After defeating Manny Pacquiao in boxing’s most profitable fight ever back in May, Floyd Mayweather Jr. said that he would get back in the ring in September. He also said that when the time comes, that it could be the final fight of his 19-year career. It appears that boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighter has finally decided on a date and an opponent. Although no official announcement has been made multiple reports state that “Money May” will take on the Interim WBA Welterweight Champion Andre Berto on Saturday September 12th. Now while Berto is excited for this opportunity, and “Pretty Boy Floyd” is ready to get another mega payday, I must say I am disappointed.
If this is indeed Mayweather’s last fight (as most recent reports from Stephen A. Smith indicate it may after all be a tune-up for another go at Pacquiao), there are still much better fighters that he could step in the ring with. Don’t get me wrong, Berto has proved himself in the ring. But, he is nowhere near the caliber or talent of Mayweather. It definitely sounds like Floyd is hand picking his opponent so as not to put his undefeated record in jeopardy. If he truly wants to prove himself as the greatest of all time, Mayweather should take a chance against someone who is capable of beating him.
Here are five fighters who are more suitable opponents, and worthy of being across the ring from Floyd Mayweather…..
5. Kell Brook (35-0, 24 KO’s)
The current IBF Welterweight Champion has already dominated international competition. Perhaps it’s time to bring him ‘across the pond’ as they say in his native England and let him showcase his skills en los Estados Unidos. He would be the ultimate test for Mayweather as only two of his fights have gone the full 12 rounds. Plus he has solid punching power which could prove difficult for Mayweather’s defensive skill set.
4. Timothy Bradley (35-1-1, 12 KO’s)
“Desert Storm” so far in his career has beaten the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Jessie Vargas. Why not give him a shot against the best in the sport (Mayweather)? Sure, Bradley is scheduled to fight the undefeated Sadam Ali next, but a date for that encounter has not been officially set. Plus, Ali is young so there’s plenty of time to get him in the ring with Bradley. A bout with Mayweather is just too big to pass up.
3. Keith Thurman (26-0, 1 no contest, 22 KO’s)
The reigning WBA Welterweight Champion has been on a tear over these last few years. He dominates his opponents from start to finish, his longest fight since 2009 has been 10 rounds, and his opponents have had great difficulty trying to land a punch on him. Thurman can easily be Mayweather’s biggest physical challenge.
2. Amir Khan (31-3, 19 KO’s)
Two years ago, “King Khan” moved up to Welterweight for one reason; to eventually fight Floyd Mayweather. Since then, he’s gone 4-0 and collected the WBA International, and WBC Silver Welterweight titles along the way. Khan has repeatedly challenged Mayweather but has been turned down each time. Could Floyd be afraid of arguably the quickest hands in boxing?
1. Manny Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KO’s)
Why not have a rematch? If “Pac-Man” wasn’t 100-percent during their first fight, imagine how much better the fight could be if both men are at their best. Granted Mayweather-Pacquiao II would have to wait until 2016 as the Filipino congressman recovers from shoulder surgery. But there’s no doubt in my mind that these two could shatter box office records again.
Here’s to wishful thinking…..
