Boxing's wish list for 2011 - Pacquiao and Mayweather top of the order

 

There is plenty for boxing fans to look forward to, and hope for, in 2011.

From a showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather to the return of the sweet science in locale such as the Motor City and the Desert Cities surrounding Palm Springs, let’s hope boxing can deliver.

The wish list for 2010 is as follows:

First and foremost, let the build up over a Pacquiao-Mayweather begin anew in 2011.

But this time let the frenzy lead to the actual fight. Last year this fight created more buzz than most sporting events. Let’s hope negotiations get underway and that world’s two greatest fighters finally meet in the ring.

Next, open the door for the Young Lions – Timothy Bradley, Andre Berto, Amir Khan, Nonito Donaire and today’s slew of young talent. With Pacquiao looking ahead to a career in politics and Mayweather distracted by courtroom problems coupled by the eventual retirements of Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley, the emergence of these youngsters couldn’t be better timed.

Next, a third bout between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez is a legitimate matchup. It would satisfy fans more than Pacquiao’s proposed matchup with aging veteran Shane Mosley. Pacquiao and Marquez have gone 24 rounds. Another 12 would be good for boxing.

Another wish is a call out to the heavyweight division – that mean’s we’d like to see either of the Klitschko brothers in the ring against David Haye. It doesn’t matter which Klitschko as long as either one faces Haye in the ring. They are the top heavyweights in the division and a fight featuring them would be a shot in the arm for the lagging heavyweight division.

Boxing fans always wish for more boxing on television. Not the expensive one-fight pay-per-view installments, rather the network version of the sport – ESPN, KCAL in Los Angeles, or Spanish networks Telemundo and Telefutura. Whether the fights originate in Southern California or Florida, or anywhere in between, fight fans will always support boxing on television.

Boxing back in popular locations. Timothy Bradley and Devon Alexander will fight in Detroit and is on the comeback in Palm Springs, CA, where local casinos are throwing their hat back in the ring.