The Sweet Science 08.03.09: Mayweather-Pacquiao

Three major reasons why Mayweather Pacquiao will never happen.

Everywhere I go these days; hardcore boxing fans as well as casual observers ask me the same question: "When will Pacquiao and Mayweather fight?" The fact is that ever since Money Mayweather came out of retirement that is the fight everyone wants to see. As a boxing fan I would love to see this bout to take place as soon as possible; two of the best pound for pound fighters of today in the squared circle and if styles make fights, virtuoso defensive wizard against relentless offensive machine. What could be better? I am here, however, to deliver a knock out blow to this match up and explain why it will never happen.

Reason #3. Despite the fact that Bob Arum and Top Rank has developed Floyd into a superstar that he is today and is the reason why he can call himself Money, Mayweather Jr. seems to have huge animosity towards his former promoter that borders on hostility. That in itself creates a serious roadblock of working out details of a major event. But to add insult to injury, Mayweather, referring to year 2007 where he fought De la Hoya and Hatton and made unbelievable amount of money, feels that he is a money star and would not agree to fight Pacquiao for less than half of the pie. Pacquiao on the other hand, is sitting on top of the world right now and would most likely ask for the split of the money to be in his favor. Remember, these are proud men and their pride will get involved. Does this sound like a major issue? Yes, but this is the least important reason why this fight will never take place.

Reason #2. Floyd Mayweather Jr. has practically been born in a boxing gym. He came out of a boxing family and learned every trick in the book before he ever turned professional. Floyd possesses blazing speed and ring smarts and defensive powers acquired by generations of fighters in his family. He is completely at home in the squared circle and he knows what it takes to win, hence his undefeated record. Floyd stated repeatedly to the media and fans that he is a smart businessman and that means that he only picks fights that he knows he can win. He is able to pick and choose his opponents and stay undefeated. In reality Mayweather hasn't beaten anybody of notice at welterweight; he beat old super lightweight moving up in weight Sharmba Mitchell then Zab Judah, who always caves in big fights. The only legitimate welterweight on Floyd's resume is Baldomir who really is a B level fighter, then comes fading Oscar De La Hoya who by the way, put up a hell of a fight and lost to Floyd by a split decision. The final victim on Floyd's roster was Ricky Hatton, who never fared well at welterweight and who was knocked out by Pacquiao this year within two rounds. Considering all this, will Money Mayweather risk his undefeated record against Pacman who has looked nothing short of spectacular as of late? Will the smart businessman take a risk of loosing a fight?

Reason #1. But the number one reason why Floyd Mayweather will never fight Manny Pacquiao is Juan Manuel Marquez. I was in Las Vegas when Mayweather announced his com back fight with Juan Manuel Marquez just one day prior to Pacquiao Hatton contest. Many, myself included, wondered why not hold on one more day to see if he could secure a lucrative bout with Pacman. That night I met a big fan of Marquez who was willing to bet his house on Mexican champion. He asked me to name one thing to gives advantage to Mayweather. I could name four off the top of my head; Floyd is faster, younger, stronger and a bigger man. But then I started thinking that the odds (4 to 1 favorite) on Mayweather to win the fight are just as overblown as his ego.

Mayweather has been out of the ring since December of 2007 and had to postpone the fight due to a rib injury that he acquired in training. Floyd is 32 and relies heavily on his speed and reflexes inside the squared circle. Being away from the ring as well as training challenges just might throw Mayweather of his rhythm, which could translate into a catastrophe. On the other hand, Marquez is a master boxer and seems to be reaching a new level of excellence in his last several bouts. He knows that the key to beating Mayweather is a consistent jab and activity in the ring. He was able to deal with the speed of Pacquiao, why not Mayweather. The big issue is how Marquez is going to be able to deal with extra weight. But Mayweather does not rely on strength and power to win fights so it should not be an issue. Marquez has been training in the mountains for a while gaining weight and strength and promised to go to Mayweather's body early and often. I don't know if he is going to be able to stop Floyd, but he will find his openings and outwork him down the stretch. So I am going to pull out my crystal ball and predict a Marquez vs. Pacquiao 3 for a blockbuster event for 2010.

Source: http://www.411mania.com/boxing/columns/111780/The-Sweet-Science-08.03.09:-Mayweather-Pacquiao.htm