By Frank Livingstone: Ever since Bernard Hopkins’ comment of “African American fighting style can beat Pacquiao” in November last year, a number of commentators has seized on this theory that Pacquiao has never been tested. “Floyd Mayweather would beat Manny Pacquiao because the styles that African American fighters – I mean black fighters from the streets or inner cities – would be successful.” The comment might have a racist tone but can we really take him seriously.

Manny, known as the Mexicutioner, has disposed of 11 of the elite Mexican fighters, who have similar fighting styles. But they are not slick fighters in the mind of B Hop. Floyd Mayweather is the ultimate challenge for Pacquiao whom Hopkins believes has the style of beating Manny. Floyd is not available which led us to Shane Mosley who is Pacquiao’s next opponent. Bob Arum mentioned that Pacquiao had not faced someone like Mosley. “And even though he is a little on in age, he still has that style and he still has that punching power,” said Arum. “And I, for one, am curious as to how Pacquiao deals with that type of style, which he hasn’t faced before. That’s the interesting part of this fight.”

There has been no comment from Bernard Hopkins on the choice of Shane Mosely as Pacquiao’s next fight. I’m sure he won’t comment on Mosley’s age as he is much older. But now that Uncle Bob called his bluff, would that be enough to satisfy the B Hop and the silent African Americans that Hopkins is referring to.

Some say curiosity killed the cat but it still has nine lives. Would this be a case of Pacquiao choosing an opponent just out of interest without knowing the risk or is it just a stepping stone for Manny in his goal to go for his ninth title in the near future.