bradley is perhaps the best at light welterweight today and he is technically sound and skillful enough to match Pacquiao. He might be able to hold his own and win some rounds, but Pacquiao’s overwhelming offense may prove to be too much for him should they meet. Interesting matchup though.

Manny Pacquiao vs Paul Williams (Welterweight)

This writer believes that if there is a fight Pacquiao has the greatest chances of losing, it is with Paul Williams. Williams, who have already expressed his desire to fight Pacquiao, can easily scale down to welterweight and meet the Filipino champion. Standing at 6’2, Williams will enjoy a major height and reach advantage over the 5’6 Pacquiao. Williams also have a considerable power in both hands. If both fighters agree to meet, Pacquiao’s chances of winning are slim, but nevertheless, the Filipino boxer-puncher will slug it out with the lanky Williams and go all out, all for the entertainment of the fans.