By Ryan Williamson: I feel that the upcoming Oscar De La Hoya vs Manny Pacquiao could produce the perfect opportunity for the Pretty Boy to return. That is as long as Manny Pacquiao wins. What fight out there would be as big in the boxing world as Mayweather v Pacquiao? I know Ricky Hatton might have something to say about that but as a Brit I would prefer to see him fight Juan Manuel Marquez.
And if he won that then the winner of this bout. What would be better for the sport than a previous pound for pound champion versus the current one? I also believe this would be the perfect temptation for Floyd to come out of retirement. The money would be unbelievable as well as the chance to absolutely cement his legacy against the best fighter (apart from him) in the world.
I know if Mayweather were to return to fight Pacquiao his detractors would say why not Margarito or Cotto or Williams? Personally if (and it’s a big if) Manny were to beat Oscar I don’t think any of those fights would top the interest in a Mayweather v Pacquiao fight. I also think it would prove beyond any doubt that Pacquiao can handle fighting at the weight. This fight would be a genuine superfight between two all time greats in their prime. I know Margarito is a relentless crowd pleasing favourite (I personally like and respect him) but if Floyd fought him and outboxed him for 12 rounds (the only way Floyd could win) then it would be a boring fight. Cotto won’t have the appeal he once did coming off a big loss so that wouldn’t tempt Floyd. Williams has just moved to light-middle and I think Margarito is his main goal anyway.
However, if a fight including Floyd and any one out of the big three in the welterweight division came off I would most like to see Mayweather v Williams (after Mayweather v Pacquiao of course) I think Paul would give him the toughest fight out of the three. And if these two fights came off and Floyd was victorious I don’t think anyone could deny him his position amongst the very greatest to ever grace the sport.
I personally would love to see Mayweather v Pacquiao (providing Manny beats Oscar). It makes sense on so many levels. So come on Manny and set up the greatest fight of our generation.