By Geno McGahee

As we prepare for Manny Pacquiao Vs Shane Mosley, we can’t help but think of the fighter that has been permanently linked to the Filipino power-puncher, Floyd Mayweather, JR., 41-0, 25 KO’s.

As most of us expect, Manny Pacquiao should come out victorious with relative ease over the 39 year old veteran, Mosley, and then the question would be: Who is next? At this point, Juan Manuel Marquez’s name is coming up a great deal, and there are other options for him, but nothing that will draw the attention of a showdown with Floyd…but it appears to be something that is not wanted by Mayweather.

A demand of 100 million dollars to face Pacquiao could never be met and that was the point. Floyd is undefeated and has taken bouts strategically rather then to give the fans what they really want. He is playing it safe and will not be taking on Manny in his July return. The persistent rumor is that he will be taking on bad boy, Paul Spadafora, 45-0-1, 19 KO’s.

It seems that the talk of Spadafora as “the guy” has hit every gym and most in the media are going with the flow, but it seems unlikely. This is something that is commonly done in boxing, where a fighter is named as an opponent that doesn’t bring much name value (Spadafora) and the people become disappointed, but then, a fighter a few notches up is named and the people become excited, but it is only by comparison. Floyd is a game player and he knows how to manipulate a situation. He will make his opponent, whomever it is, look far more impressive then he really is.

So who will Floyd face? Perhaps the winner of Andre Berto – Victor Ortiz would fit the bill. Berto will most likely come out with a victory and he has been featured on HBO in high profile bouts and has slowly been making a name for himself. Ortiz is a huge step up for him, but should he get beyond him, a big bout may be in the making.

Another potential opponent, if Manny doesn’t pick him up first, is Marcos Maidana, should he get beyond Erik Morales tonight. Maidana is an aggressive fighter with decent power, but he is also a fighter that has incredible difficulty dealing with an opponent that possesses good boxing skills, which is what Floyd is all about.

Amir Khan has made a name for himself, beating up Pacquiao in some sparring sessions and overcoming a life and death struggle with Maidana. He is another potential, especially because of his ties with Pacquiao.

Manny Pacquiao…the fight we all want…but will never get. I think that we will see Floyd back in the ring in July, but it won’t be against Spadafora and it won’t be against Pacquiao either. We are going to see him fight somebody recognizable, but somebody that is an easy mark for him.

At this point in his career, Floyd Mayweather, JR., will be more remembered for his creative matchmaking and ability to manipulate a situation to turn a big buck for the least amount of risk. It doesn’t mean that he’s not the best boxer in the world, but it certainly means that he isn’t willing to prove it against the best available opposition.

July awaits, and we should have a concrete answer soon as to who the man across the ring will be come fight night.

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