Manny Pacquiao – Floyd Mayweather JR: THE SHAME OF BOXING

By Gina L. Caliboso

As if the boxing world has enough to contend with in the complete failure of getting the Mayweather, JR vs. Pacquiao bout to actually happen, what really, will be the aftermath should this fight not happen?

First, I think there will be an utter distaste for the sport of boxing. Second, with FOX headlining MMA bouts, TV coverage (PPV or otherwise) may not even appeal to an audience at all. And finally, what other bouts are out there that may possibly pack the same punch of excitement that Mayweather, JR vs. Pacquiao creates? With all this in mind, let’s look at these issues as I venture forth in the post Mayweather, JR vs. Pacquiao boxing path. Where does this leave boxing?

My Editor, Geno McGahee, recently wrote an article indicating that $40 million was the amount offered for Pacquiao to fight Mayweather, JR. In return, it’s been stated that Mayweather, JR., has rejected a 50-50 split of the purse. How lovely for boxing’s superstars to suddenly experience a case of “no, it’s my way or no way.”

Both Pacquiao and Mayweather, JR., arguing over money? For shame, especially in consideration that both imply that it’s not about the money. Mayweather, JR vs. Pacquiao is the only fight that needs to happen right now. There have been excuses as to why the fight WILL NOT happen. I’m tired and I won’t completely rule out that for both fighters – it is potentially and possibly, the final fight of their perspective careers. It’s a gamble because a lot of money is at stake, but more importantly, for both fighters – it’s somehow turned into pride. It’s apparently priceless. As a reminder, pride is one of the seven deadly sins.

I feel like the megabout has been in the works for two years now. As Pacquiao has slowly risen through weight divisions, or more importantly, has remained steadfast on the weigh-in scale at 140-ish lbs. with a catch weight of about 145 lbs., the only true competitor for him remains to be Mayweather, JR. In his third bout against Juan Manuel Marquez, the Filipino southpaw showed a tactical and methodical fight that, depending on what mood or if you decide to watch the bout in mute mode, two or more analysts might call the bout a draw or even in favor of either Marquez or Pacquiao. But like I saw – again depending on how I look at the fight, a counterpuncher such as Marquez would have needed a knockdown and more solid combinations to take the fight away from Pacquiao.

As for Mayweather, again, no dwelling on the Victor Ortiz bout. It was ugly for both fighters. But prior to his Ortiz bout, Mayweather, JR., had not fought on any competitive level. It seems he was able to choose fighters that could have easily been a good match but only in strong favor of assurance that he would win. But as Mayweather, JR., has always stated, he’s never completely out of shape and he always trains because he doesn’t do anything else. Go to court maybe. Gamble maybe. Come on Mayweather, JR., Pacquiao is the draw – not you!

But let’s get back to the post Pacquiao vs Mayweather, JR., boxing world. Much like the Mayan calendar and this year, it’s still as uncertain. As far as I can see, the many weight divisions in boxing are highly competitive. Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire, JR., is leading the super bantamweight division. Donaire is making quite an impact and simply not as being the next great champion to follow Pacquiao.

The light welterweight division has some exciting fighters in Amir Khan, Lamont Peterson, Timothy Bradley, and Devon Alexander. There is the super middleweight division with Super 6 Champion Andre “S.O.G.” Ward, returning to the ring Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell, Carl “Cobra” Froch, Mikkel “Viking Warrior” Kessler, and of course, IBF Champion Lucian Bute. Where for art thou Paul “Punisher” Williams, Andy Lee, and Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez? Heavyweight division? Okay, brothers Klitschko, stay as competitive as you want.

As for the MMA vs. boxing debate, I mention it because cable/PPV rights and public demand are key for boxing. UFC has really made an impact on FOX with more than its lion share of an audience. ESPN2 does a great job in their “Friday Night Fights.” HBO will always be in the mix although Showtime has certainly given HBO a run for its money when it was able to get the rights to the Pacquiao vs. Shane Mosley bout. MMA and boxing do compete with one another, but each does have its good share of the audience. I foresee that boxing will continue to make its way back into non cable television at some point.

In other words, how will the boxing world be after a Pacquiao vs Mayweather, JR., super mega bout? It will carry on. But more importantly, it has to now because as far as I can see – it’s not happening. And if that’s the case, then we as the fans need to move on as well.