By now the cat is out of the bag. The biggest fight of our generation, and perhaps ever, is off. It’s been on and off many times now, but this seems like the final straw. It’s off. Now both sides are looking at potentially fighting in March, albeit against different opposition. Pacquiao’s side is looking at stepping up to 154 to fight Yuri Foreman and perhaps win a title belt in yet another weight class.
Let’s take a look at Mayweather’s potential opponents:
1) Paulie Malignaggi
This is the most likely option if Mayweather fights in March. Malignaggi can talk up a fight, although I’m not sure he could stop anybody with MMA’s four-ounce gloves. He is coming off of a win, and fights at Mayweather’s favorite weight class to choose opponents from, 140.
Paulie’s lack of punching power seems to be the gift and the curse for him. It’s a curse because he can’t KO anybody at the championship level. It’s a gift because it allows him to secure big fights against guys who don’t have to worry about being knocked out.
2) Winner of Berto/Mosley
This would have to happen in May if at all. This would be the option if Mayweather was serious about fighting stiff competition, which we know he is not. The only way this is an option is if Berto wins, and looks unimpressive in doing so. Even then its still an extremely long shot.
3) Alfonso Gomez
Gomez could be a potential alternative if Malignaggi falls through. He is coming off three straight wins and poses zero threat to Mayweather. He doesn’t fit the 140 lbs requirement, but his style is perfect to repeat the Marquez performance for Mayweather.
4) Matthew Hatton
Don’t laugh, it could happen. Mayweather has flirted with going to England to finish dusting off the Hatton duo. The more I think about it, the more this fight seems likely. Mayweather could play in a semi-pro basketball game, perform a rap concert with 50 Cent, and still beat Hatton easily in the same day.
Sound off Inside Fights community, who do YOU think Mayweather will fight next?
