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After Floyd’s win over tough,
aggressive Marcos Maidana last Saturday night from the MGM Grand Hotel in Las
Vegas, the questions turned to who’s up next for the undefeated, 46-0 (26),
Grand Rapids-born champion. Traditionally, Floyd will take a short break before
starting to gear up for his September Showtime date. While the obvious choice
might seem to be Maidana, based on the tough go-round he gave Mayweather, there
are a few others who might make for a fun night. Let’s look at some familiar -
or surprising - names that might pop up in any chatter about Floyd’s fall
fight.
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Marcos “El Chino” Maidana, 35-4 (31): Based
on his gutsy effort last Saturday, Maidana has earned another trip to the
plate. Floyd eschewed his slick, distance countering style and stayed in the pocket
and rumbled. But methinks “Money” thought it was a tad too close for comfort.
Once Floyd gets a blueprint he makes adjustments and figures out the way to beat you. I think Mayweather
would get slick and slippery in fight number two and cruise to an easier but
less fan-friendly win.
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Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao, 56-5-2 (38),
World Boxing Organization welterweight champion: This is getting old - as are both fighters - real quick. Both boxers aren’t
fighting at the same fever pitch as of late. Pacquiao looked solid but less
than the bomb threat that brutalized the likes of Antonio Margarito and Miguel
Cotto a few years back. He’s won his last two but looked unremarkable doing it.
And Floyd just had a rough night at the office against Maidana, who seemed tailor-made
to use as his catcher in a counterpunching clinic. Let’s do this fight with while
both are still at their best - or close to it. Top Rank Promotions’ Bob Arum and
Golden Boy Promotions’ Oscar De la Hoya seem willing to do business. For a guy
who markets himself on “Money,” this is the mother lode payday, even by “Money
Mayweather” standards. The fans, who are quickly losing their jones for this
bout, will get onboard in a New York minute if it is announced. I understand why this fight isn’t happening…but I can’t believe this fight isn’t
happening. There are a few fights that come along every few years that really
capture the public’s attention. Special bouts that put countries, cultures,
personalities, abilities, styles and characters in a magic melting pot
resulting in a great night for boxing and all of sports. This bout has enough
rocket sauce to deliver and could be one of those gems. Let’s do it!
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Amir “King” Khan, 29-3 (19): When
he keeps his chin tucked and protected, avoiding a clip on the whiskers (and when
he lets his hand speed dictate the pace), Khan’s a tough outing for anyone. He
has lobbied for a Floyd fight for a while now and certainly looked sharp in
dismantling tough, Brooklyn banger Luis Collazo on the Mayweather-Maidana
undercard. This fight would go postal in England but Floyd likes to train and
fight in the comfy confines of Vegas. Khan looked good and is seldom in bad
fights, win or lose. The thought of Mayweather vs. Khan is hot right now. Go
over to a soccer stadium in England and promote this punch-up to a crazy level.
However, Khan says he will not compromise his commitment to Ramadan, which
doesn’t finish until the end of July. This would cut deeply into his prep time
required for a fight with Mayweather in September. So if this one even happens,
it may have to be a year from now anyway.
- Shawn “Showtime” Porter, 24-0-1 (15),
International Boxing Federation welterweight champion, or Keith “One Time”
Thurman, 23-0 (21), World Boxing Association interim welterweight champion): Both
a little green in the mega-event, experience category but so far, neither have
shown any signs that they would tighten up on the huge stage. In fact, both are
real tough and gutsy and would love to test themselves against the best before
Mayweather hangs ‘em up. Thurman is sitting pretty after knocking out previously
undefeated Diego Chaves and beating rugged vets in Jesus Soto Karass and Julio
Diaz in his last three. Porter is really starting to make a name for himself
hot off of a recent dismantling of Paulie Malignaggi and an upset win over
champion Devon Alexander beforehand. The old sheriff vs. the new gunslinger…I
like it!
- Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley, 31-1 (12): Didn’t
do anything to help his bargaining position to make demands of a bout with the
best when he lost his last bout against Manny. But Bradley can box and brawl
and will be there all night. The Top Rank/Golden Boy “Cold War” might make his
name a moot point but he is a fun fight for fans against almost anyone on most
nights.
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