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Plot Thickens...........
Note: Results are through Nov. 15.
1. FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR.
Welterweight titlist
Record: 42-0, 26 KOs
Age: 34
Mayweather
Hits: Even after 16 months out of the ring following his near shutout of Shane Mosley in May 2010, Mayweather returned to action on Sept. 17 and showed not the slightest bit of rust. Still fast and possessing great defense and underrated power, Mayweather knocked out Victor Ortiz (albeit in controversial fashion) in the fourth round to reclaim one of the titles he had previously given up. Now, instead of disappearing on another long layoff, Mayweather has announced plans to return on May 5, ideally against Manny Pacquiao -- if Pacquiao's people will come to the bargaining table.
Misses: It's great that Mayweather seems to be showing real interest in finally facing Pacquiao, but since Pacquiao just fought, how about giving him a little bit of time to unwind before insisting on a negotiation right now? Where was that kind of urgency at any point in the past few years?
2. MANNY PACQUIAO
Welterweight titlist
Record: 54-3-2, 38 KOs
Age: 32
Pacquiao
Hits: Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, who had already produced two memorable battles in featherweight and junior lightweight title bouts, met for the third time Nov. 12 and gave fight fans a worthy trilogy with another outstanding and highly competitive fight. With Pacquiao's victory, the path is wide open for him to at long last meet Mayweather in the fight the world wants to see.
Misses: Pacquiao, who was a massive favorite to beat Marquez because they were fighting at welterweight, looked as vulnerable as he has in a long time. Although he eked out a majority decision, few would have quarreled had Marquez gotten the win or had the fight been ruled a draw. Pacquiao looked confused at times and lacked snap on his punches in a less-than-stellar outing. It just wasn't the kind of performance we have come to expect from Pacquiao, especially in light of the fact that Marquez had been wiped out by Mayweather in 2009 in his only other welterweight fight. Although a fourth fight with Marquez is certainly warranted at some point, it absolutely should not be next, which is what Top Rank's Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, is talking about pursuing. Mayweather should be next, and it's going to have to be up to Pacquiao to stand up to Arum and tell him to make a deal. Period.
3. SERGIO MARTINEZ
Middleweight champion
Record: 48-2-2, 27 KOs
Age: 36
Martinez
Hits: If there is a silver lining to the apparent implosion of Pacquiao-Mayweather negotiations before they have even begun, it is that Martinez, the 2010 fighter of the year, might be an attractive opponent for Mayweather, who plans to fight May 5. Martinez has said repeatedly he would drop down in weight for the opportunity to face Mayweather or Pacquiao. If Pacquiao is going to fight Marquez for a fourth time, Mayweather could make a big statement by taking on Martinez near 150 pounds.
Misses: When Martinez defended the middleweight championship against massive underdog Darren Barker on Oct. 1, he had a significant struggle before stopping him in the 11th round. It was far from Martinez's best night.
http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id...boxers-nos-1-3
Note: Results are through Nov. 15.
1. FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR.
Welterweight titlist
Record: 42-0, 26 KOs
Age: 34
Mayweather
Hits: Even after 16 months out of the ring following his near shutout of Shane Mosley in May 2010, Mayweather returned to action on Sept. 17 and showed not the slightest bit of rust. Still fast and possessing great defense and underrated power, Mayweather knocked out Victor Ortiz (albeit in controversial fashion) in the fourth round to reclaim one of the titles he had previously given up. Now, instead of disappearing on another long layoff, Mayweather has announced plans to return on May 5, ideally against Manny Pacquiao -- if Pacquiao's people will come to the bargaining table.
Misses: It's great that Mayweather seems to be showing real interest in finally facing Pacquiao, but since Pacquiao just fought, how about giving him a little bit of time to unwind before insisting on a negotiation right now? Where was that kind of urgency at any point in the past few years?
2. MANNY PACQUIAO
Welterweight titlist
Record: 54-3-2, 38 KOs
Age: 32
Pacquiao
Hits: Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, who had already produced two memorable battles in featherweight and junior lightweight title bouts, met for the third time Nov. 12 and gave fight fans a worthy trilogy with another outstanding and highly competitive fight. With Pacquiao's victory, the path is wide open for him to at long last meet Mayweather in the fight the world wants to see.
Misses: Pacquiao, who was a massive favorite to beat Marquez because they were fighting at welterweight, looked as vulnerable as he has in a long time. Although he eked out a majority decision, few would have quarreled had Marquez gotten the win or had the fight been ruled a draw. Pacquiao looked confused at times and lacked snap on his punches in a less-than-stellar outing. It just wasn't the kind of performance we have come to expect from Pacquiao, especially in light of the fact that Marquez had been wiped out by Mayweather in 2009 in his only other welterweight fight. Although a fourth fight with Marquez is certainly warranted at some point, it absolutely should not be next, which is what Top Rank's Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, is talking about pursuing. Mayweather should be next, and it's going to have to be up to Pacquiao to stand up to Arum and tell him to make a deal. Period.
3. SERGIO MARTINEZ
Middleweight champion
Record: 48-2-2, 27 KOs
Age: 36
Martinez
Hits: If there is a silver lining to the apparent implosion of Pacquiao-Mayweather negotiations before they have even begun, it is that Martinez, the 2010 fighter of the year, might be an attractive opponent for Mayweather, who plans to fight May 5. Martinez has said repeatedly he would drop down in weight for the opportunity to face Mayweather or Pacquiao. If Pacquiao is going to fight Marquez for a fourth time, Mayweather could make a big statement by taking on Martinez near 150 pounds.
Misses: When Martinez defended the middleweight championship against massive underdog Darren Barker on Oct. 1, he had a significant struggle before stopping him in the 11th round. It was far from Martinez's best night.
http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id...boxers-nos-1-3
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