With a genuine feeling of optimism surrounding both camps within the highly publicized Mayweather/Pacquiao negotiations, discussion of a possible undercard may not seem overtly premature or unrealistic at this time.
Because a record number of mainstream and casual observers are expected to tune into this historic match-up, many experts believe that a ?stacked? roster of preliminary bouts would be the best marketing strategy by both participating networks for the progressive health of the perceived fringe pastime.
Although most fans will choose to be creative and ?go wild? while paying match-maker for the projected most lucrative event in boxing history, they would be wise to remember that Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank, Inc. will more than likely be the collaborative team that schedules the three bout PPV undercard.
Here?s what the preliminary match-ups for the potential Mayweather/Pacquiao PPV could resemble.
Opening bout – 10 rounds – Super Middleweight Badou Jack (18-1-1, 12 KOs) vs. Gilberto Ramirez (30-0, 24 KOs)
Although ?Zurdo? will be taking on Maxim Vlasov on January 24, Top Rank believes their 6?2? Super Middleweight prospect is a future star. While TMT fighter, Badou Jack, has experienced some hiccups during his ascent to the big time, Floyd Mayweather Jr. wholeheartedly believes that the Swedish born ?Ripper? is capable of winning a world title.
This compelling pairing is a southpaw (Ramirez) vs. orthodox (Jack) match-up that pits the relentless aggressor against the boxer/puncher. Not only does this contest potentially serve as a crossroads bout for both prospects, but also gives these two future stars plenty of mainstream exposure.
This match-up gets a FightSaga rating of 3 ? out of five stars – ***+
Second bout – 12 rounds – IBF Lightweight Championship Mickey Bey Jr. (21-1-1) vs. Yuriorkis Gamboa (24-1, 17 KOs)
Although former two division world champion Mikey Garcia would be an intriguing match-up for the incumbent IBF titlist, the more fan, friendly stylistic pairing would be a potential ?Mayweather vs. 50 Cent? showdown between Mickey Bey Jr. and Cuban exile Yuriokis Gamboa for the Ohio native?s 135 pound title.
Despite fighting under the SMS promotional banner, Gamboa and ?Fiddy? have a very good working relationship with Bob Arum. So don?t be surprised if fight fans get to see a Floyd vs. 50 Cent, ?Harry Potter? battle on May 2!!
This fight gets a FightSaga rating of four ? out of five stars. ****+
Co-Main event – 12 rounds – Featherweight WBA/WBO unification Nicholas Walters (25-0, 21 KOs) vs. Vasyl Lomachenko (3-1, 1 KOs)
In support of one of the most highly anticipated bouts in boxing history, it?s only fitting that one of the best match-ups available sets the table for the main course.
?Nicholas Walters vs. Vasyl Lomachenko? is not only a Featherweight unification contest with the two best fighters in the division, but it?s a beautiful style match-up between the matador and the bull. The Ukrainian born title holder possesses some of the best footwork in the sport, and would need to use every bit of that skill-set against a gifted, heavy-handed fighter like Walters.
Both champions customarily control distance with their strengths, so this battle of territory would be one for the ages.
The co-main event gets a FightSaga rating of five out of five stars – *****
