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Manny Pacquiao is boxing’s pound for pound best in the world, right now.
The minute that Floyd Mayweather returns to the ring and is successful in extending his undefeated record to 40 wins, Pacquiao’s reign ends.
Pacquiao is a warrior with tremendous heart and an exciting style which makes just about every one of his contests a must see event, but let us not confuse aggression with skill.
Mayweather is the most skilled boxer to have graced a ring in the last decade. Yes, he had a tough first fight with Jose Luis Castillo and Zab Judah tested him in the first half of their fight, but aside from those instances, Mayweather has never been in danger of losing.
Pacquiao has taken his stardom to the next level with a stoppage victory over Oscar De La Hoya, but Mayweather took a split-decision victory (a unanimous one in my book) from a De La Hoya who was a year and a half younger and nine pound heavier than the man who faced Manny.
Realistically, a simmering future battle between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao would easily favor Pretty Boy.
If you disagree with my opinion and you do not believe me, listen to the words of Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum — who is already maneuvering out of future clash.
Arum made it very clear to Boxing Scene wants to keep Pacman away from Floyd due to monetary reasons. Like Kool Keith once said, “I don’t believe you, I don’t believe you.” Arum knows that Floyd’s speed and defense would be difficult for the improved, but unbalanced and aggressive Pacquiao. A loss to Mayweather would dull Manny’s luster and earning power at the top of height of his drawing power; those are the reasons Arum wants to keep his fighter clear of Floyd.
This writer will never questions Manny Pacquiao’s warrior spirit. Every time Manny gets inside a ring, he puts his well-being on the line, but his promoter clearly shows little confidence that Pacquiao could surpass Floyd Mayweather.
I ask you this, if Manny beats Ricky Hatton this May, what fight would be bigger for Manny than a clash with Mayweather?
A June or September return of Mayweather puts Arum in a difficult position; give Manny the fight him and the fans want, or protect his valuable, but beatable commodity.
