While there are four possible opponents Bob Arum is flying over to the Philippines to present to Manny Pacquiao, really, Miguel Cotto makes the most sense on several levels. 

First off, a Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao rematch has already demonstrated its value in terms of chemistry between the two fighters and the kind of excitement their last fight generated. Timothy Bradley as an opponent makes zero sense. He ducked Amir Khan and has zilch as far as fanbase.

While Lamont Peterson is coming off a brilliant performance against Khan and has the kind of narrative HBO's 24/7 could only dream of matching against Manny Pacquiao's story, Peterson hardly has a fanbase either. 

As far as Juan Manuel Marquez is concerned, for the kind money he's guaranteed to make against Pacquiao in a fourth fight, it's safe to assume he'll still be waiting if Pacquiao chooses a different opponent for this next outing. 

Miguel Cotto not only has a massive fanbase, the dynamics involved in the first fight could mean many are underestimating Cotto in the rematch. 

While initially, Pacquiao and Cotto fought competitively for the first half of the fight, down the stretch Pacquiao took over and dominated.But it's important to remember how dried-out Cotto was stepping into that ring at 145 pounds. Pacquiao has already made it known to Bob Arum that he's willing to fight above the welterweight limit of 147 pounds in the future. This is good news for Cotto and, potentially, even better news for fight fans. 

If Pacquiao lines up a fight with Cotto on par with the one he signed on against Antonio Margarito, the maximum weight for the fight could be 150 pounds. Perhaps higher. All of this points to more strength and firepower for Cotto, along with more confidence of maintaining his weaponry throughout the fight with improved endurance. 

Cotto is coming off a string of victories lately and his confidence has looked high. Who can say how much Cotto has gained since the symbolic victory over Margarito in terms of facing and demolishing the first opponent who defeated him?

Cotto's fighting with a renewed pride in his ability, and perhaps, like Buster Douglas before him against Mike Tyson, the death of a parent has also added a new dimension of purpose to what he brings to the ring. 

The other obvious factor in Miguel Cotto faring better against Pacquiao in the rematch is the inevitable issue of Pacquiao's deterioration. He's getting older, he's fighting war after war, simply focusing on his boxing career is rapidly becoming a full-time job in itself.

The toll of just maintaining the supreme level of conditioning Pacquiao brings to the ring, fight after fight, would tear down many people's bodies before long. Pacquiao also happens to fight and, if you've seen his face after several of his last fights, he's not coming out unscathed. This sport caught up to every other great who passed through the revolving door. Pacquiao's day will come.

Then again, Pacquiao has more incentive than ever after his fight against Marquez to seek redemption in blowing out Cotto. 

I just don't see how this fight adds up to anything less than a classic.