By Mohammad Malik: It is probably safe to say that Manny Pacquiao is not the same fighter he once was. They say age is just a number but in boxing it’s everything. So, it’s understandable that Manny is beginning to show signs of slowing down. In all fairness, it would be unfair to dish any criticism towards him at this point in his career. He has had a legendary career. His resume speaks for itself.

Yes, we might never get to see Manny and Mayweather Jr. Fight from taking place, but, does it really matter now that both are well past their prime?

Manny was a treat to watch in his prime. I am not saying that he is completely done, but I don’t expect him to put up the same performances anymore. He simply annihilated Oscar, Cotto and Ricky Hatton. And his thrilling encounters with Marquez, Morales and Barrera, definitely turned me into a fan. The thing hardcore boxing fans would not disagree with is that he did it the hard way. He did not take any shortcuts. He fought the best and proved himself. I guess nowadays the business side of the boxing has taken over. And some of the most popular boxers today have not even fought anyone worth mentioning. It is almost comical. The question is now that Manny Pacquiao has stepped into the last phase of his career, is there anybody on the horizon who is capable of taking his place? You have guys like Mercito Gesta, who seems to have a lot of similarities with Manny on paper, but that’s where it stops. He is being protected for a one big fight and then he will be exposed. I like Nonito, but he is already 29. And he seems to be in no rush to fight guys like Guillermo Rigondeaux or Abner Mares. It is hard to deny the talent Adrien Broner possesses, but his style is more reminiscent of Floyd Mayweather Jr. then Manny Pacquiao.

The question is then who will take Pacquiao’s place once he retires?