By Chris LaBate

Boxing analyst and trainer, Teddy Atlas, would like to see Manny Pacquiao, recognized as the best fighter in boxing, face the challenge of the number two pound-for-pound fighter in the sport, Sergio Martinez. Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, believes the gap in weight is too much to make the fight happen. Pacquiao fights at the welterweight limit of 147-pounds, and Martinez is two divisions above at 160-pounds. A catch-weight of 150-pounds is the highest Pacquiao would go, but even 150 is possibly too low for Martinez to make.

The junior middleweight limit of 154 is probably the lowest weight Martinez can squeeze down to. Arum appears confident of Pacquiao's ability to win the fight, but he views the gap in their rehydrated weights as a big issue. On the day of the fight, the gap in weight will be far too much in Martinez's favor, says Arum.

"It's a fight that I believe Manny could win, but it's a fight that's a little crazy because Manny gets in the ring at 147 or 148. Sergio Martinez, even if he could make 150-pounds, which I don't know if he can, gets in the ring at 175. So you're asking Manny to spot a fighter like Sergio Martinez 27-pounds, which is unheard of," Arum said. "I really still think Manny can win the fight but it would take a lot out of him. And maybe down the road we'll do that but I wouldn't recommend it."