Ok… so Manny Pacquiao has options. Big, big deal.
Apparently with the allegations and lawsuits flying around regarding the Pacquiao-Mayweather-blood-test-steroid-allegations… promoter of the “Pacman”, Bob Arum has thrown around Paulie Malignaggi’s name into the mix stating that there are alternatives to Floyd Mayweather Jr.
It makes sense but at the same time it doesn’t.
While Paulie Malignaggi has revived his career with two victories over lightweight Juan Diaz, boxing fans cannot help but remember the fact that the Italian Brooklynite came up short against two Pacquiao victims in Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto. In essence, there is no hoopla or steam surrounding a Pacquiao-Malignaggi fight in any way, shape, or form. While 2 wins over the “Baby Bull” might allow for one to make a case for Paulie being in the top 5 within the 140 pound division, it definitely doesn’t make the case for the “Magic Man” as being a legitimate threat to the Filipino beast.
Arum is considered as crafty as they come in the eyes of many but in these eyes… he’s bluffing with the wrong hand.
The name “Paulie Malignaggi” doesn’t strike fear into the heart of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s financial advisors. Even if the fight were to come off, no one would give Paulie a chance in hell to come out with the victory.
The Mayweather-Pacquiao fight can still take place later on in the year and the fight would obviously still sell very well based on the fact that neither man has lost in quite some time now.
On the other hand… if Bob Arum mentioned the name Paul “The Punisher” Williams as the leading candidate to replace Mayweather in early 2010, that altogether is a different story.
Standing at 6’1″ while possessing a mind-boggling 78-inch reach with the work-rate and heart to match Manny, Williams would pose as not only a legitimate threat but might actually be considered the favorite going into the replacement bout.
This would undoubtedly cause great pain and anguish for the Mayweather clan being that a potential career-high payday could be knocked off due to unnecessary posturing and ridiculous demands.
I’m thinking that Bob Arum bluffed with the wrong Paul… it should have been “The Punisher”.
