By Rick Reeno

Background - In 2007, WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto (32-0, 26KOs) emerged as the biggest threat to the welterweight reign of Floyd Mayweather Jr. (39-0, 25KOs). Cotto's wins over Zab Judah and Shane Mosley have catapulted him into the boxing spotlight. Mayweather took part in two fights in 2007, against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, winning both and earned millions in the process.

Perception From The Outside - Mayweather's image is taking some heavy hits for the lack of "danger" involved in his fights. The boxing public is turning against him with each passing year. Countless experts are poised to rank Manny Pacquiao in the top spot of the pound-for-pound rankings (and some have).

Mayweather's fights against an aging De La Hoya and an overmatched Hatton made him a lot of money, but the two wins did not add enough stock to his credibility as being the best in the sport. He was a heavy favorite to beat both and that's the chance you take in fighting for the most money with the least risk involved.

The fight with De La Hoya was tolerable because of the "passing of the torch" factor and the fight was Mayweather's path to becoming a household name. When he was matched against Hatton, we all knew the outcome and even the British media listed Mayweather as the significant favorite. Hatton is simply not in the same talent league.

If his critics were looking down at those fights, his recent career choices have made even some of the most hardcore Mayweather supporters begin to question his decision making. The planned September rematch with De La Hoya is not creating any real buzz. Few seem to care the second time around. Last year's fight broke pay-per-view records, but it lacked any real drama. For all of the anticipation and pre-fight theatrics, the average viewer left disappointed.

Floyd Mayweather Sr. said it best - "they need me to sell the rematch." I think De La Hoya brought in Mayweather Sr. for the pay-per-view sell factor of "father vs. son," and not for his training capabilities. Mayweather Sr. is one of the best trainers in the sport, I just don't see anything that an aging De La Hoya can do to reverse the result of their first fight. The fight will be sold on the bad blood that exists within the Mayweather family. Talk of a 2009 rematch with Hatton is an insult to the intelligence of boxing fans.

Cold Hard Facts - Mayweather is no longer the "Pretty Boy." That Mayweather left in 2006. He is now consumed by his new persona - "Money Mayweather." The rematch with De La Hoya is by far the most money he can make against a less threatening opponent. Cotto is a much tougher fight and worth a lot less in the bank. He can earn $20 million against De La Hoya or a possible $10 million (if that much) against Cotto. It's hard to argue with the money. 

The constant talk of Mayweather-Cotto can come to deafing end in July. We can't overlook that Cotto's fight with Antonio Margarito is going to be a war. Cotto is the favorite to win, but he's not an overwhelming favorite. Margarito is the most dangerous opponent of his career and the danger involved is the reason why the avergae boxing fan loves a guy like Cotto.

De La Hoya rematch or no De La Hoya rematch, if Cotto beats Margarito - the fight with Mayweather will happen. For all the talk of walking away from the sport of boxing, when was the last time a fighter in his prime was able to walk away from the sport?

Mayweather has made a lot of money, and he spends a lot of money. To keep spending that kind of money, he will need to keep on fighting. Beyond a De La Hoya rematch, the winner of Cotto-Margarito is the only "legit" avenue. I don't see him moving forward with a second helping of Hatton. The first fight was too one-sided and the financial risk to put on another pay-per-view between them is too great. Forget Mayweather's rivalry with Cotto's promoter Bob Arum. Floyd is "Money," and when there is enough money involved, feelings quickly change.