By Liam Santiago: Over the next twelve month period, there is a chance for boxing to produce one of its finest viewings for boxing fans in recent years. Some mega fights are already on the card. Others will simply not happen due to money.
However, with Filipino boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao taking on Miguel Cotto and Floyd Mayweather battling it out with natural lightweight Juan Marquez, we already have a very good display that is certain to hit are screens. Although, there are other big fights out there that we want to see, but as usual, we question whether we ever will.
Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather Jnr – The obvious one. Personally, I don’t think this fight will ever happen. Not because either boxer is ducking the other, simply because they won’t agree on money. Rumours were that ‘Pretty Boy’ had demanded a 60-40 split. Pacquiao was asking for something similar. But, unfortunately, boxing is all about money. I really can not see these two ever agreeing on who buys the first round at the bar, never mind a multi million dollar fight. I can’t see why a 50-50 split can’t be agreed, that seems fair. Recently Mayweather stated that Pacquaio is in a lose lose situation with promoter Bob Arum, ask Pac-Man only receives 27% of his fight earnings whereas Mayweather receives 100%. I don’t like to be so negative but this fight won’t happen. There’s more chance of Calderon fighting Valuev and using Barry Chuckle as a sparring partner.
Junior Witter vs Amir Khan – I think there’s a good chance of this fight happening. If it doesn’t Witter won’t be at fault. As all boxing fans know Witter would fight any one, any time, any where. He recently even stated that he would knock Khan out inside three rounds. Big statement. After a very classy win over Kotelnik, new world champion Khan will be looking for his next opponent. Roach said Morales might be a good choice. That’s fine but, please, don’t have the audacity to put the fight on box office. Khan is now starting to rebuild his fan base and he needs a good solid opponent to keep them interested. Witter is the perfect candidate. It would sell well and the fans would love. If I had to make a prediction, I’d have to go with Khan on points.
Vitali Klitshko vs Wladimar Klitschko – This, at first, seems crazy. But the brothers have spoke about it. This fight doesn’t depend on money, fan bases or promoters, it depends on whether the Mother will allow it. Lennox Lewis recently said that they should fight each other and if you look at it, this is a sport. You fight the best, like in any other sport. Obviously, they are brothers. But how many more times are we going to watch them jab an opponent constantly for nine rounds before the referee stops the action. This would be the first close, competitive heavyweight fight in a long time. If it did happen would they turn up to actually fight? Or would they just spar with each other? Still I’d like to see it but I doubt I will.
Joe Calzaghe vs Chad Dawson – We all want to see it. We all scream out for it. Chad Dawson has screamed out for it. Joe, however, sadly has not. He still seems happily retired, although the rumour is he still trains every day so you never know? A friend of a friend on the grapevine told me if he did return it would be only to fight Carl Froch. Although Dawson does not bring a big fan base to the fight, he does bring a stunning record. Who wouldn’t want to watch this fight. I could imagine one final fight for Joe at Wembley against Dawson. Do I seriously think it will happen? No. But, if it did, I’m sure Joe would win on points.
Juan Manuel Marquez vs Manny Pacquiao 3 – Here we go. The finishing fight between these two warriors. The other two were very unconvincing, in many boxing experts eyes wrong. However, they were close. You have to give both guys credit. Marquez is a warrior that does not understand the word ‘quit’. Pacquiao has defeated De La Hoya, Hatton and Diaz, no matter what weaknesses those guys had. In my eyes, this fight is a must. Get it on. Will they agree on money? Yes I think so. Marquez is not greedy and would just love the chance to go into the fight and win. He would tonight if Pac would put his gloves on.
Comments are closed.