Mosley: Floyd Mayweather does not want to fight Manny Pacquiao, I do!
(via ESNEWS)
Roach wants Pacquiao to have interim fight
Freddie Roach, Manny Pacquiao’s trainer, wants the boxer to have an interim fight this summer before he faces the winner of Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Juan Manuel Marquez or another big-name opponent at year’s end.
Roach believes an interim fight would keep Pacquiao sharp for whatever comes his way. The Filipino’s quick demolition of Ricky Hatton means he has fought less than two rounds since he stopped Oscar De La Hoya last December.
The question is: Who would he face? There’s no obvious answer.
Possible Interim Fights:
Timothy Bradley - THE RING’s No. 1-contender Jr. Welterweight (140 pounds), might be a good choice because his style is similar to that of Mayweather, who most believe will beat Marquez on July 18. However, Bradley is a relative unknown and would generate relatively little interest.
Edwin Valero - THE RING’s No. 3-contender Lightweight (135 pounds), would be an intriguing opponent because of his record – 25 opponents, 25 KOs – but he might be too big a risk with a megafight looming afterward even though Pacquiao would be a heavy favorite.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. - a 6-foot 154-pounder who would make for more of a circus act than a legitimate fight.
Possible Marquee Fights:
Floyd Mayweather Jr. - Mayweather wants a 60-40 split in his favor, which Pacquiao –- the No. 1 attraction in boxing — undoubtedly will find unacceptable.
Shane Mosley - Most fan-friendly fight but Mosley wants to do battle at 147, which won’t happen.
[update 5/17/2009: Roach wants Mosley for Pacquiao at 142 pounds.]
Miguel Cotto - Might be a better candidate because he has said he’d go down to 144 for the fight, although Roach said he might make 143 the limit.
Juan Manuel Marquez - A third fight between Pacquiao and Marquez would be attractive to both fighters because their first two meetings –- a draw and a split decision for Pacquiao — have been inconclusive.
(via The Ring)
