By Liam Fitzgerald: For me, World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather are by far and away the most talented boxers of this era. They are both supremely talented and a joy to watch in the prime of their careers. And the fact that they are both now campaigning at the same weight means we should be on the verge of the biggest fight in years. Yet the selfishness and stubbornness of these two men has taken this prospect away and for this reason, they should be ashamed.
How can an argument about drug testing really escalate so much? If either man truly wanted the fight, they would put all these petty disputes to one side and do everything possible to reach a compromise. As this hasn’t happened, you have to question whether either of them are bothered about their legacies and reputations amongst boxing fans.
Both Pacquiao and Mayweather seemed very confident about their victory chances should they have met in the ring. So why then could Manny be so preoccupied about having a small amount of blood taken out of him? Surely, if he was going to win so convincingly, this wouldn’t be such an imposition. And with Mayweather, if he was gong to “whip” Pacquiao then why would he insist upon something that will mentally destabilise his opponent and give him an excuse for after the fight?
Basically, when it comes down to it, neither Floyd nor Manny are worthy of their position as linchpins of boxing. They have let the sport down and prevented it the opportunity to win back a lot of fans. I love both boxers style and warmed to Manny after many years of watching him but to be honest I have lost a lot of respect for both men and any future victories would be tainted in my opinion if the fight doesn’t come off.
Sure, they can both carry on fighting and entertain us by demolishing the opposition out there. Personally, I believed the only men that could challenge them were Shane Mosley and Miguel Cotto but after Pacquaio’s demolition of the Puerto Rican in November, it’s clear they are one or even two levels above all the competition. Paul Williams’ limitations were shown against Sergio Martinez, a lesser fighter than Pacquiao or Mayweather. They will still earn a lot of money and improve their records but it will be hollow without this fight and we all know it. It has to be sorted in 2010 or early 2011 or I fear that it will be too late and the fight would be an anti-climax. At this moment, both men’s reputations have taken a hit and can only be resurrected by getting it on soon. Otherwise, they will never earn mine, or many other’s recognition for their talent.
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