WITH Manny Pacquiao taking an extended leave of absence to run for Congress, the race is on to be the Filipino superstar’s next opponent. That position may represent something of a dubious honour given the fate of Pacman’s last few foes, but you’d be amazed at just how many doubts and fears can be assuaged, or even erased, by a career-best payday and a huge attendance. While most observers are focused on the Floyd Mayweather-Shane Mosley May 1 victor as Manny’s next adversary, and WBC welter king Andre Berto did his case no harm at all on Saturday by both remaining unbeaten AND looking beatable, there are four upcoming contests that may have a vital say in who wins the Pacquiao lottery. Ironically for the WBO welter boss, two of those matches lie a weight down while the others take place seven pounds north at light-middle. These are the Pacquiao Playoffs.
On May 15 in New York, Pacquiao’s stablemate Amir Khan makes his US debut against Paulie Malignaggi. Now while Khan is unlikely to face his friend and training partner – Amir admits he’s not yet on Manny’s level and even the great Freddie Roach has failed to master being in two corners at the same time – Malignaggi, if he wins, becomes a genuine contender to face the Filipino. Malignaggi has been an outspoken accuser of Pacquiao over the drugs row, giving the fight a grudge element. If Paulie beat Khan, there would also be the angle of Manny and Roach trying to gain vengeance.
Also at light-welter, it was reported last week that WBO champ Tim Bradley would face hard-punching WBA interim holder Marcos Maidana in June. With strength, speed and a good chin, the unbeaten Bradley currently represents, for Pacquiao, a high risk/low reward ratio, due to his lack of name value. But if he defeats Maidana, who US TV viewers know from his making Victor Ortiz submit, that could all change. If Maidana wins, the dynamite-fisted but limited and hittable Argentine would arguably be Pac’s easiest marketable adversary.
Now, like Pacquiao in all his fights these days, we must look up. Miguel Cotto moves to 11st on June 5 to challenge WBA ruler Yuri Foreman. ‘Ah,’ I hear you cry, ‘but Pacman has already beaten Cotto conclusively’. You have me there. However if Cotto were to beat Foreman impressively, look comfortable at the new weight and with legendary trainer Emanuel Steward now by his side, a rematch could be sold at light-middle, especially in New York. Bear in mind, Cotto was doing well on his jab for the first couple of rounds the first time and if anyone is capable of formulating a plan to vanquish Manny, Roach aside, it’s Steward. As for the unsung Foreman, the Rabbi was said to be on Pacquiao’s pre-Clottey shortlist before Roach allegedly realised, with a deal in place, just how tall he was. A win over Cotto will not make Foreman any shorter but will hugely increase his name value and this, combined with the chance to make more history, could make the match irresistible to Pacquiao.
Last but not least is the May 8 potential light-middle classic between Kermit Cintron and Paul Williams, two men who claim they can still make welter, meaning Manny can stay at 147lbs to face the winner. Cintron having been bullied by Margacheato – twice – may convince Pacquiao to chance his arm, but I’d like to see the threshing machine against Williams. Yes, Paul would have huge physical advantages but therein lies the intrigue, not to mention novelty value. It would be like Haye-Valuev in miniature – if Valuev was fast, skilful, good on the inside and a southpaw. So not like that at all really. I think it’s the least likely fight to happen – Roach would likely deem it a bridge too far and Pacquiao has nothing to prove. But Manny loves a challenge and outside of his meeting the Mayweather-Mosley winner – which looks unlikely for now – it’s the fight I’d be most excited about. Dare to dream. Until next time…
