CEBU, Philippines – Of all the high-profile fighters being eyed as Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent, WBO light welterweight champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley has the biggest chance of hiting the jackpot to face next the global Filipino sports icon this May. That is the personal take of Cebuano topnotch promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud.
Aside from Bradley, also included in the short but heavyweight list of names to take on Pacman are Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez and Miguel Cotto.
“In my standpoint, Bradley is the top candidate of them all. Bradley has the biggest chance of fighting Pacquiao next because he has no other obligations not to mention his impressive ring credential,” said Salud, Pacquiao’s confidant and close associate.
Although negotiations are currently underway for a possible Pacquiao-Mayweather superbout, Salud said he feels that won’t happen until November.
“Mayweather kept on calling on Pacquiao. He’s only good at it because when it comes to the negotiating table, he turns down all offers because his demands are not met,” said Salud.
For instance, Mayweather thumbed an overture made by Pacquiao in the course of their telephone conversation of a 50-50 purse split.
“I think that’s unfair. Pacquiao should not get less than what Mayweather will receive. Afterall, it’s Mayweather who needs Pacquiao and not the other way around,” said Salud.
Salud also contends that in a fight of such magnitude, time is of essence that is why he doubts if it happens this May.
“They need more time to prepare for such a big card and May is too close for that to happen. If ever the Pacquiao-Mayweather will take place, I think it will be in November,” said Salud.
The other hot issue is that Cotto, the reigning WBA Super light middleweight titlist, is likely to step in if ever the Mayweather megafight bogs down.
Again, Salud gave his two cent’s worth.
“During their first encounter, Pacquiao and Cotto fought at a catchweight of 145 pounds.Cotto is now fighting under 154 lbs. and I don’t think he will step down to 147 lbs. just to take on Pacquiao. In the worst case scenario, they will fight under 150 lbs. and I don’t think Pacquiao would go for that because he would be too small for that weight bracket,” said Salud.
Pacquiao beat Cotto to the pulp during their WBO welterweight title match on November 14, 2009 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As for Marquez, Salud said a fourth showdown with Pacquiao is highly improbable at this point of time.
“Like Mayweather, Marquez has also many demands like where the bout would be held. Besides, a fourth match with Pacquiao is no longer appealing to the fans, more so in the pay-per-view,” said Salud. “If Pacquiao will really fight this May, then Bradley would be the wisest choice as his opponent. And I’ll go for it if I am to decide.”
