Forget about pursuing a rematch with Floyd Mayweather– Manny Pacquiao will never get satisfaction dealing with a foe so difficult to get into the ring and so hard to force into an actual fight. Plus, we all know how tough it will always be to get a fair shake in a Mayweather world under Mayweather conditions. Aiming at a rematch may be the smart business move for Manny because of how much money it can generate, but it?s really just a pursuit of another frustrating experience.
Pacquiao, in his final couple of years, should build upon the astonishing feats he has achieved in the sport over the course of twenty years as a professional. Already an eight-division world champion, Manny should push for a ninth world title at middleweight.
Now, yes, it?s true that every man has his limit and, on the surface, asking Pacquiao, who made his pro debut as a flyweight, to compete for the 160 lb. title seems like a bit much to ask. It?s also true that Manny just seems unable to add that extra bulk to his frame, weighing just 144.5 lbs. when winning his eighth divisional title at the 154 lb. limit against Antonio Margarito in 2010. Usually weighing in at the 144-145 lb. range as a welterweight, it would appear as though Manny has reached the limits of how much weight he can add to his frame without it affecting his performance.
But this potential bid for a ninth divisional title has special circumstances.
WBC and lineal middleweight champ Miguel Cotto will be defending against Saul ?Canelo? Alvarez on November 21 in Las Vegas. The winner will have just two money options when it comes to defenses?Gennady Golovkin for a marginal payday or, perhaps, Manny Pacquiao for a monster payoff. For either fighter, Cotto or Canelo, the choice is easy?Pacquiao.
Cotto would be looking to avenge his 2009 TKO loss to Pacquiao while Canelo would be looking to add on to his growing resume and increase his level of exposure to the mainstream American audience. Again, a fight with Manny Pacquiao is an easy choice.
For Manny, it would be a tough ride to get close to the 160 lb. limit, but not as daunting as one would think. Cotto-Canelo is being contested at a 155 lb. catchweight, just eight pounds above the welterweight limit. If the winner would agree to weigh 155 lbs. against Pacquiao, who could rise to at least 149 or 150, the bout could be made.
The up side of such an attempt at history would be tremendous. Nine divisional world titles is a feat nobody would ever accomplish again and the winning of a middleweight belt would be a slap in the face of Floyd Mayweather, who has actively ignored calls to try for a 160 lb. title. Plus, a bout with either Cotto or Canelo would be flat-out fun.
So, hopefully, Manny stops with the idea of a Mayweather rematch and starts his hot pursuit of the Cotto-Canelo winner.
