Who Floyd Mayweather should fight next:
Last week we outlined the options for Floyd Mayweather’s next fight, considering only boxers who were likely to be in the mix thanks mainly to their promotional and television-network ties. The list of potential Mayweather foes doesn’t end there though.
Here we shall discuss those unfortunate candidates who may find themselves standing on the other side of the promotional Berlin Wall between Golden Boy and Top Rank and those who may, put simply, be too risky to find their way into the ring opposite boxing’s cash cow.
In an ideal world, here are 5 more of the best potential choices for Floyd Mayweather’s next fight.
Manny Pacquiao
Why fight Pacquiao?
The Filipino icon is the only man around Mayweather’s weight and era who has come close to matching his accomplishments in the ring. His southpaw stance, fast hands and unorthodox movements could cause problems for Floyd. Fighting Pacquiao would conclude a long saga and satisfy the fans’ thirst to see the two legends face off.
How would the fight play out?
After Pacquiao bombarded Miguel Cotto into a twelfth-round retirement in 2009 it was widely believed that he was the man to beat Mayweather, but Manny hasn’t stopped anybody since. Those same reflexes, relentlessness and power that made him the legend he is have diminished since then. Mayweather would box him on the back-foot and score a wide points victory.
Why it won’t happen
Pacquiao is contracted to Bob Arum’s Top Rank, something which has always been seen as a the chief stumbling block between the pair.
Gennady Golovkin
Why fight Golovkin?
‘Triple G’ is arguably the most feared man in boxing right now. That’s a strange feat considering his best win is Matthew Macklin, but not so strange when you view the way he has dispatched those in front of him. Golovkin has power in both hands, and is not your typical reckless marauder – he attacks with intelligent aggression and precision punching. Mayweather’s credibility would go through the roof were he to meet Golovkin, and would skyrocket should he defeat him.
How would the fight play out?
Golovkin would stalk Mayweather from the outset, but would pay an early price for his patience, eating jabs and uppercuts from the smaller, faster Floyd. As the fight wore on, however, Golovkin would get closer, boxing his way inside and landing crunching hooks to the body. Mayweather would be forced to cover up and pot-shot, but it would not be enough to earn the victory as Golovkin picks up a close decision.
Why it won’t happen
Golovkin is too big. He’s also too big a risk. The best middleweights aren’t exactly falling over themselves to face the guy, so why would Floyd?
Sergio Martinez
Why fight Martinez?
Martinez is the bona fide middleweight champion of the world. The Argentine southpaw won this status by out-boxing Kelly Pavlik and discombobulating Paul Williams before turning back the challenge of numerous contenders, including Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and the three Brits – Martin Murray, Darren Barker and the aforementioned Macklin. Beating him would give Mayweather another title in yet another weight class, further cementing his legacy.
How would the fight play out?
Mayweather would have serious issues combating the speed of Martinez, as well as his southpaw stance. Martinez is a small middleweight, however, and he is also aging, with various injuries of late. Mayweather would be too accurate and too fast for Martinez down the stretch, earning a points victory.
Why it won’t happen
Martinez fights Miguel Cotto in late June, and so his availability is entirely dependent on his performance in that fight. Should Martinez lose he is out of the running. Should he get injured, or need another long recuperation period, at 39 years old his time to meet Mayweather would be running out.
Tim Bradley
Why fight Bradley?
Bradley has won world titles in two weights and was the man to halt Pacquiao’s winning run with a controversial victory in 2012. He followed that up with a win over Juan Manuel Marquez, establishing himself as the number two welterweight behind Mayweather. Having lost the rematch with Pacquiao, he remains a top-rated fighter, though is certainly beatable for a man of Floyd’s style and quality.
How would the fight play out?
Bradley would be the aggressor in this fight, though his excitability on the inside would play into Mayweather’s hands. He would be caught time and again by the faster, more skilled man, losing a lopsided decision.
Why it won’t happen
With defeat to Pacquiao, Bradley is now firmly lodged in Mayweather’s ‘who needs him’ club. Not only is he promoted by Top Rank, but he would now be viewed as Pacquiao’s leftovers, someone Mayweather could do without fighting.
Ruslan Provodnikov
Why fight Provodnikov?
Provodnikov is one of the most exciting fighters in the sport today. Do not confuse the word ‘exciting’ with ‘best’, however, as Ruslan is eminently beatable. He lost a points decision to Bradley despite giving him twelve rounds of hellish punishment and his best win came at junior welterweight, where his power has far more resonance. Nonetheless, the image of Provodnikov grinning through bloodied lips as he chases Mayweather around the ring is one many a fight fan would love to see become reality.
How would the fight play out?
Provodnikov would play cat to Mayweather’s mouse, pressuring him incessantly for as long as the fight went. Mayweather would be able to box from range, employing size and speed advantages, and would have no problem whatsoever finding the Russian. After some intense action, it is likely Provodnikov would start to mark up, leaving Mayweather to apply the finishing touches in the later rounds.
Why it won’t happen
It’s the same old story here I’m afraid – Provodnikov is promoted by Top Rank, which immediately rules him out of a fight with Floyd.
