Manny Pacquiao, fresh off a dominating win over Antonio Margacheato, was recently named HBO’s Boxing Ambassador of the Year. It’s an extremely well deserved honor for a man who has become the most popular and prominent figure in the sport. With all of Pacquiao’s recent success and publicity, people have been wondering what’s next. We recently learned that Pac Man’s next fight will be May 7th in the U.S. but we haven’t learned the opponent.
The three potential opponents being mentioned have been Juan Manuel Marquez, Andre Berto, and Shane Mosley. Marquez, despite his history of competitive bouts against Manny, is an unlikely opponent because his representatives (Golden Boy Promotions) are in a fight with Bob Arum (Pacquiao’s promoter). Berto is 27-0, but he’s young and doesn’t have the same recognition amongst fans as someone more established such as Shane Mosley. Which brings us to the negotiations.
Lance Pugmire reports that Mosley’s adviser has a Tuesday meeting with Pacquiao’s promoter to go over a potential fight and possibly sign a deal for a May 7th bout in Las Vegas. Mosley is 39 years old, well known by fans, and he’s fought every big name in the 147 and 154 weight classes. Now that Manny has jumped up in weight, the two can finally meet.
With the way Mosley was battered by Floyd Mayweather Jr., I’m not expecting a competitive bout if this deal gets finalized. If it ain’t Floyd, I’m not interested, and if it’s Mosley I’ll be even less intrigued. This will be a no-contest if it happens.
