Manny Pacquiao and Top Rank are apparently looking at two possible opponents for Manny’s next fight. Those opponents are either the opinionated and recognizeable Paulie Malignaggi or the less known but heavier Yuri foreman.
Foreman is the current WBA super welterweight champion, and as such would provide Manny with a belt in his 8th weight class should he beat him. At the same time though, Foreman is regarded as a lesser champion in the division, and would be seen by some as an easy target for Pacquiao.
Since Floyd Mayweather looks to be taking on the no.33 ranked welterweight (Matthew Hatton) as his first other option though, this can hardly be criticized too much.
By beating Miguel Cotto and Ricky Hatton at welterweight and light welterweight respectively, Manny rose instantly to the top of each division. Beating Yuri Foreman won’t have the same effect, and is a lot less impressive than becoming the linear champion of the entire division. It isn’t as if Manny needs another title to enhance his lagacy that much at this stage, there aren’t going to be any fighters trying to tie his record of 7 weight divisions anytime soon, and an 8th afainst a weak champion isn’t that much more impressive.
Paulie Malignaggi similarly doesn’t really do much for Manny in the legacy department, and has already been beaten by two of Manny’s former victims in Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto. In terms of money and interest generated though, both fights would probably be decent sellers. Malignaggi has his constantly flapping jaw and Foreman has the fact that he is a weight class higher to sell the fight.
Making the fight against either Malignaggi or Foreman should be simple enough for Top Rank to put together given that Yuri is a Top Rank fighter and Bob Arum said recently the fight against Malignaggi could be completed within an hour. Which of them will be the one to face Manny in March if the Mayweather fight is finally declared a non starter has flip flopped several times, but it appears either are still good candidates.
Many fans are still hoping that the Mayweather fight can be salvaged of course, but despite a lot of back and forth on both sides, it appears an agreement has still yet to be made. As my fellow examiner Michael Marley explains, the fight can always be pushed back until the fall if needs be, and although few will admit it, this might be the best way forward at this stage.
