Too much too soon is what I see for this hypothetical match-up.
To abruptly leap frog two weight classes would be considered absurd for anybody within boxing to do so. This is exactly what would be asked of Manny Pacquiao should he be goaded into fighting the ?Golden Boy? later this year. With the ?Pacman? entering the ring somewhere around the 146 pound mark during fight time, it?s not too far-fetched of a super bout as far as the discussions regarding it somewhere down the line.
?Down the line? is the key phrase here people.
Unfortunately there is so much unfinished business in or around Pacquiao?s current weight class that to make such a quick and drastic move up in weight could potentially be very detrimental to the career and legacy of the Filipino icon. While it?d obviously do wonders for his bank account in the short-run, Pacquiao has the ability to go down as a true legend should he take on and dispose of the more than ample competition in or around the current 135 pound weight class.
Here?s a run down of the list of potential opponents at his current weight:
Joan Guzman Edwin Valero
Amir Khan (late 2009)
Nate Campbell-Joel Casamayor winner
Michael Katsidis-Juan Diaz winner
140 Pound Fighters
Paulie Malinaggi
Ricky Hatton
These viable opponents would be considered significant paydays in addition to allowing Manny to continue maturing into a legitimately larger fighter over the next several years.
While many spectators would undoubtedly label the ?Pacman? as foolish should he turn down an extremely lucrative payday for an Oscar De la Hoya fight, if there?s one larger man that the southpaw sparkplug should definitely lock horns with before Oscar it?s Ricky ?The Hitman? Hatton.
With Hatton struggling to make the 140 pound weight limit in addition to having some very clear issues in taking it to the body, Pacquiao can transition slowly into the higher divisions while giving himself a chance to actually build on an already huge fan base.
Remember my friends? ?Abdullah the Butcher? still has no clue as to who Manny Pacquiao is. It just means that the ?Pacman? still has room to grow as a household name here in the United States of America.
I guess we?ll see how it all plays out soon enough as Pipe dreams can become realities if you wish upon a star and dream hard enough?. I dream of a Toronado run today.
There?s Mr. Waugh calling me right now?
