MGM Grand, Las Vegas - A duel between the defence-minded Floyd Mayweather Jr., and the aggressive Manny Pacquiao, the two biggest drawcards of their generation, would decide the mythical title of the world's best pound-for-pound fighter. Five-division world champion Mayweather had been expected to meet Pacquiao last year until negotiations collapsed over the Mayweather's demand for a random drug testing protocol.
Mayweather improved his perfect professional record to 42-0 by claiming the WBC welterweight title from compatriot Victor Ortiz in September and trainer Freddie Roach has long eyed the chance for Pacquiao to take him on.
"I hope that fight does happen," said Roach. "I think it would be the best fight in the world and I would love to see it. Mayweather is a very good defensive fighter and he's a very good counter puncher. It's not an easy fight, I know that, but I look forward to challenges and he is the biggest challenge out there for us."
Juan Manuel Marquez, who was outclassed by Mayweather over twelve rounds in a non-title welterweight bout two years ago, felt Pacquiao would struggle against the American boxer's style. On Saturday night, Pacquiao won a close twelve round majority decision over Marquez, but many ringside observers believe the Mexican boxer won the fight.
"Commercially speaking it would be a huge fight but boxing is about styles and the style of Mayweather will get very complicated for Pacquiao," the Mexican said.
Asked if he would consider a fourth bout with Marquez, the Filipino southpaw replied: "Any time, any time. I am a fighter and my job is to fight in the ring."
As for Mayweather, he said: "Well, let's get it on. Make the fight happen and let's give the people a good fight."
