When you’re breathing the super duper star air of Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., every fight is a showcase. And every fight has meaning beyond the victory or the defeat. So it is with the upcoming bouts of Mayweather, on May 5 against Miguel Cotto, and Pacman, who tangles with undefeated but untested Tim Bradley on June 9. Neither Pacman nor “Money” is going to lose. No, Mayweather will waltz into jail in Las Vegas for his “staycation” with his unbeaten streak intact. And Pacquiao will be celebrating his victory over Bradley when summer begins. But it’s Mayweather who will win the comparative battle in these May and June bouts. It’s Mayweather who will look sharper against a better opponent than Pacquiao’s foe. Simply put, Cotto makes for rousing battles. The Boricua Banger does not play and while he will be stymied completely by the razzle, dazzle and patented shoulder roll of Mayweather, he will be winging if not stinging for 36 minutes. Could Mayweather pump the petrol, put his foot on the gas pedal and stop Cotto? It’s possible but, it says here, highly unlikely. Mayweather’s caution has served him well many times before and he’s not changing his spots at age 35. As for Pacquiao, as Freddie Roach told me a few months ago, he just can’t merely defeat Bradley. He needs to give the kid a horsewhipping. Butt of course we must discuss Bradley’s tendency to lead with his forehead. In this fight, both he and Manny are liable to get cut. If Pacquiao wins a clumsy fight on an even slightly disputed TKO, then a Mayweather who enjoys a romp against Cotto is the real winner. It’s showcase time and Mayweather chose the dance partner who will serve to make him shine like new “Money.” For Mayweather, Cotto is the perfect foil. For Pacquiao, Bradley is just a pedestrian opponent found in the Top Rank cupboard. Aren’t you glad I’m back from vacation with this soporific sermonette? But facts are facts and all shall revealed on 5/5 and 6/9.
