Even though Floyd Mayweather recently told MLive.com's David Mayo that Manny Pacquiao blew his chance to fight him, the pound-for-pound champ's competitive nature may lead to a softening of his stance in the coming months.
Assuming Mayweather defeats Canelo Alvarez on Sept. 14 and Pacquiao beats Brandon Rios on Nov. 23, talk of a superfight will resume with more plausibility. While it may not immediately materialize, another win from both men is the first step toward making the fight.
Pacquiao has lost his last two bouts. Though the loss to Timothy Bradley has been disputed by many, there is no disputing the loss to Juan Manuel Marquez that left Pacquiao lying facedown in the ring.
A fighter coming off two losses in a row doesn't have the right to challenge the pound-for-pound champ; even if he does get a shot, you can't legitimately call that bout a superfight—even if it is Pacquiao and Mayweather.
Before a potential Mayweather-Pacquiao fight can be looked at as a meeting of the two best in the sport, Pacquiao needs to string some wins together over formidable opponents. Rios has a name and he passes the sniff test on paper, but stylistically he is made to order for Pacquiao.
There is some danger because Rios can punch, but he doesn't move well and he is easy to hit. That plays right into Pacquiao's hands. All things point to an exciting and vicious KO win for Pacquiao and a boost in his stock.
If he loses or struggles, the days of looking at him as a potential threat to Mayweather are over.
Anything less than an impressive performance against Rios would mean Pacquiao's skills have eroded. Almost no one aside from diehard Pacquiao fans would buy him as a legitimate threat to Mayweather.
Of course, the last statement is made under the impression that Money will be the same dynamic and brilliant fighter he was against Robert Guerrero in May. I've seen nearly every fight in Mayweather's career, and without hesitation, I can tell you he looked as good as he ever has against Guerrero.
That said, this is boxing and things can change seemingly overnight, but everything we've seen recently would suggest Money is still at or near the top of his game. Because of this, Mayweather should outbox and possibly stop Canelo Alvarez when they meet at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
This would potentially reaffirm Money's spot as the best in the world. From there, it will be up to Pacquiao to force his rival in boxing's cold war to acknowledge him again.
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