By Dallan o’ Donnell: Manny Pacquiao will face Shane Mosley in Las Vegas on May 7th after a long period of deliberation over who Pacquiao’s next opponent would be. Mosley, a former champion in three divisions was on a shortlist of three fighters which included undefeated Andre Berto and Mexico’s legendary Juan Manuel Marquez. Many people believe that both Berto and Marquez were in a better position to fight Pacquiao as they are both coming off wins whereas Mosley is coming off a draw and a defeat in his last two contests.

Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter has stated that Mosley was always favourite as he was more known than the other fighters on the list and he could generate the PPV sales. However I think this is the wrong choice of opponent. There is no doubt that Mosley was a great fighter in his prime and on his day, a match for anyone in world boxing but he is simply too old and past his best to cause Pacquiao any problems, I see this as being Antonio Margarito all over again for Pacquiao.

I would have much preferred to see Berto get a shot at Pacquiao, he would have caused Manny problems as he is naturally heavy handed and is still undefeated and that may be the reason he didn’t get the call. A third fight with Marquez would have been my first choice. Both previous contests were simply amazing to watch with action from start to finish, and although they drew the first and Marquez lost the second by split decision many boxing fans think Marquez won both fights which again like Berto could be the reason Marquez didn’t get the call and not because he was demanding too much money which is what Arum claimed.

Marquez is, like Berto too dangerous for Pacquiao. Although Manny would have in all probability beaten both Berto and Marquez they would have been competitive throughout, unlike Mosley who I see tiring towards the middle rounds and become easy prey for Pacquiao. But if Pacquiao comes through against Mosley which I expect he will, I hope for the sake of boxing fans around the world we will see Pacquiao against Mayweather.

In my opinion Pacquiao is the only boxer around the welterweight division who can beat Mayweather and Mayweather is the only boxer who can beat Pacquiao at this time. Pacquiao against Mosley will be contested at a welterweight limit of 147 pounds at the MGM grand in Las Vegas on May 7th.