The boxing rumor mill is back, and it’s a busy day. Not only are we looking at an absolutely loaded weekend for boxing, but there’s plenty to keep us busy and discuss until then. Right now, we’ll give you the run down on Floyd Mayweather’s possible plans for 2013, the postponement of Andre Ward vs. Kelly Pavlik due to an injury, the long-awaited return to action for Timothy Bradley, and a potential undefeated opponent with plans to take on Manny Pacquiao next year (no, not Mayweather). Read on!
Mayweather To Fight Twice in 2013?
Leonard Ellebre, Floyd Mayweather’s chief adviser and confidant, informed ESPN that Mayweather plans to fight twice in 2013. The two dates, to nobody’s surprise, would be May 4 (Cinco de Mayo weekend) and September 14 (Mexican Independence Day weekend).
Those are always Mayweather’s choice dates to return to the ring, and for fight fans, hopefully this means we actually get to see him compete in two fights. Particularly with those two dates planned, the obvious choice of opponent is Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Canelo and his team were already eying a big fight for May 4th, so a Mayweather vs. Canelo fight may be closer to reality than dream.
However, those dates would also work though for a fight against the hot Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero.
Let’s hope something gets ironed out in the near future.
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Ward vs. Pavlik is Postponed
Andre Ward has suffered an injury in training camp. He injured his right shoulder during a recent sparring session, and while the MRI revealed no serious damage, there is swelling, and he has to take a break from training to allow it to heal and prevent worsening the injury.
Ward vs. Pavlik had been scheduled for January 26th, and a co-feature was planned between heavyweights Chris Arreola and Bermane Stiverne. Hopefully, with a relatively minor issue, the card isn’t pushed back too long.
Timothy Bradley Back in February
Timothy Bradley has been on the shelf since his controversial victory over Manny Pacquiao in June. He was hoping to get the Pacquiao rematch, but, of course, Pacquiao opted to face Juan Manuel Marquez for the 4th time, with the fight headlining this weekend’s loaded slate of boxing action. Now, it looks like he’ll finally be back in February.
Manager Cameron Dunkin told RingTv.com that Bradley could be back on February 9th, although no opponent has been set.
When you consider that most of the top 10 of the welterweight division is occupied (Mayweather will fight in May, Pacquiao fights this weekend and doesn’t want the rematch, Alexander and Brook are fighting one another, etc) perhaps Guerrero fits into this slot as well. It’s not the real “mega-fight” that Guerrero has clamored for, but the winner would then be looking pretty good to land the September date against Floyd Mayweather, and Mayweather and Canelo could square off in May.
Brandon Rios to Face Manny Pacquiao Next?
Dunkin also hinted that Brandon Rios could be Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent. Of course, Pacquiao will have to get by Juan Manuel Marquez first — you can follow along with the action on fight night with our live Pacquiao vs. Marquez 4 results coverage — but whether he wins or loses, he could face the undefeated Rios.
I’ve long said that “Bam Bam” is an ideal opponent for Pacquiao. Both promoted by Top Rank, Rios is an all-action warrior, and he should make it an exciting fight. Still, Pacquiao should be able to outclass him with superior speed and skill.
But, worse case for Bob Arum, Pacquiao gets old overnight, and Rios gets a star-turn with a victory. The fight is being considered for April 20th.
So, as mentioned, plenty to consider here! Hopefully you enjoyed the latest edition of the boxing rumor mill, and be sure to continue coming back to ProBoxing-Fans.com for more of your daily boxing news needs.
