Clottey is chalked up and added to the resume, so what’s next? Manny Pacquiao has his political aspirations, but he also has a few options in the mix for his boxing career. Pacquiao told me last month that he very well may continue to fight even if he wins the election. So what are Manny’s boxing options?
1- Floyd Mayweather Jr – Of course this is the fight that most of the boxing world wants to see. The problem? Mayweather will be fighting Shane Mosley, and there is a rematch clause in that contract. Furthermore, even when and if the time comes for negotiations to begin for this fight, we still have to get though the whole blood testing demands that Floyd has thrown into the mix. This certainly is the most in demand fight and it’s the biggest money option for Pacquiao.
2 – Edwin Valero – Hard hitting knockout artist Edwin Valero has been mowing down opponents like they are going out of style. Valero is has 27 victories, all by way of knockout. He has yet to be really tested but his knockout ratio speaks clearly. Valero is a southpaw with tremendous knockout power, so he would be a threat to anyone in the division. Edwin is a Top Rank fighter and it’s not beyond Bob Arum to match him up with Pacquiao in the near future.
3 – Juan Manuel Marquez – The only man besides Erik Morales who truly gave Pacquiao a run for his money. Marquez has a bone to pick. His two fights against Pacquiao were both very close ones. A draw and a split decision loss against a guy that has been destroying opponents is pretty impressive.
4 – Antonio Margarito – Word has been surfacing that Antonio Margarito is a possible option. Margarito as we all know has been suspended for illegal handwraps, but now is about to make a return. He is Another Top Rank fighter. Margarito would make for an exciting fight because of his come forward aggressive style. He would also bring some name recognition into the ring both for his impressive wars in the ring, and for the controversy that follows him now.
Manny Pacquiao has proved beyond any shadow of a doubt what he can do all the way up to the welterweight division. Someone like Juan Manuel Marquez, a proven warrior, would have to deal with fighting heavier as Pacquiao would not go back down in weight for that fight.
Mississippians across the state who follow the sport of boxing would prefer that Pacquiao take on Mayweather next. Floyd brings the biggest name recognition, and the biggest money to the table. Unfortunately there are some obstacles to get over in order for this fight to come to fruition. This was the topic of discussion yesterday at the Mississippi Golden Gloves tournament in Pearl, MS. While attending this event, I asked several of the fighters, and the coaches who they would prefer to see Manny Pacquiao fight next. The overwhelming response was, Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Stan Nichols – President USA Boxing Southern Association – ” I would love to see Manny Pacquiao take on Floyd Mayweather Jr. It’s the fight most everybody would like to see. It’s the two best at their craft.”
Pacquiao has a big election ahead but boxing is still in his plans. Win or lose in his bid to become a Congressman, we still should see him in a few more fights before he finally hangs up the gloves.
Read up on Mike Marley’s article on Pacquiao and retirement – http://www.examiner.com/x-5699-Boxing-Examiner~y2010m3d19-Mother-knows-worst-No-reason-for-Manny-Pacquiao-to-quit-ring
Read and watch Manny Pacquiao video interviews here – http://www.8countnews.com
