On the eve of the third bout between Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez, many boxing fans are looking beyond the bout and focused on May 5th. Besides Cinco de Mayo celebrations, we are again teased with the possibility of a bout between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Mayweather, doing his best Sarah Palin impersonation, recently stole headlines away from Saturday’s event when his advisor Leonard Ellerbee told ESPN, “We are going to make the biggest fight possible and everybody knows what that fight is – the little fella.”
Most assumed the “little fella” on Mayweather’s hitlist was none other than Pacquiao. Despite several unsuccessful attempts to get the two boxing superstars in the ring, fans have held out hope that it would eventually happen. Boxing websites, blogs and social networks were abuzz with chatter once again. But like Palin, Mayweather seems to enjoy crashing the press party in search of attention.
According to Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, Mayweather’s camp has been offered a fight to “little” Erik Morales on May 5. Take that claim with the proper serving of skepticism, considering the source. But it makes all the sense in the world.
Mayweather has continously made demands regarding a potential Pacquiao fight. However, each time Pacquiao makes a concession, another demand is thrust forward. That is precisely why it’s doubtful Arum, Pacquiao or trainer Freddie Roach ever took the bait. Their focus must be on Marquez.
Boxing fans should not be disappointed. Although Pacquiao is a 9-1 favorite, these two always seem to create fireworks. The two previous bouts have been close and controversial. This bout should be enjoyed on its own merit as the matchup of Pacquiao’s power vs Marquez’s counter-punching is sure to produce entertaining results.
Meanwhile, fight fans should temper their enthusiasm on a potential Pacquiao-Mayweather bout. It’s clear to all that “Money” talks, but until dotted lines are signed, it’s not worth the chatter.
