Before beginning a negotiation, it?s best for both parties involved to place themselves in a position of power in order to get the terms that are most favorable to them. It is essential for both parties to know what their best alternative to a negotiated agreement is before trying to work out a deal with their opposing party. Negotiators, lawyers, and agents call this their BATNA for short. Prior to the third Pacquiao vs. Marquez fight, Mayweather adviser Leonard Ellerbe announced that Floyd would be available to fight on May 5th, 2012, and that they were saving that date for Pacquiao. After the close and disputed decision by Pacquiao over Marquez, both Floyd?s team and Golden Boy Promotions announced that Top Rank indicated they have no interest in making this mega fight, and would rather chase a fourth meeting between Pacquiao and Marquez.
One has to wonder, is this another failed negotiation at the super fight that all fight fans want to see, or are both parties trying to leverage themselves into a position of power in order to get the terms most favorable to them? Let?s examine the BATNA for Mayweather and Pacquiao if a super fight does not materialize.
