Pacquiao vs Margarito | Pacquiao Fight Updates

Without firing a single punch Sugar Shane Mosley fought his way back to the Manny Pacquiao sweepstakes with a challenge heard around the world.

In a sweeping campaign blitz that encompassed contacting boxing web sites, newspapers and television stations Pomona’s Mosley, the current WBA welterweight titleholder and future Hall of Fame inductee concocted a plan that hit home.
Pacquiao, the number one fighter in the world according to most Pound for Pound listings, was seen and heard on a video from a Philippine news company agreeing to fight Mosley if terms can be mutually agreed on.

Of course, that’s another hoop to jump through.

Meanwhile in Hollywood, California, at the Wild Card Boxing gym, master trainer Freddie Roach unraveled his interpretation of the various doors open to Pacquiao. A number of choices are available to Team Pacquiao.

“The easiest fight is (Floyd) Mayweather,” said Roach in between rounds while his young charge Amir Khan sparred with various boxers as he prepares for his showdown against WBA junior welterweight titleholder Andriy Kotelnik on June 27 in England. “Shane Mosley is the hardest fight.”

One other fighter is in the running for Pacquiao and that is Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto who fights next week against Joshua Clottey in New York City on June 13.

“Cotto is the second hardest fight but he’s in for a tough struggle against Clottey,” said Roach.

As the Cotto fight loomed more and more mention of the former junior welterweight and welterweight titleholder as the next Pacquiao opponent caused a ripple of concern with Mosley.

“I’m the WBA welterweight champion not Cotto,” said Mosley, adding that when he beat Cotto’s victor last January, that should end all debate. “I deserve to fight Manny Pacquiao.”

If you know Mosley then you realize that for the Pomona fighter to step forward with demands outside of the ring, is very un-Mosley.

“Why should he (Cotto) get that fight? He’s not the number one guy, I’m the number one guy,” exclaimed Mosley while in Los Angeles. “With me, he’s (Pacquiao) fighting for the world title and for the people. Filipinos want to see this fight.”

When news this week reached the Philippines that Mosley was pushing for a match with the current Pound for Pound king, a GMA news team found Pacquiao in a restaurant and asked him if he would consider the match with the Pomona speedster.

Pacquiao told the Philippine news station GMA that he was willing to meet Mosley’s challenge if terms could be negotiated and agreed by both parties. Pacquiao is promoted by Top Rank and to a smaller percentage by Golden Boy Promotions.

Top Rank’s Bob Arum did not return a call on Friday but Golden Boy’s CEO Richard Schaefer did earlier.

A match with Mosley and Pacquiao suits Golden Boy as does a match between the winner of Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18 in Las Vegas.

“It’s a great position to be in because they are all great fights,” said Schaefer on Thursday. “Even a Cotto fight would be good.”

Mayweather returned from retirement to fight Mexico City’s Marquez who has never fought at the welterweight level. He’s never fought at the junior welterweight level but is willing to move up two weight divisions to fight the former Pound for Pound champion.

“Marquez could give Mayweather a lot of trouble,” said Roach, who has seen Pacquiao battle with him twice. “I would have to say Marquez is the smartest fighter today. He’s like a scientist. Mayweather has never faced adversity like Marquez did when he was knocked down three times. He has always picked and chosen easy fights. He’s never faced adversity like Marquez.”

Another factor not in Mayweather’s favor is his penchant for negotiating outrageous terms.

“Mayweather is not going to get a 60/40 split against us,” Roach said. “If anyone is going to get 60/40 its Manny.”

When all the factors are added up the winner looks to be Mosley.

“It very well could be Shane Mosley if he’s willing to accept a 60/40 split,” said Roach while thinking about the match. “And if he’s willing to drop the weight to 142.”

Pacquiao arrives in Los Angels either on Saturday or Sunday and then flies to New York to attend the Boxing Writers Association dinner where he will be awarded the Fighter of the Year trophy.

“I will probably meet with Manny and Bob Arum to discuss the possibilities,” said Schaefer. “We’re on good speaking terms with Bob Arum and that’s how we’re able to put on these great fights that people want to see.”

Mosley says people want Pacquiao to fight him.

“They should want the best fight out there,” Mosley said on Friday. “The best fighters fight each other.”

Mosley watched the video of the Philippine news team interviewing Pacquiao and had someone translate the Pound for Pound champion’s response. Though he knows Pacquiao is willing to accept the challenge, he also knows that negotiations have not even begun.

“Manny wants to retire anyway, so he might as well fight me and fight the best,” said Mosley, adding that Pacquiao is the deserving Pound for Pound champion. “I’ll definitely accept the 60/40 split in his favor.”

That might be the clincher.

http://www.mannypacquiao.ph//

It's beginning to look like former six-time world champion and Grand Rapids native Floyd Mayweather might need to take a number to get in line for an opportunity to meet current pound-for-pound boxing champ Manny Pacquiao inside the ropes.

The speculation about a matchup between Pacquiao and Shane Mosley is heating up, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The 37-year-old Mosley isn't pulling any punches about making it happen.

He said he'd be willing to accept the lesser amount of a 60-40 split of the purse -- something former pound-for-pound champ Mayweather has refused -- and even agreed to a catch weight in the neighborhood of 144 pounds to clinch the deal, the Times reported.

"It's a worldwide fight, and I've met a lot of his demands to make this fight," Mosley said. "I just want to show now that I'm the best pound-for-pound best in the world. That's why I want this, to prove I'm the best fighter out there, even at this age. He's the best fighter, I'm the best welterweight.

"I can't see why I won't be in the ring with him."

In response, Pacquiao sent a press release to the Times indicating all options remain open about choosing his next opponent.

He left a lot of wiggle room, however, for his promoter, Top Rank's Bob Arum, to pursue negotiations with Mosley.

"I have not heard from my promoter or seen any contract or fight detail," Pacquiao said. "So, there is no fight yet. I am flattered the great Shane Mosley is now going after me by any means. I am not closing the door on any negotations, though, and I trust my promotional and training team to make the best decision for me."

He also used the press release to take a jab at Mayweather.

"I am not blaming people for coming up with ideas to lure me to fight them. I have said it before and I will say it again, I will not run away from a great fight," Pacquiao said. "Floyd Mayweather is even using reverse psychology, saying he will not agree to fight me for a 50-50 (split of the) purse.

"Of course, everyone wants to fight me."

Mayweather is set to fight Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Arum said recently there's little chance of a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight later this year since he didn't think it would be enough time for Mayweather to recover from his bout against Marquez, provided he wins, and still be able to properly prepare to meet Pacquiao.

Pacquiao has expressed a desire to fight again Oct. 17.

He and trainer Freddie Roach repeatedly have stated they will wait until after the Miguel Cotto-Joshua Clottey fight June 13 in New York to announce their next opponent. It might end up being Mosley, Cotto or perhaps the winner of the Mayweather-Marquez clash.

Yet, more and more, it appears Mosley already has gotten a number much closer to the front of the line.

http://www.mannypacquiao.ph/

Rumors have recently started to circle that Manny Pacquiao may be facing off against welterweight king, Shane Mosley, sometime in October. The thought of such a matchup is sure enough to whet every boxing fanatic’s boxing appetite. As many of us eagerly anticipate Mayweather/Marquez in June, Pacquiao/Mosley sounds just as good if not even better.

Let the boxing gods work their magic to make this bout official. It could begin a round-robin of sorts for years to come that will see legends rise and fall. On paper, everyone has a shot to further solidify their place in boxing history.

Assuming this matchup takes place, whom should be favored?

Do we favor the Sugarman, a wily veteran, a proven great, a fighter coming off one of the best performances of his career?

Or do we favor the Filipino Pac Monster, the consensus pound-for-pound #1 fighter in the world, also a proven great, a fighter coming off one of the best performances of his career?

If the fight were to take place at 147, one would have to give Mosley the slightest edge due to his track record in the welterweight division. However, word is that this fight, if finalized, would take place at a catchweight, somewhere between 140-147 lbs.

That key element alone is what makes this fight even more intriguing. When was the last time Mosley weighed in lower than 146 lbs? Almost a decade ago?

If this fight takes place at 143-144, expect a great fight to with Pacquiao coming out on top. It’s easy to foresee a war, perhaps one of the greatest matchups we will ever witness.

And should Pacquiao succeed in dethroning Mosley, he should get all the credit in the world. This wouldn’t be the same as fighting a past prime De La Hoya, a fighter who hadn’t fought at welterweight in ages nor scored an impressive victory in that weight class since the late 90s.

Although he’s no longer in his prime either, Shane Mosley is a proven welterweight champion even today at the age of 37. If you caught Mosley in his most recent outing in January 2009, you’ll know he still has plenty left in the tank. Just ask Antonio Margarito whom he was not expected to defeat this past January. Mosley, like the great Bernard Hopkins, is one of those special fighters who today continues to defy the laws of time.

Further, spanning a 16 year career, no one has ever knocked Shane Mosley out. In Pacquiao, he’d be facing a fighter that normally wins via knockout. How’s that for some real intrigue?

Although the July 18 matchup between Mayweather/Marquez is quite a treat in its own unique way, it’s difficult to see it stacking up to Pacquiao/Mosley in terms of intrigue and excitement. Even if the size factor doesn’t come into play in Mayweather/Marquez, both fighters are natural counter-punchers that typically rely on their opponents to make the fight. In other words, that fight will most likely be a battle between two boxing technicians, but it won’t produce the fireworks of a Pacquiao/Mosley.

For many reasons, Pacquiao/Mosley needs to take place.

Aside from a fight against the winner of Mayweather/Marquez, this is as big a fight as Pacquiao can possibly make right now. True, there’s also a potential date with Cotto (assuming he defeats Joshua Clottey next weekend) which would also be a big fight in its own right. If Pacquiao decides to go that route instead, he would be commended for accepting that fight as well considering that Cotto is a proven world class welterweight like Mosley.

At this point, it doesn’t really matter who’s next. Rest assured it’ll be a dangerous opponent as Pacquiao has consistently shown the willingness to face off against the world’s best in each weight class he’s climbed through. If Manny is serious about retiring within a year, he’s truly going out like a real champion. Line em’ up.


http://boxingfanatics.com/

Floyd Mayweather Jr has returned from his so called retirement and will face a dangerous foe in Juan Manuel Marquez. Many of the Pacquiao faithful are upset that the fight between Manny and Floyd didn't materialize first. Let's take a look at a few of the reasons as to why it didn't. It's in this writers opinion that Floyd Mayweather Jr coming off of his so called "retirement" has no desire to step right into the ring against a guy that just carved up Ricky Hatton in an eye blink. Oh yea, Manny if you haven't already heard destroyed Oscar De La Hoya before that. So should Manny wait around for Floyd Mayweather?

Freddie Roach told this writer a few times now that they don't have any plans on waiting around for Mayweather. It appears that very well may be the case with the recent rumors that "Sugar" Shane Mosley has emerged as the new front runner to step in against Pacman.

The second reason as to why I believe Mayweather decided on Marquez first is so that with a win over Marquez, he would then have more leverage to demand a 60/40 split when it does come down to a Pacquiao negotiation. A defeat over Marquez, the man that has given Pacquiao more trouble than any other fighter would certainly justify Mayweather asking for more money, but I am not sure it would justify asking for MORE money than Manny should get. Roach told 8CN on more than one occasion that they will NOT settle for anything less than the lions end of the share in a Pacquiao vs Mayweather bout.

If this fight is going to happen a few things will have to materalize. Firstly, the purse money issue. Mayweather is going to want a 60/40 split in his favor, unfortunately that's just simply not going to cut it in the eyes of team Pacquiao, and rightfully so. The other hurdle to jump over is the weight issue. Obviously they will have to fight at a catch-weight, it's just not decided yet as to who goes where.

So wouldn't it be interesting if Mayweather does go on to defeat Juan Manuel Marquez (which is no guarantee)? Wouldn't it be even more interesting if the Pacquiao vs Mosley fight does come to fruition, and Manny defeats Mosley? Now THAT would really set the juices flowing and everybody including the Yale chess team would be screaming PACQUIAO VS MAYWEATHER! Oh yea, let's not forget that Shane Mosley is a multiple division world champion that just systematically destroyed Antonio Margarito. Shane would certainly have a little something to say in this equation.

A Manny Pacquiao vs Shane Mosley fight has an awful lot of intrigue as well. I don't know about you, but I for one get a little sick of people outside of the sport of boxing that always preach about boxing being a dying sport. Mayweather vs Marquez, Pacquiao vs Mosley, Pacquiao vs Mayweather, Mosley vs Mayweather, shoot, I'll take any of those combinations.


http://www.mannypacquiao.ph/

Oscar De La Hoya doesn't think a fight between Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley will ever happen. During the last few days, Mosley sent out a press release that gave the appearance that a deal had been reached with Pacquiao for a fight on October 17. Pacquiao issued his own press release telling the entire world that he never agreed to any fight with Mosley.

Mosley is partner in De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions. Over the last two years, Pacquiao has beaten some of the biggest names in Golden Boy's stable, including Juan Manuel Marquez, Ricky Hatton and even battered De La Hoya into retirement. De La Hoya doesn't think Pacquiao will be a force against Mosley. He says Mosley would blow him out.

“Mosley would crush Pacquiao in a heartbeat. That’s why I think it would never happen. Mosley is willing to come down in weight and take a smaller share of the pot, which show you he wants to fight the best. Obviously that’s an admirable quality," De La Hoya told Mike Rosenthal of The Ring Online.

He believes that Mosley is too smart to make some of the errors that other Golden Boy fighters made against Pacquiao.

“I just don’t feel Freddie and Manny will do it. … Mosley is too big a threat. Was I a risk when I came down to 147? Freddie Roach is smart. He saw something. Was Ricky Hatton a risk? Again, Freddie is a smart guy. That’s why he’s the best. And it’s why he’s not going to risk his fighter’s pound-for-pound status against a real champion like Mosley,” De La Hoya said.

“Mosley saw my fight against Pacquiao. He saw the Ricky Hatton fight. He wouldn’t commit the mistakes we both made. He won’t come down in weight too much like I did. He won’t leave his head up there like Ricky did. He’s smart.”


http://www.mannypacquiao.ph/

Boxing's pound-for-pound top fighter Manny Pacquiao told a Filipino news organization today that he would be willing to fight Pomona's world welterweight champion Shane Mosley later this year, pending negotiations.

Though Mosley's camp was quick to announce Pacquiao's interest, saying Mosley would agree to fight at a catch weight between 140 and 147 pounds and accept a 60-40 split of the purse in Pacquiao's favor for a bout that could be fought Oct. 17, Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum was more reserved.

"This has absolutely no credibility to it. Manny hasn't decided who he's going to fight," Arum said. "It could be Mosley, or it could be [Miguel] Cotto, [Floyd] Mayweather Jr., [Juan Manuel] Marquez or [Edwin] Valero. They're all in the mix."

Arum said, "Shane's a good guy, he's definitely in the picture," but Arum insisted Pacquiao will make no decision about his next opponent until watching the June 13 world welterweight title fight between Cotto and Joshua Clottey.

"Why would I eliminate options?" said Arum, who confirmed he was contacted today about a possible Pacquiao-Mosley bout by Mosley's promoter Richard Schaefer. "I've also heard from Manny's people that he wants to wait and see the Mayweather-Marquez fight [July 18] before he agrees to anything. That would mean we won't be ready until November.

"All that he's said is that he's willing to fight Mosley. But he still has to explore the best deal."

http://www.mannypacquiao.ph/

World Boxing Association welterweight champion Shane Mosley said Wednesday that only a few details stand between him and an October 17 fight with Philippines superstar Manny Pacquiao.

Pacquiao flattened England's Ricky Hatton in the second round last month while Mosley stopped Mexico's Antonio Margarito in the ninth round back in January.


US veteran Mosley anticipates squaring off with the Asian powerhouse seen as the world's top pound-for-pound fighter at a catch-weight once negotiations are complete based upon comments Pacquiao made in his homeland.

Mosley, 46-5 with 39 knockouts, challenged Pacquiao, 49-3 with two drawn and 37 knockouts, and the Filipino star told GMA News on Wednesday that, "No problem. We can fight. As long as we negotiate."

Mosley took that as a challenge answered and said he will give Pacquiao the larger share of a 60-40 purse split and meet him at a catch weight lower than the welterweight limit in order to make the fight happen.

"Now that Manny has stated that he is ready to fight me, the only thing left to finish are negotiations," Mosley said.

"(Promoters) Richard Schaefer and Bob Arum are working out the details now. I will be ready to fight Pacquiao on October 17."

Mosley might just be getting a bit ahead of himself, however. Pacquiao's willingness to fight and securing a finalized contract with boxing's top man of the moment are far from the same thing.

Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, said last month after the victory over Hatton that nothing would be decided about who Pacquiao fights next until Puerto Rican star Miguel Cotto's fight in 10 days against Joshua Clottey at New York.

Mosley had been mentioned as a potential upcoming opponent for Floyd Mayweather Jnr, the unbeaten American who abdicated the pound-for-pound throne in favor of retirement.

Mayweather returns to the ring next month against Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez. He announced the fight just hours before Pacquiao knocked out Hatton to steal his thunder.

http://www.mannypacquiao.ph/

The date has already been set, but the opponent is still yet to be determined. Universally recognized pound for pound king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) of the Philippines, who stands at a meager 5’6” and a reach of 67”, will continue to turn the pages of his storied boxing career, as he faces yet another tough challenge come October 17th.

Hereunder is a list of possible opponents ranked according to the risk-level on the planet’s best fighter. Please take note that factors such as money-matters and promotional concerns were not taken into consideration in generating this list.

1. “Sugar” Shane Mosley (46-5-0, 39 KOs) – This 37-yr-old boxing freak has had battles with some of the biggest names in the sport. The list includes Ronald “Winky” Wright, Vernon Forrest, Oscar De La Hoya, Fernando Vargas, Miguel Cotto, Ricardo Mayorga, and Antonio Margarito, just to name a few. It’s pretty amazing how he stayed in front of these guys, took a few good shots, and yet still stayed on his feet. Shane is way too young than his age would suggest. His granite chin – an uncanny ability to take a punch, coupled with an extra long reach (74 inches) and sweet boxing skills, makes Shane the most dangerous challenger for Pacquiao’s throne. And by the way, did I already mention that he also packs a punch in both fists? Check his knockout ratio out.

2. “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (39-0-0, 25 KOs) – Some may argue that this self-proclaimed best fighter should be atop the list. But his safety-first attitude and not-so-imposing size advantage over Pacquiao puts him below Mosley on the most dangerous list. Zab Judah showed us that Floyd is also vulnerable. I’m not saying that Mosley hasn’t been hurt in the past. We should, however, consider the guys he was against and realize that Floyd’s resume certainly pales in comparison. Come to think of it… Floyd can’t beat Shane if they fought now, but of course, that’s another story. Nevertheless, Floyd is undefeated and as long as he stays so, he’d still be taken with much due respect.

3. Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KOs) – Style-wise, this gritty Mexican is the worst matchup for Pacquiao. JuanMa’s exceptional patience and discipline in sticking to his age-old waiting game, better known as counterpunching, are a nightmare to Pacquiao’s aggressive, come forward style. Their first two encounters are still the subject of debates up to this very moment. Okay, let’s try to lay those debates to rest. Marquez won more rounds than Pacquiao did in their first encounter, the second one, well… it was pretty even. But the 3 knockdowns in the first fight and the lone knockdown in the 3rd canto of the 2nd encounter won Pacquiao both fights. Yes, Pacquiao also won the first fight, had it not been for the arithmetic incompetence of Burt Clements who scored the first round 10-7 instead of 10-6 for Pacquiao. Anyhow, there’s still no better way to settle the score than to do a 3rd face-off.

4. Miguel Angel “Junito” Cotto (33-1-0, 27 KOs) – This Puerto Rican welterweight champion poses the least threat for Pacquiao among the four ring gladiators mentioned in this list. His 5’7” frame and 67” reach is perfect for the Pinoy firebomb that stands just an inch shorter and shares the same reach. Antonio Margarito, regardless of him cheating or not, somehow erased or at least diminished Cotto’s once indomitable persona. The exceptionally fast Pacquiao, albeit considerably smaller, has enough power to hurt him. Cotto also has knockout power in both knuckles, but Pacquiao doesn’t have a glass chin either. Their styles are perfect for each other. A Pacquiao-Cotto showdown is probably the most exciting, most competitive, and most explosive among the prospective future Pacquiao fights, as well as the fight that will most likely happen next.

http://philboxing.com/

To this corner, Manny Pacquiao is in the driver's seat. He's on top, he should dictate terms. He is wildly popular at home and in the States. If he fights Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Sugar Shane Mosley or Miguel Cotto, it's big business.

Let's try to make some sense of all the talk, internet posts and news reports.

1. Manny Pacquiao wants to fight again in October. We suggested here that Pacquiao should fight that bout in the Philippines. One thing for certain, Mayweather -- win or lose in July -- won't be ready to fight Pac Man in October.

2. Making a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight even more difficult to happen is PBF's demand that he get a 60-40 split. Bob Arum told the Philippine Star, “You can tell Floyd Mayweather that Bob Arum said he’s delusional... Floyd is not the attraction. Manny is the attraction. Floyd’s got no idea what he’s talking about... Even a 50/50 split with Floyd Mayweather is nonsense.”

OK, moving right along.

3. A Miguel Cotto (should he get by Joshua Clottey) and Pac Man fight is very intriguing. They are both promoted by Arum so there would be few obstacles. When you add the Latino market to the PPV audience, numbers should jump. The catch here is that Cotto has already intimated he's not too interested in fighting at a catch weight of say, 144. Remember, he was more than happy to leave 140 and stop sucking weight, so why go back? Well, money will do that to you.

4. Now enter Sugar Shane Mosley. Dan Rafael quoted Sugar Shane on ESPN.com as saying,
"I want it to be known that I want to fight Pacquiao and I want to fight him now," Mosley said. "I'm willing to meet at a catch weight to make that happen. I know this is what [Pacquiao trainer] Freddie Roach wants as well, as he has previously stated this to press. I am the best fighter in boxing and I am ready to reclaim the title of No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter."

The bottom line is that Mosley needs either Mayweather or Pac Man. Yes, the obvious fight is Pac Man vs. Mayweather. But how many times has the obvious fight not been made? Too many. Mosley has also attempted to bait Mayweather into a fight, but PBF has never seemed interested in fighting Shane. Why is that?

Which leads us to ... October 17, 2009, Manila, Manny Pacquiao vs. Sugar Shane Mosley.

http://www.mannypacquiao.ph/

Amir Khan is hoping to get the backing of the world's P4P king Manny Pacquiao at his up-coming clash with Andreas Kotelnik. Khan meets the slick Ukrainian at London's O2 Arena on June 27 in a challenge for the WBA world light-welterweight title. And his Filipino gym-mate, who recently KO'd Ricky Hatton, is planning to be ringside to cheer him on..

"Manny is back in the Philippines at the moment, but he's said that he would like to come to the fight, and we'll look after him," said Khan. "It will be good to have him there."

Khan, 22, has sparred with Pacquiao ahead of his last two fights, impressive stoppage victories over Oisin Fagan and Marco Antonio Barrera.

And although Pacquiao won't be in Freddie Roach's Wildcard gym in the build up to the Kotelnik tussle, Khan says that the Pacman is still an inspiration.

http://www.eastsideboxing.com

"I train as hard as Pacquiao, if not harder, and watching him working in the gym gives me a real buzz," said Khan.

"It's a privilege being around such a great fighter, and I learn from him all time."

But Bolton-born Amir draws the line at Pacquiao's infamous training routine of being beaten with sticks.

"I've not done that yet, but I've got a great trainer in Freddie and a great nutritionist and they will make sure that I am stronger than I have ever been for this fight."

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, the pound for pound king has two to three more fights left before he enters once again the political arena in the Philippines come 2010. He is seeking to win a congressional seat for the second time after losing to Darlene Antonino during the 2007 Philippines national elections..

To put an exclamation mark to Bob Arum’s statement he made after the May 2 annihilation of Pacquiao to Britain’s Ricky Hatton, that his boxer is “the greatest boxer who have ever lived”, the pound for pound king has to fight who the fight fans wants him to fight.

Obviously, fight fans wants Pacquiao to challenge the best boxers before he retires, particularly those who are calling him out.

There are four or at least three possible opponents that Team Pacquiao may consider. Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez have to be counted as one, since the winner of their July 18 bout; hopefully will be challenged by the Pacman.

Instead of a five month rest for the October 17 comeback fight, Pacquiao should fight as early as August for a tough “tune-up” fight against Edwin Valero, the undefeated WBC lightweight Champion.

Pacquiao and Valero have been trash-talking for quite some time. It can be recalled that Valero accused Pacman as a taxi driver dominator pointing out that he has dominated weak opponents during the early years of his career.

Pacquiao in return reacted and stressed that Valero’s perfect record was all but scratch because his past opponents were “tuktuk” drivers.

Even if Valero was a VIP at Pacquiao’s grand birthday celebration December last year and are stable mate under Top Rank promotions, there is still bad blood among the two boxers.

After the two rounds demolition over former boxing champ Antonio Pitalua several months ago, Valero using an interpreter called out on Pacquiao to give him a challenge this year.

He called Pacquiao “the monster from the Philippines” adding that “no one can take my punch”. If this fight happens, it will surely be a mega-fight. It’s not a “tune-up” fight after all. Valero has all the skills that could knock anyone who has the same weight that he has.

But Valero should now train to move his head. He has the tendency of a Hatton fight-style who has cement stocked between his neck and his head. Pacquaio would surely love that target.
But to settle all the trash-talks and see who has a better punching power, this fight surely has to happen.

Recently, WBA welterweight champ Sugar Shane Mosley made a statement that he is ready to reclaim his No. 1 pound for pound status calling out Pacquiao to give him a challenge.

This certainly is also a must fight before he retires. The pound for pound king versus a former pound for pound king who held that position several years ago.

Mosley is definitely a tough warrior who is in the pound for pound list and is ranked No. 4 which is similar to the list I gather every week.

Mosley’s power cannot be taken for granted as he possesses a high knockout ratio which consists of 46 wins, 39 of this coming by way of knockout. His last victim early this year was former champ Antonio Margarito.

Pacquaio and Mosley could meet up and slug it out at the catch weight of either 143 or 144 pounds. Can Mosley avenge the loss of his business partner Oscar De la Hoya? We will have to find that out when they face each other.

But, before Pacquiao takes politics seriously next year a fight with whoever emerges as the winner between Mayweather and Marquez is a big “must”.

Like Valero, Mayweather have been badmouthing Pacquiao for many months. To zip that mouth up, Pacquiao really needs to put up with this challenge. He has to challenge Mayweather who believes that he is “still” the pound for pound king.

The Pretty Boy is still undefeated and continuously boasting about his greatness as a boxer. Can Pacquiao stain that unblemished record of Mayweather?

If ever Marquez scores a win over Mayweather, the trilogy of Pacquiao and the Mexican warrior must take place.

Their first two fights are very close and controversial as to who should have been victorious. Boxing analysts worldwide are halved with conviction who really won the first and second fight. It could have gone either way.

To settle the issue once and for all, a third fight between the two explosive fighters must occur should Marquez beat Mayweather on July 18.

So to be called the greatest fighter who has ever lived, Pacquiao needs to fight these warriors in the boxing ring. He has to settle the issues and defeat those who are calling him for a challenge.

But is should be a win-win situation for Pacquaio, because if he fails, it could affect his bid for congress in the May 2010 elections in the Philippines.

http://www.eastsideboxing.com