It finally feels like the steam is running out on all the Floyd Mayweather fighting Manny Pacquiao talk. We’ve had to endure report after report and everyday it seemed as though a new article popped up giving new hope, then the next day some insider leaks info to support the contrary. Actually, it might feel like it’s been every day because it has been. But lately the optimism has worn thin and most are just realizing the cold hard truth that these men may never share a ring together, at least not on May 2nd.
If Pacquiao isn’t going to fight Mayweather next, then who will he fight?
The Top Rank roster is wearing thin, but there are a few options. If Mikey Garcia ever decides to fight again then he could be an interesting choice. Max Kellerman mentioned the possibility of Pacquiao fighting the fast rising Terrance Crawford, who is reportedly moving up in weight following a dominating run in the lightweight division over the past year.
However, both of these fights are contingent on Pacquiao moving down to 140 pounds. There have been several reports suggesting that Pacquiao and his camp are keen on the idea of moving down.
But fans shouldn’t get their hopes up, especially if you believe Bob Arum, who simply replied “No” when asked if Pacquiao would move down anytime soon in a recent interview with Thaboxingvoice.com’s Joe Habeeb.
Arum believes that Pacquiao should remain at 147 pounds, but made no mention of the Filipino’s options at 147 in a Haymonless world. There is always the potential of a fifth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, but he is proving to be as allusive as Mayweather these days.
Something’s got to give here. If Pacquiao doesn’t move down in an effort to rush some of the building fights with potentially premature opponents, and if he can’t fight anyone under the Haymon umbrella, then what will he do? I’d rather he hang up the gloves and not be subjected to another easily made Top Rank banner opponent with a PPV price tag.
