Marquez vs. Bradley Results: Logical Next Opponents for Both Fighters

After registering a split-decision victory over Juan Manuel Marquez, logic would dictate that undefeated Timothy Bradley's next opponent would be Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Unfortunately, boxing is a sport that is often devoid of logic.

Bradley has now beaten Manny Pacquiao and Marquez, the two most high-profile fighters not named Mayweather. It just makes sense that the next step for the 30-year-old welterweight champion would be a matchup with the sport's best.

However, as ESPN's Dan Rafael pointed out, a Mayweather-Bradley fight will likely never happen because Bradley is signed to Bob Arum's Top Rank. 

"

Bradley is simply not going to get a Mayweather fight as long as he's with Top Rank. Let's get that clear right now. #boxing #BradleyMarquez

— Dan Rafael (@danrafaelespn) October 13, 2013"

Mayweather and Arum strongly dislike each other, and a deal between the two within the next couple years seems impossible. So, where does Bradley go from here? 

Well, he may not like to hear this, but the best move would be a rematch with Manny Pacquiao. 

Although Bradley technically beat Pacquiao (he was awarded a controversial split-decision victory), his win was a joke in the eyes of most boxing fans. If Bradley wants the respect and international superstardom that comes with being the world's best, he needs a convincing victory over Pacquiao. 

If Pacquiao beats Brandon Rios in November, this fight should be made immediately after. 

Meanwhile, Marquez is heading back to the drawing board. 

He was so adamant entering Saturday's bout that he had no interest in a fifth fight with Pacquiao (h/t Los Angeles Times), and he would get destroyed in a rematch against Mayweather. 

That said, Marquez is still capable of beating the rest of the world's elite. If he wants to end his career by beating a top-tier opponent, Marquez should look to fight Amir Kahn or Victor Ortiz.