MANILA, Philippines ? With a clash with Floyd Mayweather, Jr. a remote possibility, only two fighters loom as possible opponents for the marvelous Manny Pacquiao next year ? the aging and fading Shane Mosley and the equally-getting older but still very much capable Juan Manuel Marquez.
But a top Pacquiao confidante belies it will be more competitive and more exciting if Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum and Pacquiao himself choose Marquez over Mosley.
?They still have an unfinished business,? said Cebu kingmaker Wakee Salud on Thursday, noting that even though Pacquiao managed to carve out a split decision over the Mexican in March 2008, the outcome was still close not to get intrigued.
Besides, the first time Pacquiao and Marquez met in May 2004, the bout ended on a controversial split draw.
Salud is considering that a mouth-watering match with Mayweather will not be made owing to various legal impediments and Mayweather?s obvious reluctance to square off with the Filipino pound-for-pound king.
?The public remains fascinated by Marquez?s strong showing against Pacquiao in their two meetings so it would be a lot easier to sell it to the public,? said Salud, who was at ringside when Pacquiao overwhelmed Antonio Margarito at Cowboys Stadium in Texas.
Shortly after Pacquiao?s smashing win, Arum harped about the idea of pitting Pacquiao with Mosley, who has publicly declared that he is no longer connected with Golden Boy Promotions, making it a lot easier for the two parties to reach an agreement.
But boxing remains to be far from Pacquiao?s mind considering that he had just fought his hardest ring battle and talks inside his camp said the earliest for him to come out of hibernation would be May in 2011.
Marquez, 37, of course, has to win a Nov. 27 duel with the rugged Australian Michael Katisidis, to be given a second-look.
The 39-year-old Mosley, meanwhile, is coming off a lackadaisical showing against Sergio Mora.
But Arum is leaning towards getting Mosley, telling the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday that ?if Mayweather hasn?t indicated his availability by then (December 17), Shane Mosley is a real possibility.
Arum and other boxing royalties like trainer Freddie Roach are attending the 32nd birthday bash of Pacquiao on Dec. 17.
