Who Should Pac Fight if Pac-JMM III Doesn't Get Made?

The Pacquiao-Marquez (Pac-JMM III) fight isn't a done deal, despite the reports that Marquez has accepted the terms of the Top Rank offer.

As most know, that's because Golden Boy -- Marquez' former promoter -- can match the contract, which many feel Golden Boy is inclined to do. I personally feel that Golden Boy will likely match the deal, as well.

So, if that happens, who should be next for Pacquiao?

Take Mayweather's name off the list, in my book. He doesn't seem to want the fight ("testing" excuses aside), and I don't think Arum would give it to him even if he did want it.

Some other choices:

* Ortiz (Mayweather fight rumor not looking so hot right now)
* Bradley
* Judah
* Eastern Euros (Senchenko or Zaveck -- not sure if they have open dates)
* M'baye (interim WBA Welterweight champion -- not sure if has an open date)
* Cintron

The Eastern Euros and M'baye would seem off the table, since the goal is to sell the fight to American audiences. Casual fans have never heard of any of these three and I doubt Arum would consider them at this point since the goal is to sell as many PPVs as possible.

What do you guys think? Any names that are missing here? What would be Pac's best option for a Fall 2011 fight if Marquez isn't able to make the date because of Golden Boy?

Provided Marquez wins his next bout or bouts, I do think Pac-JMM III will happen. It just might not happen this fall. If that's the case, Pac needs to fill his dance card with someone while he waits for JMM to shake free of the Golden Boy contract (which will happen in Feb 2012).

 

Good post and I agree: I think Bradley is next for Pac Man.

There is one hitch, though: I'm sure that Shaw and others are aware of what Arum may be trying to do here. They may attempt to block Bradley going to Top Rank, so we'll have to see how that plays out.

Bradley, of course, wants to get paid. No one will get him paid like fighting Pac. So, that could overrule any attempts to block a possible signing with Top Rank.