Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather and the Top 10 Fights Being Dodged

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Boxing fans have been forced to watch the unfortunate demise of the sport, as mixed martial arts is taking over the fighting landscape. Still, when it comes to boxing, all it takes is one great fight to bring the public back. Unfortunately, boxing has experienced a shortage of those fights for years.

The heavyweight division, by far fighting's biggest draw, is dominated by slow giants with, excusing the Klitschko brother, limited skill. Not since Mike Tyson two decades ago has there been an undisputed heavyweight champion, and boxing has suffered from it.

Unless Tyson attempts a comeback (hey, he is the same age as George Foreman when he regained the belt and in much better shape since we last saw him in the ring), the draw is unlikely to come from the heavyweight division.

Instead, it will be up to one of the smaller fighters to bring the fans back. Here are 10 fights from several divisions that true fans of the sweet science will pay to see.  

Shane Mosley vs. Andre Berto

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This fight would be “Sugar” Shane Mosley’s last chance to stay relevant in boxing. If he wins, he experiences another career resurrection superior to his shocking defeat of Antonio Margarito. Lose, and it is time for the 39-year-old Mosley to retire.

Berto is 28-1 with 21 knockouts, and before his loss to Victor Ortiz, he was destined to get a fight against either Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather.

As it is, Berto remains one of the best in the sport, and a win against Mosley, still one of the biggest names in the game, would put him right back in the discussion of boxing's best fighters. 

Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Robert Guerrero

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Juan Manuel Marquez is a veteran who has fought the best in the business. He has a draw against Manny Pacquiao and a controversial split decision to his credit. He also went the distance against Floyd Mayweather.

Still, the young, hungry and talented Guerrero (29-1-1) deserves a title shot against the veteran Marquez. 

Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Brandon Rios

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Much like Robert Guerrero, Brandon Rios deserves a shot against the reigning lightweight champion. Rios has defeated every fighter he has faced, but needs to take his talents to the next level.

It is likely Rios and Marquez will face each other first however, with the winner getting the title shot against Marquez. 

David Haye vs. Vitali Klitschko

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David Haye vs. Vladimir Klitschko was the most anticipated heavyweight fight since Mike Tyson vs. Lennox Lewis. Unfortunately, it was a bigger bust than Floyd Mayweather vs. Oscar De La Hoya.

However, for a fighter whose chance at winning the fight was to be quicker and dart in and out, the factor the rain played (the fight was at an outdoor arena) cannot be downplayed. Haye’s foot injury, if legitimate, would have made a huge difference, as well.

Haye deserves another chance at a Klitschko. If for no other reason, who else has a chance at dethroning one of the Ukrainians?

Marcos Maidana vs. Robert Guerrero

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The fight between Robert Guerrero and Marcos Maidana was actually supposed to happen next week, on August 27^th. Due to a shoulder injury suffered while sparring by Guerrero, boxing fans are going to have to wait.

Still, as with any delayed fight, it is no guarantee it will actually get done. Fight fans will hope it does, as this would be a slugfest between two men not afraid to take, or give, a punch. 

Sergio Martinez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, JR.

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Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. is 43-0 with one draw, and overdue for a title shot against Sergio Martinez.

Martinez is 51-2, and a worthy champion, but he cannot avoid the hungry Chavez much longer. Chavez, Jr. is eager to prove he is every bit the fighter his legendary father was. 

Andre Berto vs. Miguel Cotto

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Think of this as the poor-man’s Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. Andre Berto is the crafty, quick-handed counterpuncher, while Miguel Cotto is the aggressive power hitter.

They may not be quite at the level of their more famous counterparts, but it is a fight all boxing fans would enjoy. 

Amir Khan vs. Marcos Maidana II

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The whole of the boxing world should be pushing for this rematch. Maidana was knocked down early on a vicious body punch from Khan, but that did not stop his aggressive, high-volume style from going to work for the rest of the 12 rounds.

Maidana had Khan on the ropes numerous times, and stunned the champion on multiple occasions, nearly putting Khan on the deck. Maidana seemed to be stealing momentum as the fight went along, and a rematch could prove to be an epic affair.  

Vitali vs. Vladimir Klitschko

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There is no better way to spark interest in boxing than a great heavyweight fight.

Unfortunately, Vladimir Klitschko and Vitali Klitschko, who happen to be the class of the division, are brothers. No one really knows how good the Klitschkos are, because there has not been a heavyweight who could challenge them since Lennox Lewis retired.

The brothers are extremely technical fighters, and very similarly built. If the two ever fought, we would see how much ability they really have, as neither have been tested since their rise to the top of the heavyweight division.

A truly great fight features two fighters who have to dig deep for that something extra. Neither Klitschko has had to dig very far for quite some time. 

Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather

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The most talked about fight to never happen would feature the two biggest names in the sport. Those who follow boxing seem to be divided into two categories: Manny Pacquiao guys and Floyd Mayweather guys.

The question is, who is ducking whom? On one hand, Pacquiao supporters will tell you Mayweather has been dodging the fight because Pacquiao's power and technique threaten Mayweather's perfect record.

On the other hand, Mayweather fans will tell you Pacquiao had his chance to fight “Money.” All he had to do was take a drug test. From an objective perspective, it does seem the multiple-tattooed Pacquiao stating he is afraid of needles seems like a stretch.

Can Pacquiao’s high-volume punching overcome Mayweather’s perfect defense? The answer to that question would determine the outcome of the fight, and the generation's greatest pound-for-pound fighter.   

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