Floyd Mayweather easily dispatched Robert Guerrero in what was more of a boxing clinic than an actual competitive fight. The focus now shifts toward his next bout and rising star Saul "Canelo" Alvarez should top the list of potential opponents.
After 44 fights without a loss and plenty of dominant performances along the way, Mayweather has earned the right to handpick his opponents. Regardless of what boxing fans want, they are basically forced to accept whatever "Money May" and his camp decide.
That said, hopefully they learned from the Manny Pacquiao situation that the best time to accept a fight is when an opponent is at his peak. Mayweather against Pacquiao would have been the talk of the sports world, but it never materialized.
Instead of getting into the public-relations battle between the two sides as to whose fault it was for the super fight never coming to fruition, it's simply important to realize it was a lost opportunity. There was a chance to make plenty of money and potentially revitalize the sport, and now it's gone.
Pacquiao lost two straight fights to Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez, causing his stock to drop off significantly over the past year. A fight between the two wouldn't generate nearly as hype moving forward as it did in the past.
Mayweather can't let that happen with Alvarez.
Although the 22-year-old Mexican sensation should still have plenty of big fights ahead of him, his stock is flying high right now and a matchup with Mayweather would be the best move for both boxers. It would also be great for the sport.
Mayweather's strong showing against Guerrero showed he's still in top form after a year away from the ring. He must increase the level of competition in his next bout to keep generating buzz, something Alvarez would certainly provide.
Alvarez, who's also unbeaten in his professional career, is coming off an impressive showing of his own against Austin Trout. He's ready for the spotlight of a marquee fight and there's only a few fighters who can provide it. Mayweather is one of them.
Even though there could be more chances down the road for an encounter between the two, there are no guarantees, as illustrated by the Pacquiao situation. When both fighters are in top form, it's time to move forward with the fight before an unexpected twist that makes it less desirable.
Mayweather has jumped every hurdle placed in front of him since his professional career began in 1996. Alvarez should be the next one put in his path.
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