floyd and his team say they want the pacman on may 5th 2012

[Quixall]

There is no proof. You will never have a fighter saying on camera that he did not want to box an opponent, its always gossip and here say. If you have a boxer going around saying he is the best pound for pound then he should fight the best and I don't think he wanted either fight especially Cotto. I think Mayweather is a great fighter but he always fights on his own terms or not at all, some people might say thats smart and for the record I don't think Pacquiao would beat him at Welterweight. It would just be nice to see the fight.

Exacly...................It can never be proved either way !!

In my opinion Floyd would eat up Cotto and Margarito pretty easily and take them out in later rounds or certainly get a unanimous decision. As i said before, their respective styles are made for Floyd. I too think that Floyd beats Pacquaio because he only fights one way and would be pot shotted and countered all night long !! I would agree that Floyd should have or needs to at least fight Cotto on the basis that most people believe it was Manny's best result since his fights with Marquez and Morales.

[P4P#1]

There is no proof. You will never have a fighter saying on camera that he did not want to box an opponent, its always gossip and here say. If you have a boxer going around saying he is the best pound for pound then he should fight the best and I don't think he wanted either fight especially Cotto. I think Mayweather is a great fighter but he always fights on his own terms or not at all, some people might say thats smart and for the record I don't think Pacquiao would beat him at Welterweight. It would just be nice to see the fight.

The same can be said about manny, his last 6 fights have been taylor made for him, he's had advantage in weight (meaning its always set at a weight he'll be most powerfull at whuile his opponent will often have to drain like made to make that weight or bulk up to a unreasonalbe weight) why doesnt he fight marquez at lightweight or even 140, id have more respect for manny if he'd have fought cotto before cotto fought margarito and he'd fought margarito after marg beat cotto, when they both looked a lot better than they did at the time he faced them.

[Riddim]

Its ok saying Mayweather would beat Margarito and Cotto now but at the time he did not want to fight them.

Being Arum fghters has more to do with it.

[Riddim]

I think Mayweather is a great fighter but he always fights on his own terms or not at all,

Manny has clauses. You weigh what he says and do not ask for random drug testing.

[Quixall]

There is no proof. You will never have a fighter saying on camera that he did not want to box an opponent, its always gossip and here say. If you have a boxer going around saying he is the best pound for pound then he should fight the best and I don't think he wanted either fight especially Cotto. I think Mayweather is a great fighter but he always fights on his own terms or not at all, some people might say thats smart and for the record I don't think Pacquiao would beat him at Welterweight. It would just be nice to see the fight.

The same can be said about manny, his last 6 fights have been taylor made for him, he's had advantage in weight (meaning its always set at a weight he'll be most powerfull at whuile his opponent will often have to drain like made to make that weight or bulk up to a unreasonalbe weight) why doesnt he fight marquez at lightweight or even 140, id have more respect for manny if he'd have fought cotto before cotto fought margarito and he'd fought margarito after marg beat cotto, when they both looked a lot better than they did at the time he faced them.

I give credit to Pacquaio for his wins over Cotto and Margarito, the De La Hoya, Diaz, Clottey fights were nothing to get excited over, one has been and a bunch of ordinary fighters. I agree totally about the weight class for this fight, i don't see any reason why given enough time Pacquaio couldn't have fought Marquez at 140lbs. I think he saw how slow Marquez was against Mayweather and knows that Marquez is sluggis beyond 140lbs. This will not be a repeat of the first two fights !!

[maltesecharlie]

Maybe he could or should fight him at light welter but I don't think you can say that he has had it his own way weight wise. He fought Hatton at light welter, Cotto at welter and Margarito at light middle. I would prefer to see this fight at light welter too.

[gobbles]

Manny agreed to drugs tests ages ago. Then Mayweather said the negotiations never took place.

Might be more than a little truth in the jail idea. Fight would mean mega money for Las Vegas, so thought of scrapping that may be hard on the DA doing the prosecution, who is elected.

[CiganoBoxer]

Mayweather fought on Sept. 17, Said he will make a relatively hasty return: May 5th 2012".. How is that a hasty return!!??? That's 8mths out of the ring!
Much prefer to watch Pacman do his thing at least he brings it .

[LeedsLad]

Manny has fulfilled all obligations set by the commission in which his fights take place.

Floyd on the other hand insists that he's the best fighter in history, despite not facing a top class, primed welterweight in seven years in the division.

If this fight doesn't happen it'll reflect very badly on Floyd, whereas Manny has gotten on with his career and easily surpassed him in a historical significance sense.

Even if it did happen and Floyd won, unless it's an annihilation Pacquiao will still rank higher.

Why would Manny rank higher ?

The only impressive thing that Manny seems to have over Floyd is how he has come through the weight divisions so succesfully which ultimately is what the tests are all about. The only two fighters that i would have liked and still would like Floyd to face from that welterweight period a few years back are Cotto and Margarito. Floyd could face both guys at catch weight (150lbs) and have them on his record, because i have no doubt at all that he beats both of them comfortably. Then that equates to what Manny has done, apart from fighting Diaz, everything else Floyd has done. If Floyd then beat Martinez he would comfortably surpass what Manny has achieved bar the move through the weights which has been more extreme that Floyd's move through the weights. Don't forget Floyd beat at top rated De La Hoya, not a weight drained old version, Floyd beat an unbeaten Ricky Hatton, not the slightly scarred version. Floyd has beaten Mosley and Marquez as has Pacquaio. Clottey or Diaz is equivalent to Floyd facing Ortiz, game but not that great. Plus it also has to be said that Floyd hasn't lost and Manny has lost three times, though i don't give much credence to unbeaten fighting records in the main. Like i said earlier, manny's rise through the weights is steeper than Floyd's and Floyd hasn't faced Cotto and Margarito as Manny has, so i too feel that he should face those fighters, though i belive he would beat either comfortably. I belive that both will be seen as great all time fighters, but that Floyd will edge it because like it or not, he is a more glamorous figure and things like that seem to count as it did for instance if you compare the careers and fights of Ali and Joe Frazier. They both achieved the same things and it's difficult to seperate them apart from their fighting styles, but Ali had the greater PR, personality and style, hence he goes slightly above Frazier in the memory of the general public who watched them both fight.

I'd rank Pacquiao higher based upon his record, five wins over three truly brilliant Mexicans against a decision defeat and a draw.

Like you, I've little doubt that Floyd would have beaten both Margarito in late 2006 and Cotto mid 2008, but unfortunately it never happened.

I'm not really fussed for titles, Manny could be a 12 weight world champion and it wouldn't really affect my rating of him.

[Quixall]

Manny has fulfilled all obligations set by the commission in which his fights take place.

Floyd on the other hand insists that he's the best fighter in history, despite not facing a top class, primed welterweight in seven years in the division.

If this fight doesn't happen it'll reflect very badly on Floyd, whereas Manny has gotten on with his career and easily surpassed him in a historical significance sense.

Even if it did happen and Floyd won, unless it's an annihilation Pacquiao will still rank higher.

Why would Manny rank higher ?

The only impressive thing that Manny seems to have over Floyd is how he has come through the weight divisions so succesfully which ultimately is what the tests are all about. The only two fighters that i would have liked and still would like Floyd to face from that welterweight period a few years back are Cotto and Margarito. Floyd could face both guys at catch weight (150lbs) and have them on his record, because i have no doubt at all that he beats both of them comfortably. Then that equates to what Manny has done, apart from fighting Diaz, everything else Floyd has done. If Floyd then beat Martinez he would comfortably surpass what Manny has achieved bar the move through the weights which has been more extreme that Floyd's move through the weights. Don't forget Floyd beat at top rated De La Hoya, not a weight drained old version, Floyd beat an unbeaten Ricky Hatton, not the slightly scarred version. Floyd has beaten Mosley and Marquez as has Pacquaio. Clottey or Diaz is equivalent to Floyd facing Ortiz, game but not that great. Plus it also has to be said that Floyd hasn't lost and Manny has lost three times, though i don't give much credence to unbeaten fighting records in the main. Like i said earlier, manny's rise through the weights is steeper than Floyd's and Floyd hasn't faced Cotto and Margarito as Manny has, so i too feel that he should face those fighters, though i belive he would beat either comfortably. I belive that both will be seen as great all time fighters, but that Floyd will edge it because like it or not, he is a more glamorous figure and things like that seem to count as it did for instance if you compare the careers and fights of Ali and Joe Frazier. They both achieved the same things and it's difficult to seperate them apart from their fighting styles, but Ali had the greater PR, personality and style, hence he goes slightly above Frazier in the memory of the general public who watched them both fight.

I'd rank Pacquiao higher based upon his record, five wins over three truly brilliant Mexicans against a decision defeat and a draw.

Like you, I've little doubt that Floyd would have beaten both Margarito in late 2006 and Cotto mid 2008, but unfortunately it never happened.

I'm not really fussed for titles, Manny could be a 12 weight world champion and it wouldn't really affect my rating of him.

In a way it will be like the Hearns - Leonard debate, who was the best etc etc

I'm a Floyd fan so i'm slightly biased, but i always try and be objective in my posts and i think Pacquaio is a superb fighter

[bfchunk]

As always there is a lot to be said for hindsight in looking at their opponents/potential opponents.

The Pacquiao - De La Hoya fight is looked at considerably differently post fight than it was when it was made. Many feared Manny would be slaughtered. Ok, yes Floyd faced a better and sensible weighed version.

Cotto and Margarito were viewed as much more dangerous opponents when they were top of the list for Floyd to fight them than they are looked at now. That should not be ignored. Their risk was identified and weight managed by Manny's team.

[ThereByTheGrace]

I think it will happen this time - the time is right and its a bank holiday on the Monday!!!!!

Result

Floyd to win on points - the occasion will be bigger than the actual in-ring performances.

[Riddim]

As always there is a lot to be said for hindsight in looking at their opponents/potential opponents.

The Pacquiao - De La Hoya fight is looked at considerably differently post fight than it was when it was made. Many feared Manny would be slaughtered. Ok, yes Floyd faced a better and sensible weighed version.

Cotto and Margarito were viewed as much more dangerous opponents when they were top of the list for Floyd to fight them than they are looked at now. That should not be ignored. Their risk was identified and weight managed by Manny's team.

When DLH stepped into the ring only putting on 2lbs from the weigh-in the fight was lost. An opportunist move by Roach. He knew DLH was shot having trained him.

[P4P#1]

Maybe he could or should fight him at light welter but I don't think you can say that he has had it his own way weight wise. He fought Hatton at light welter, Cotto at welter and Margarito at light middle. I would prefer to see this fight at light welter too.

Ill give you hatton but he wasnt the same after the mayweather fight, didnt exactly warrant a shot at manny coming off a scrappy win against lazcano and beating malinaggi imo, as for cotto he fought him at a catchweight of 145 didnt he, not even at the the welter limit yet took his title, and he fought margarito at 150 not 154 and took the vacant belt there, id have been okay with them being on the limit, but 2-4 pounds might not seem a lot but it can kill a fighter to get that last bit of weight off,

[LeedsLad]

The Cotto thing was a bit shit, but there wasn't much objection from the Cotto camp and he looked in brilliant shape.

Margarito is a strange one, it was a blatant belt grab, Manny would probably have copped less stick dragging him down to 147 for a shot at the WBO title.

[P4P#1]

The Cotto thing was a bit shit, but there wasn't much objection from the Cotto camp and he looked in brilliant shape.

Margarito is a strange one, it was a blatant belt grab, Manny would probably have copped less stick dragging him down to 147 for a shot at the WBO title.

I dnt think there was much complaint as is was probably the biggest pay day of his career lol, but i think it would have made a difference, im a big cotto fan so i would say it, but cotto is known for struggling gettin weight off and was know for being a massive drainer at 140, i just think if manny was that confident he'd jus say fornicate it its for welterweight title so its 147 if i come in under thats just how it is, i think it may be more the crowd around manny than manny himself they obviously would want each stipulation in the negotiations favouring there fighter,

[maltesecharlie]

OK a couple of pound with Cotto and four with Margarito but apart from the fight before he had been at welterweight for ages. This man has come up from flyweight, I just can't see how you can knock him.

[LeedsLad]

The Cotto thing was a bit shit, but there wasn't much objection from the Cotto camp and he looked in brilliant shape.

Margarito is a strange one, it was a blatant belt grab, Manny would probably have copped less stick dragging him down to 147 for a shot at the WBO title.

I dnt think there was much complaint as is was probably the biggest pay day of his career lol, but i think it would have made a difference, im a big cotto fan so i would say it, but cotto is known for struggling gettin weight off and was know for being a massive drainer at 140, i just think if manny was that confident he'd jus say eff it its for welterweight title so its 147 if i come in under thats just how it is, i think it may be more the crowd around manny than manny himself they obviously would want each stipulation in the negotiations favouring there fighter,

Yeah, all fair points.

The win would carry a bit more kudos if he just fought Cotto at 147. For what it's worth I don't think it would have made much difference, but the issue is always there.

[jamesmcdonnell]

I still think this fight will happen personally, always did

[stujones]

But we all know the commission teats are flawed. Easily beat.
Manny seems to be takg the route favoured by Oscar. Only fight 'dangerous' fighters when they have been beaten badly or outclassed. Margarito and Sugar Shane spring to mind.
Manny seems wary of the test. If nothing to hide he should submiot to this one stipulation and kick Floyds behind. But I do not think Manny believes he can beat him.

Ohh - So Whittikar, Chavez, Quartey, Trinidad, Mosley, Hopkins, etc etc etc were not only shot and not dangerous had previously been beaten badly or outclassed.

Shane Mosley no defeats ahead of their fight.
Felix Trinidad no defeats ahead of their fight.
Bernard Hopkins undefeated in 11 years ahead of their fight
Ike Quartey - No defeats ahead of their fight
Chavez 1 defeat in over 100 fights ahead of their fight.
Whittikar - 1 defeat ahead of their fight (yonks before)
Reulas - 1 defeat (yonks before) ahead of their fight.

etc etc etc.

[LeedsLad]

There's only three criticisms that you could level at DLH.....

1. He fought a few of Tito's leftovers, or didn't go as good a job on them as he did.

2. He lost most of his big fights because in reality he was a ten round fighter. (Trinidad, both Shane fights and Floyd add weight to this)

3. He didn't fight Tszyu, Forrest and Wright.

I could dismiss the first one because styles make fights and timing can sometimes be problematic, and the 3rd because he fought everybody else with almost no exception. The 2nd I kinda see, even though the decisions in the Trinidad fight and both Mosley ones were questionable, the tendency to fade down the stretch for whatever reason always affected him.

[Finn]

on the scene

hmmm is manny fighting next week??? somebody cant handle being out of the spotlight.

floyd has had 2 years to do this fight , maybe he knows hes going to jail or something

i will believe the fight is on if manny team confirm what mayweather team has said , contacrts have been signed and both fighters and face to face in the middle of the ring waiting to fight

Dont mean to be rude but nanny has refused to prove he is not taking illegal drugs.
Manny has as much blame if not more.

Manny agreed to alot of the tests PBF wanted he just refused the random ones in the 14 or so days before the fight as he felt it would be used to disrupt his prep, im pretty sure he even agreed to take one straight after the fight, and as most of us know PEDs cant do their job and leave the system in that amount of time. PBF was just looking for an excuse to bail on the fight why should Pac abide by Floyds rules? he's the champion not floyd. AND since then Manny agreed to do all the tests to shut floyd up and floyd still didnt want the fight. Bottom line is PBF wanted some tune up fights now he's had them he's interested in Pac.

[Petaling Pete]

Why the can't just sit in a room and sign a contract instead off all these half assed announcements is beyond me...................Then I may pay attention

[Gray-Fox]

Anyone who criticises Floyd and not Manny is a complete fornicating retard and should die a slow death.

This interview of Freddie Roach sums up why Manny (and Roach for that matter) is a fraud. The look on his face when the interviewer asks those uncomfortable questions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCPhUiwXdJo