PACQUIAO-MAYWEATHER INEVITABLE FOR 2010
November 17th, 2009 By Jarrad Woods
ARE WELTERWEIGHTS AT CUSP OF LINEAR CHAMP?
New York, NY- The stage is already being set for what could be the biggest grossing fight in boxing history. Everyone has their hopes set on a Floyd Mayweather (40-0 25 KOs) vs. Manny Pacquiao (50-3-2 38 KOs) welterweight (147 lb) showdown. Not only could this bout give a definitive answer to who is the best ‘pound for pound’ athlete in the sport, it can also be a step in unifying titles for a lineal champion in the welterweight division. By defeating Miguel Cotto on Saturday night, Pac now holds the WBO version of the welterweight belt, while Shane Mosley will face Andre Berto for their respective WBA and WBC versions on January 30th. Indeed, the winner of Berto vs. Mosley is the next logical choice for either Pac or Floyd after they face each other.
FLOYD JAWIN’ ON PAC’S PERFORMANCE
Many of Mayweather’s critics want him to up the ante on his opponents and right now Pac is perceived as a huge threat being that he is the consensus ‘pound for pound’ champ. But even in the wake of the firebombing assault on Miguel Cotto, Mayweather feels confident that he will beat the Pacman. In a recent report Mayweather stated, “The thing is with Pacquiao I don’t see any versatility as a fighter; he’s a good puncher but just one-dimensional.”
MANNY NOT SO INTERESTED IN FLOYD…NOT!
Although Manny has been quoted as saying that Mayweather doesn’t want to fight him, Mayweather has now been on record stating, “If he (Pacquiao) wants to fight Floyd Mayweather all he has to do is step up to the plate.” But it appears that Pacquiao is still relatively coy about officially calling Mayweather out himself. In interviews Pac appears to have some sort of gag order regarding speaking on the potential of a match up with Floyd. He diverts all questions to Bob Arum, his promoter and says only that he is willing to fight anybody. Arum, who believes Pac is the best fighter he has ever seen doesn’t seem to have a problem with Pac facing Mayweather. Neither does Pac’s trainer, Freddie “Master” Roach. So what’s wrong with Manny speaking his mind?
MONEY TO MAKE (NOT BREAK) PAC-FLOYD
The truth is that this fight will come down to money. Mayweather previously has asked for a 65/35 purse split in his favor, something that Roach won’t accept at this point in Manny’s career. A realistic number would be 50/50 or possibly a similar scenario that Bernard Hopkins agreed to with Roy Jones, where the winner gets 60 percent and the loser 40. It’s likely that Arum doesn’t want it to appear that Manny is chasing Mayweather, because it will only compromise his ability to negotiate a heavier purse for his fighter. Coincidentlly, this seems to be the tactic on Floyd’s side as well. Neither fighter wants to be the first to ‘ask’ for the bout.
MANNY NOW A BIGGER DRAW THAN FLOYD?
It is likely Manny has peaked in popularity and the PPV numbers will surely solidify his star status. With Richard Schafer reportedly scheduled to meet with Bob Arum as early as next week to discuss a Mayweather bout, let’s hope ‘the split’ doesn’t get in the way of making the biggest fight available in the sport happen next year. The Dallas Cowboy’s NFL stadium has already been discussed as a location. And with a seat capacity of 100,000 there is little reason for either fighter to pass up on the opportunity to make the most money in their respective careers, if not in a prize fight ever.
Jarrad Woods
This fight has got to get made. Floyd needs to stop talking so much shit about every fighter he faces or is going to face and have a little respect. What’s wrong with saying Paquaio looked great? For one, it would add to the promotion of their fight that Mayweather actually has some respect for another fighter. All Floyd is trying to do is get into Manny’s head and all he’s doing is making himself look like the same immature fighter who talks shit against fighters who really take on true competition. It’s about time this guy grew up. If he wasn’t such an idiot he’d realize from a business stand point (and he is business) that if he had a clean image, didn’t flaunt so much, and didn’t act like a 17 year old kid then he’d be worth probably twice as much as he’s worth now.
Today’s NYTimes floated the possibility of Yankee Stadium as well. But it is interesting that the real excitement is in the match itself. As for unifying the titles, does anyone really care?
Whatever you think of floyd mayweather, whether is a loud mouth or conceded or what ever.. This guy can box, and is one of the best welterweights out there.. If not the best.. Shane mosely is good, yes, but he is way to over the hill to pose a threat to pac or mayweather.. face it.. Berto is great coming upstart, but i dont think he deserves to fight pac or mayweather next… This fight has got to happen mayweather vs pacman.. This is a spectators sport,, the fans pay the bills, and this is what the fans want… MAKE IT HAPPEN..
I don’t think Manny needs to call out Floyd, Manny really doesn’t need Floyd but I believe Floyd needs Manny. Manny has been stepping up his game coming up in weight while Floyd (well we all know whats he’s been doing).
Floyd states all he has to do is step up to the plate, please, Floyd should really quit embaressing himself and really shut up. The real question is, will Floyd step up to the plate? It’s been a while since he has so he may have forgotten how.
Since when did Pacquiao called out a fighter? Yes, right…never! It’s not his style. And he doesn’t need to do so. He will fight whomever Arum puts in front of him. He’s not afraid of anybody. So Floyd should stop whining in the media and just make this fight happen. If this never happens, it’s Mayweather’s doing.
Great article Jarrod. I totally agree with you said as well as you Michael. I have a been a boxing fan for all of my life. This fight can and will be a throwback to the golden age of boxing, the 80’s. The thing about Hagler, Hearns, Leonard, and Duran, is that they all had mutual respect for one another. I believe that this is why boxing pundits will always hold them in higher regards than PBF. PBF has time and again contradicted himself with his useless rants. I love him as a boxer, but his character and refusal to take the big fights will always put him in the second tier of all time greats. I do like Pacquiao however because he fights anyone and seems to genuinely just fight for the entertainment for his country – not to win – but as in his words, “just to give a good fight to his fans.” It seems that PBF just sits back and lets all of the fighters he ducks, fight each other, so that he can protect his 0. And then he goes on and uses their losses to justify his so called “greatness.” However, it isn’t 0 losses that will ever define a legacy, it’s putting everything on the line time and again to please the fans. PBF may wipe the floor with Pacquiao earning a flawless record, however it is Pacquiao that will always have the glory and respect of the fans. I loved Floyd, but now for me, that love turned to like. I can say now that I do love Pac and he has earned my respect.
“So what’s wrong with Manny speaking his mind?”
-maybe he considers it being rude or he’s just influenced by bill belichick
I don’t care bout the titles either!LOL. I just want to see how both fighters would fare against each other. The best defensive slickest counter puncher against the best offensive weirdest boxer brawler. I would go for the Pacman, of course. Go Manny! F#ck his ass hard!
Sorry for the double post. It just came to my mind, at what weight will they fight in case it pushed through? Will it be at 145 so Manny’s Diamond Belt will also be at stake?
you don’t know why manny is not calling floyd? you shouldn’t be writing if you don’t know.
so why then is pbf not calling out pacquiao?
if he calls out pbf, manny is acknowledging that pbf is bigger than him, which is not the case. and will add leverage to pbf in negotiations.
common sense please.
When did Manny Pacquiao calls out other fighter? He’s never been afraid of anyone…
If Floyd wants his title back, he should be the one to call Pacquiao. Mayweather can all say that Pacquiao is ‘one dimensional’ but he got no balls to call Pacquiao out.
sorry, didn’t read the whole thing before writing my first comment. you know.
That was a very interesting fight…..I would like to see the fight at 145 lbs. . .they are both great fighter of our time.
well for everyone that was saying floyd was ducking pacman, he called out pacman today!manny on sat after the win had his chance to call out mayweather and he didn’t, i think pac is worried more about mayweather thin people think! cmon pacman! stop letting people speak for u if u want mayweather then say it
You know what,floyd is just as coward as his father. Both of them are piece of junk.
Floyd already know the danger when he face pacquiao. That is why he always say that pacquiao is not capable of victory over him. How many times did all critics say pacman will lost?Million times already and when pacman win over and over again all they can say is “Opps…It shouldnt be happening” They just cant believe that a Filipino, an Asian is the best in the world of Boxing. Racial Discrimination is what a free country like USA can in return give to Pacquiao.After all PACMAN did revive BOXING.
Instead of fighting over the split, why not add even more intrigue by making it 45/45 or 40/40 split with the winner pocketing the extra 10% or 20%? Jones and Hopkins are using a type of this winner-takes-more concept for their rematch, though it only seems to be play if a knockout occurs.
Just a typical floyd mayweather attitude. Can’t please him whatever accomplishment other guys make. He thinks he is the best forever just like his Dad. The two are probably right though considering boxing is not a beauty contest.
So what was Floyd doing when Mosley was callin him out? Now that Pac beat the best welterweight out there (yes..because Floyd was ducking Cotto too..), Pac needs no Mayweather right now.. Its the other way around. So if Floyd wants a crack at Pac, it just fair for Floyd to settle 35% and 65% money purse for Pac, Take it or leave it Floyd
Oooops! So this article is not by-lined “Pedro”. My apologies, Mr. Woods.
Bottom line this fight must take place. With the potential money @ stake, I really believe everyone apart of the negotiation needs to put the egos aside to think about what the people wants. All parties have been stated that the entire world wants this fight. When the planning begins lets hope they stay true to their words!
I think Floyd will get Pacman. I mean my outmost respect for Pacman for the incredible performance he had against Cotto. The reason why I say Floyd will get him is becuz his defense, (the best in boxing). This fight needs to happen for all the fans. Go Floyd, even tho am not a fan of his, but can become one if the fight pulls thru.
floyd should fight the winner of mosely-berto. if he wins, then its paquiao. pbf is very much overated. during his stint before he ducks rated welterweight fighters. he always picks boxer that will put him at less risks. imagine he calls jmm, a lightweight, to be his opponent. it sucks and pbf nuthuggers were saying that pbf performance was greatness personified. greatness is only achieve when you go to unchartered teritories and coquers it. not in the case of pbf. he is a very technical boxer, but how can you see his briliance when hes not fighting the best. its like kobe against any pointguards of nba. just in case he wins the paquiao fight, greatness is still far from reach. because he fought the best small boxer who is chasing greatness. thats the only reason other than money that this fight is gonna happen. for pbf, do a paquiao, and you might end up the goat.
ali has a big mouth too. but his fists is much bigger than his mouth. in the case of pbf, he has a big mouth that can swallow both his fists. the road to greatness is going away from your comfort zones and fight the fights. when pbf retires and havent fight the best fighters out there, then, i guess, a new word will be developed by this cowardice…and that is FLOYDDING which means running away or ducking somebody. years from now it will be the word in the boxing circle.
JROC,
You say Mosley is good, but over the hill? Maybe you missed his last fight. I’d like to see Mayweather take on Paquaio, but I wouldn’t hold it against either if they took on Mosley. As far as I’m concerned Mosley is still the number 1 Welterweight in the world. He beat the man who beat the man at that time. Mosely flat out called out both fighters and they both declined. Freddy Roach even said Mosley would be the hardest Welterweight fight out there for Paquaio. The only reason if any that Mayweather will fight Paquaio is because hardcore boxing fans and the general public are both calling for it meaning there’s too much money invloved. Theres nowhere left to hide for him and thats what he’s been doing since 2002. I’d favor both Paquaio and Mosley over Mayweather.
I don’t think anyone who calls Floyd a runner know anything about boxing. Fact is that if any you who call Floyd a runner get in the ring with any professional boxer and try to run to avoid being KO, none of you would survive 2 rounds. You can run anyway you like, track and field style and run the ring in circle.
Boxing is not street fighting, is a sport and as so professional boxers work their strenghts. It’s Floyd job to fight his fight (which is not running) and Pac to fight his. It’s Floyd job to set up traps and fool the Pacman and it’s Pacman’s job to force Floyd to slug, whoever imposes his fight wins.
Would Jordan post up Bill Russell knowing he can take off the dribble or would Bill Russell try to beat Jordan off the dribble and pull up for a jump shot?
Anyone who calls Floyd a runner does not know boxing or the concept of the sweet science. There are rules and if you play to your strengths without breaking the rules the better for you. Floyd is going to fight his fight and unless Pacman has enough boxing acumen to take Floyd out his game he losses and vise versa.
Pacamn style as it stands is made to order for Floyd, but being that he is a great fighter, the hope will be that he can come up with a game plan to beat Floyd’s style.
Don’t fool yourselves into thinking that Duran beat Leonard (Duran vs Leonard I) in the ring, Duran won the fight way before they set foot on the ring as he got into Leonard’s head. There is no way Duran could ever win a boxing match against Leonard, he had to make a fight to have a chance and he did that and won.
Duran one of the all time greats barely won the “fight” against Leonard. Duran for arguments sake was a great boxer himself, but he was giving alway in reach and understood that it was his job to get inside and beat Leonard that way.
Can the Pacman make Floyd fight instead of box? That’s the 64,000 question if you ask me. I think he came make competive, but at the end of the day Floyd has a 5 inch reach advantage and Cotto didn’t have. Floyd also has the speed that Cotto didn’t have and Finally Floyd has the boxing abilities to carry out a plan need to beat the Pacman.
JMM showed us how to beat the Pacman, Floyd is a bigger, faster JMM with a 5 inch reach advantage to control distance in the ring.
Did Castillo showed the Pacman what was needed to beat Floyd?
What are you talking about????????? Floyd Mayweather since 2002 is a defensive specialist who absolutely does run and pop shot his way to victory. When he gets cornered his defense is superb, but this style of fighting does not win fans. Is it effective? Yes, but has he fought anyone since 2002 that has the stamina, are in their prime, and has elite level skill? Absolutely, NO. Floyd Mayweather might as well be a runner because he’s as good as a runner inside the ropes as he is outside of the ropes avoiding real challenges. And yes a fighter can run all night and not get caught especially if their defense is as good as Floyds. Case in point Bernard Hopkins vs. Morrade Hokkar. This guy was a no name fighter who literally ran the entire night lasting up until the eighth round. This was far from even a fair fighter who lasted with an elite fighter by running for 8 rounds.
What Floyd fans seem not to understand is that its not that people hate him its that we want to see how good or great he really is by facing the best fighters out there. For years he’s been avoiding the tougher challenges in each division he moves up to. There is no denying this. All you have to do is look at each division since 2002 and ask yourself is the guy Floyd fought at each division the elite guy in that division and the answer is definitely no.
Shane mosely is far from the number1 welterweight out there… Why because he beat slow as molasses dripping from a tree marquarito.. It was almost like a news flash when he threw a punch.. Mosley is 40 years old, far far far from in his prime. Mosley got another year tops, so yes sure he is going to call out anybody he can to make as much doe as he can before he retires or someone else retires him..
Jesusthe profect….. brother you are wrong. The fight will never happen coz Floyd is now so scared to face Pacman. After what he saw on Pacman mauling the big man in Cotto Floyd will give unreasonable demand just to avoid the fight. Have you seen the Judah fight….. Floyd was struggling and yet Judah is nothing compared to Pacman….. and the Castillo-Floyd 1 fight. Floyd was clearly beaten by Castillo.
JROC,
Before Mosley beat Margarito, Margarito was rated the best Welterweight in the world by beating Cotto and William’s was pretty much inactive in the division at that point. That being said Mosley is the number 1 Welterweight despite whether he’s in his prime or not. Mayweather did not and has not fought a top rated Welterweight so how can he even be considered the number 1 in the division then or now. Paquaio is obviously on the list now, but the Cotto fight was not at 147, but at 145 so their is a side note to him being ranked number one when the only fight he fought at 147 was against De La Hoy who wasn’t even rated as a Welterweight. The only reason Mosley has to call Paquaio and Mayweather out becasue they won’t fight him because he is a big risk for both of them and in Cotto, Mayweather, and Paquaio fighting each other their is more financial gain. Unfortunately for Shane although he brings in money he is not the draw against any of these guys. Mosley to all his high risk with less reward while to each other theres risk but much higher reward.
JROC,
Also why don’t you go look at the Ring top ten Welterweights currently. Mosley is going onto fight 4 of them when he meets Berto in January. He beat Margarito and Collazo, fought Cotto which could have gone either way, and is now going to fight Berto. He was suppose to fight Clottey in December, but the fight fell through do to Clottey and he’s called out Mayweather and Paquaio. What more can you ask from any fighter in any division. The guy is willing and able to fight anybody in his division and tries to. Mayweather has fought NO ONE in the top ten at Welterweight and you respect that? The funny thing is I’m not even a huge Mosley fan, I just respect the fact that he’s a real fighter willing to take on all challenges. For his level of competition and his willingness to fight the best is what makes him the number 1 Welterweight in my eyes until he loses.
“I’d favor both Pacquiao and Mosley over Mayweather.”
I agree with you, Michael. Factoring in style, speed, power, and defense actually I think Old Man Mosley, though no longer in his prime, still beats BOTH Mayweather and Pacquiao. But P4P I believe Pacquiao is on top, as he should be a 140lb fighter fighting natural 140 pounders — all of which he would demolish at this point in time, with the strength he has gained from his rigorous training regimen (and I don’t think JMM has a chance if they have a third meeting — not against the Pacquiao of TODAY). Pac fighting Sugar Shane is too much risk but not enough reward.
Michael the Cotto fight with Pac was at 147, just like the Mayweather/Marquez was at 147. The difference was the stipulation of a fine if the fighters came in over 144 (Mayweather) and 145 (Cotto) to face their naturally smaller opponents. Pac would beat Mosley because Mosley is beatable not only by light punchers (Wright) but also boxer punchers (Cotto). Mosley is a unrefined boxer and looks great against slower brawler type opponents but struggles against boxers. He barely beat De La Hoya. He’s getting all this credit from guys like you who just like him because you think he can beat Mayweather. He shouldn’t be rated #1 at welter because he lost to the previous top welter, Cotto. Margarito is not currently ranked and only became the top welter after a suspect victory over Cotto. Also Margarito has 6 loses, so it’s obvious he is a beatable opponent. I’ve seen you argue on these boards for Mosley many times before. You finally admit that Mosley is not a draw, hence the reason why Mayweather nor Pac wants to fight him. He’s a solid fighter but is no wear near as great in accomplishments of Mayweather or Pac. He’s slightly less talented than Cotto and that’s the truth.
I agree I don’t want to see JMM vs. Paquaio 3. I also think Paquaio is the number 1 pound for pound fighter hands down, but if he did face Mosley I’d slightly favor Mosley. The thing with Paquaio besides Mayweather/Mosley/Cotto who else is there for him to fight that will add to his legacy? I hate to say, but same goes for Mayweather. Besides Paquaio/Mosley/Cotto who else would you like to see him fight. I can picture Mosley moving up and fighting Williams because he has the balls to, even though I think he’d lose, but besides that there’s really no must fights.
Only if all of these fighters had a tournament where they all fight each other like the Super Middleweights! Guarentee they can get Paquaio, Mosley, and Cotto to sign on the dotted line right now, but Mayweather would run just like he does in the ring and claim some bullshit of that he’s too good for any tournament.
floyds undefeated record dont mean sh*t. he’s knocked out 25 guys, manny has knocked out 38. manny has proven he can get better and he can bounce back from set backs, floyd has only proven that he can cherry pick his opponents. he’s bigger that pac but he ducked and ducked cotto.
now he’s gonna say I’m not fighting cotto because manny knocked him out and i aint fighting mosley too because cotto beat mosley and manny beat cotto. some people say he’s smart, I say his undefeated record has made him a coward.
its still a 50-50 fight (anyone can win) but all this talk about floyds defense… yeah right, even I can do that against a bunch of girls. lets see if that shoulder holds up against 700+ hard punches.
Christian,
Agreed with everything, but Mayweather would fight Cotto now. Reason being it would be very Floyd of him to take on a guy who’s coming off a loss and then he’ll claim to be the best.
Dareyouni,
Floyd, has fought bigger guys? Who? The guy has not fought a top ten Welterweight? He fought De La Hoya so Did Manny, Hatton so did Manny. Marquez so did Manny. Besides that he fought Judah who was coming off a loss and is a very small Welterweight and Baldomir who’s a tomato can. And Gatti at 140 who was not an elite fighter.
If your comparing both fighters it should be based on level of competition and their is no comparison. Mayweather has ONLY fought 2 top ten pound for pound fighters at the time of the fight in Hatton (who moved up in weight) and Marquez (who move up multiple divisions). There’s even side notes to his 2 victories over pound for pound fighters because of the moving up in weight. Meanwhile Manny has fought 5 fighters in the pound for pound list at the time of the fight a total of 10 times. No comparison.
Cotto’s team also based their assessment of Manny from JMM vs MP II but what’s funny is that Manny is nowhere near the Manny of today. What is difference of Manny and Juan Manuel? JMM moves up to welter without speed and power relying purely on his skills that can hurt feathers and lightweight max but Manny moves up to welter with speed and power that can shop down bigger guys plus he improves his boxing skills. If JMM would fight Manny today for the third time at welter, there’s no doubt that JMM would get knock out, he might even last just 1 round with Manny. Floyd’s shoulder roll is tailor made for Pacman
Pacquiao will beat Mayweather. Mayweather has a chance if he makes some dramatic changes in his immediate environment-his training camp and maybe his family.
Pacquio has everything going for him; his training camp seems to be in total support but most importantly, his countrymen, the Phillipinos, are all behind him. The following point maybe the most important factor that will help Pacquiao beat Mayweather: Pacquiao appreciates the peoples’ support and he fights for them. He is fighting for his countrymen. In addition, he has gained tremendous support and respect in the United States and the world. This huge support in mass is so advantageous in pre-training and training.
Psychologically, Pacquiao has the advantage because of his consistency in constancy. He did not have intermittent breaks in his career; he fought and won often and loves the big stage as F. Roach has said.
As a future politician, Pacquiao knows the importance of teamwork in winning an election. In this age of modern, huge mega-championship boxing match, it’s not always the talented that wins (Not anymore); It’s team work (camp-work) that wins! There are too many variables before the fight and you must have the support of the people behind you to deal effectively with those variables.
I said M. Ali was going to win against George Foreman in Zaire, Africa.
Borden,
Pac fought Cotto at 145, his last fight with Clottey was at 146 which means all he needed to lose was a pound at weigh in. Mayweather will be a tough fight for Pac but damn the naysayers never give this little pacific islander from a third world any credit. He beat a washed up Barrera, Morales, blah blah blah. They are all professional fighters and if they are washed they should know to hang up the gloves not bask in your past glory. Last I checked, Barerra was there to to toe with JMM when they fought. He was outboxed by Morales the first fight but came back and demolished him twice. And with JMM the first fight shouldve gone Manny’s way. One of the judges scored the 1st round wrong. He had it 10-7 while the others had it 10-6. Second fight JMM wins if he doesnt kiss the ground again. And De la Hoya, weight drained maybe, but he shouldve have signed the contract then.
Borden,
Cotto made Manny miss many shots? Cotto got hit 336 times at a 43% clip. How the hell did he make Manny miss.
pacquiado getin his ASS KIKED