FLOYD DELAYWEATHER

5
977

Who’s next? We don’t decide that’s for sure, despite fans being given the option with a publicized poll between Amir Khan and Marcos Maidana. Khan won the poll by some margin and the rest is history. This week Maidana seems to have lifted the lid, dismissing a fight with Floyd. Meanwhile Khan is set to meet with Golden Boy to discuss a Plan B.

Who should Floyd fight next? And at what weight, 140, 147 or 154? I think Floyd has exhausted what little suspense the prospect of a fight with either Amir Khan or Marcos Maidana had. Khan is not a credible contender at 147 and Maidana is not ready. The only 147 fighter that deserves the shot is Timothy Bradley but he has just signed a two-year contract extension with Top Rank and we all know politics is the biggest killer in the sport.

GGG is linked with just about every man and his dog at the moment but unless it’s at a catch weight then that fight will just be a pipe dream for us fans. A leap to 160 is unrealistic, even for Floyd, especially at the age of 36.

Erislandy Lara 19(12)-1-2 is the guy that should be sharing the ring on May 3rd with Money Mayweather and here’s why:

He’s the current WBA regular champion at 154 pounds with all the attributes to cause Floyd problems. He’s naturally big with a come forward style that can cope with big shots. For me he’s still unbeaten with the Paul Williams fight being a robbery, a fighter, fight fans believe Floyd has ducked for years.

Styles make fights, a slick southpaw in Lara will stand and trade with Floyd and attempt to prevent him fighting his own fight. With potential to dominate the center of the ring, not let him breathe with combinations and take away his jab like Cotto did in the later rounds. Lara has a real shot.

Lara has just come off an impressive master class performance against Austin Trout, a man that schooled Miguel Cotto. De la Hoya and Cotto have caused Mayweather the most problems bar Castillo but Floyd does what he always does, adapts instantly and finds a way to win with flair and clean perfection shots. Lara in my opinion adds a new dimension, a style Floyd has not been tested at, a style that potential could overpower him. Lara is bigger and stronger than Mayweather but does he have the skills, patience and composure to execute a perfect game plan for 12 rounds?

I personally don’t think this fight can be made. Whether it’s too much risk for reward a Lara fight won’t pull in the PPV numbers, who knows. All we know is Floyd fights for Floyd and he calls the shots.

With a similar Cuban background to Guilermo Rigondeaux, Lara too has a story to tell and has what it takes to be the best at his craft. He’s been at rock bottom and will do what it takes to reach the top.

Whoever Floyd Mayweather fights next it will cause controversy and debate. That’s why we love Boxing and that’s what this show is all about, The Voice of the People.