By Geno McGahee

Floyd Mayweather, JR., 43-0, 26 KO’s, showed his underrated grit in his 12 round unanimous decision over Miguel Cotto, 37-3, 30 KO’s, to win the WBA Light Middleweight Title. As advertised, we saw the best Cotto that we’ve seen in years, but it still wasn’t enough to overcome the boxing ability and intelligence of “Money” Mayweather.

Although it was a tough fight, Floyd showed his ability to adjust and to find the keys to victory. When Cotto began using the jab and activity to win rounds, much like Oscar De La Hoya had done when he faced Mayweather, Floyd began changing tactics. He used the lead right and eventually the uppercut to regain control of the fight. His ability to adjust is one of his most impressive qualities in the ring. For somebody to beat him, they must adjust to his adjustments and out-think him, which is nearly impossible.

What’s next for Floyd? The call to Manny Pacquiao was made immediately after the fight, and the new champion did not mince any words. He called out promoter Bob Arum for his interference with the fight materializing, and demanded what the fight fans are demanding, although the calls aren’t as loud as they used to be.

The fight has been dangled in front of fight fans for years. Pacquiao, prior to his major struggle with Juan Manuel Marquez in their third encounter and his inability to stop welterweights, was considered to be a serious threat to Floyd. There are still plenty of Pacquiao fans that believe that Floyd will run and eventually be stopped, but the reality of the situation is that Manny would be a heavy underdog to pull an upset.

Up next for Pacquiao is a bout with Timothy Bradley, an undefeated opponent that will have to fight the fight of his life to even survive. This is an easy fight for Manny after his recent struggles, considering the style and size of Bradley. Even though Bradley is extremely determined and will be in fantastic shape, it’s hard to imagine a mediocre puncher at light welterweight will give the Filipino fighter much concern. Ricky Hatton ran directly into Pacquiao and gave him the highlight knockout of his career. Bradley is set up to do the same. The odds going into this fight have been noted at 5 to 1 in favor of Pacquiao. 10-1 odds seem more appropriate. This is a mismatch and it will be evident early.

If and when Pacquiao gets past Bradley, the topic will come up again, and it will be interesting to see what decision is made. The most likely scenario is Pacquiao moving forward with his career and Floyd moving on with his, never to cross paths inside of the ring. Boxing is a sport that is in drastic need of major fights to lift it out of its funk in the states, but the fact that this fight has not materialized hurts the game immensely and even if it takes place now, it won’t have the same amount of intrigue as it once did.

Floyd earned his victory on Saturday night and even apologized to commentator Larry Merchant for his outburst after his controversial KO win over Victor Ortiz. He is the best in the game and the best businessman this sport has seen in a long time. His fights become events and there is no question that the Cotto fight will have a larger buy rate than Pacquiao-Bradley. Manny needs to fight Floyd for history and for himself. Floyd should bend where he needs to in the negotiations to make it possible for his legacy. If he doesn’t fight Manny, there will still be that doubt with some.

If not Pacquiao, a match with Sergio Martinez would be interesting for Mayweather, considering the boxing ability, unpredictable nature and speed. He may be too risky for the business man Mayweather, but if not Pacquiao and if not Martinez, then who is a logical opponent?