Manny Pacquiao has done his part. The Pinoy Idol has instructed promoter Bob Arum to go make a fight with Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Although Arum hems and haws and remarked publicly that it’s doubtful the now jailed “Money” will have another bout this year, the ball is in Mayweather’s court. So what’s the position of Cousin Al Haymon here? Those who know don’t say and those who say don’t really know. Why wouldn’t Mayweather want to fight Pacquiao in November? Remember, it’s always been Floyd’s position that beating Pacman is easy work. Easy work for an estimated $50 million purse should be music to Mayweather’s ears, right? The cold fact is that both Mayweather, age 35, and turning 34 in December Pacquiao are declining. Neither one is the same superlative fighter he was two or three years back. Neither is anywhere close to decrepit, don’t get me wrong. Although Andre Ward is charging to the front like racehorse I’ll Have Another and appears to be heir apparent to the Pound for Pound mythical crown that Floyd and Manny have enjoyed at different times, the American and the Filipino still rank 1-2 in the P4P rankings of most knowledgeable scribes. Pacquiao was robbed against Tim Bradley, sure. And Mayweather got bloodied up by Miguel Cotto. Neither Floyd nor Manny is just playing with opponents recently. Pacman must insist that his promoter break bread with Team Mayweather. And Mayweather should insist that Haymon meet with Todd duBoef if not with Arum. Their mutual dislike should not block what Floyd and Manny want. Mayweather has no obvious opponent other than Pacquiao for his next bout. Canelo Alvarez is going to be booked up for Sept. 15 and he’s still too green to be tested against Mayweather. Bradley-Pacquiao is virtually meaningless. Pacquiao against Juan Manuel Marquez in a fourth fight and in Mexico? Pacquiao seems less than keen on that and I understand why. Arum’s got his instructions. Boss Floyd needs to issue his own directive and do it now.
