Most informed fans and experts would expect a naturally bigger, stronger, quicker, and more experienced Mayweather to cruise to an easy victory. Few would consider Mayweather-Guerrero to be a thrilling or competitive bout at all.
Next on the possible list of Mayweather opponents is Erik Morales, another converted featherweight who just happens to hold a paper title at junior welterweight.
There’s no doubt that Morales is a real legend in the sport, but the native of Tijuana is at least seven years from being considered an elite-level fighter and, at welterweight, he would be at least four divisions above his prime weight.
If Mayweather were to pursue a bout with Morales, the outcry from fans and media would be deafening. A Mayweather-Morales pay-per-view on Cinco de Mayo would likely end up being a public relations disaster and, competitively, a real flop.
Another option for Mayweather’s return is the new WBC #1 contender at welterweight, Devon Alexander.
“Somehow,” Alexander got launched to the WBC’s top contender spot immediately after signing with Golden Boy Promotions and despite the fact that the former junior welterweight champ has never really competed at the 147 lb. limit.
From the info released to the press, though, it looks like Alexander is headed for a showdown with Paulie Malignaggi. And that’s a good thing. A Mayweather-Alexander bout would not only be a critical failure, it would likely be a supremely dull encounter between a talented counter puncher and a young fighter not all that keen on throwing that many meaningful punches.
Mayweather’s best option would be Amir Khan, the brash 24-year-old two-belt junior welterweight champ who will be making his last appearance at 140 lbs. this December 10 against Lamont Peterson.
Khan is young, strong, talented, and supremely marketable. The UK native is also coming off a string of impressive, dominant performances against the likes of Zab Judah, Paulie Malignaggi, and Marcos Maidana.
Mayweather-Khan would be a box office smash and the most competitive realistic bout for Mayweather to pursue. It would also represent a dig at Manny Pacquiao through Khan and Pacquiao trainer, Freddie Roach.
A Khan bout would be infinitely preferable to the prospect of contests featuring Floyd against fighters like Guerrero, Morales, or Alexander, but it still isn’t the absolute best option.
