Mayweather KOs Ortiz: Five Opponents He Could Fight Next

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Floyd Mayweather is often criticized for not being entertaining between the ropes. Larry Merchandt said before Mayweather’s fight with Mosley that “Mayweather is the most exciting fighter before the bell” and with his antics on HBO’s 24/7 and at Friday’s weigh-in, he proved as much.

However on Saturday night, Mayweather made good on his promise and outboxed Victor Ortiz for three and a half rounds.

Mayweather hurt Ortiz early in the fourth round but Ortiz battled back, battering Mayweather and backing him into a corner midway through the round.

Ortiz was unable to keep his composure, and in a moment of frustration he lashed out and headbutted Mayweather.

After an Ortiz-initiated mid-ring hug, Mayweather tattooed the young fighter with a picture perfect left and right hand to end the fight.

Regardless of how unsportsmanlike Mayweather’s actions were, he appeared to be headed for another easy victory before he sucker punched Ortiz.

Incidentally, I didn’t add Manny Pacquiao to the list. Had I done so there would be no need to add any other name on the list. Mayweather and Pacquiao is the fight we all want but may never get.

With that said, here are five opponents “Money” Mayweather should consider fighting next.

5. Canelo Alvarez

He was hardly impressive in a TKO victory over Alfonso Gomez on Saturday, but he got the job done. He’s a young, exciting fighter similar to Ortiz and would bring in a huge crowd.

At this point in his career, Mayweather is looking for the opponents that make him the most money, earn him the most notoriety and aren’t a serious risk.

While many boxing experts would laugh at such a matchup, many diehard Alvarez fans would welcome a fight between their man and Mayweather.

In reality, Alvarez lacks the hand and foot speed to keep up with Mayweather and would more than likely suffer the same fate as Carlos Baldomir.

Still, it is a big money fight with a legitimate champion, so don’t be surprised if Mayweather opts to fight a bigger, stronger and overmatched opponent.

4. Erik Morales

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Erik Morales is a first ballot Hall Of Famer the moment he decides to retire. Floyd Mayweather is as well. Morales is a great deal smaller than Mayweather, but that didn’t stop Mayweather from fighting Juan Manuel Marquez.

Like Mayweather, Morales is an aging fighter looking to get the biggest payday he possibly can.

This fight would most likely mean that Morales would have to bump up to 147 lbs., but he is a warrior who wouldn’t let a few pounds discourage him from doing what he loves to do best.

He would undoubtedly seek to stalk Mayweather in the ring and bring the fight to him.

It would be a perfect chance for Mayweather to fight a high-profile opponent who doesn’t necessarily pose a high threat.

Both fighters have more tantalizing options but far and away, this is a huge money fight for both.

3. Miguel Cotto

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Miguel Cotto is not the same fighter he was three or four years ago. After brutal ring wars with Antonio Margarito, Joshua Clottey and Manny Pacquiao, Cotto is damaged goods.

In December he will have his long-awaited rematch with Antonio Margarito. If Cotto can get past Margarito, he will have avenged one of his two losses and be looking for a big money fight.

Mayweather loves to play the villain and a fight with Cotto next June in New York could be huge.

Mayweather rarely fights outside of Vegas anymore, but the chance to fight in Madison Square Garden during the Puerto Rican Day parade might be too good an offer to pass up.

Cotto is a legitimate contender and former Welterweight and Junior Middleweight champion.

He is still one of the top five fighters at or around Mayweather’s weight. Though he would be a heavy underdog, it isn’t inconceivable that he could be the first to blemish Mayweather’s spotless record.

2. Andre Berto

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Had Andre Berto defeated Victor Ortiz in April it would have been Mayweather/Berto instead of Mayweather/Ortiz.

Andre Berto is strong, fast and still inexperienced in high-profile fights. He is scheduled to fight later this year and should he prevail, it would be a perfect opportunity for him to call out Mayweather for a fight in the first half of next year.

Berto has called out both Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather in the past, but both fighters elected not to fight the young Berto.

With few other realistic options at Welterweight, a reemerging Berto might be just the right opponent for Mayweather's next fight.

Like Ortiz, Berto is a big Welterweight who packs a powerful punch. Berto has the ability to throw lightning quick combos and is a high-volume puncher. His natural athletic ability makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone, including Mayweather.

1. Amir Khan

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Other than Manny Pacquiao, there may not be a better prepared fighter to takeout Floyd Mayweather then Amir Khan.

Khan is fast, has decent power and good defense. Since working with Freddy Roach, his punching and footwork have greatly improved as well.

It seems likely that if Roach can’t get his prized pupil Pacquiao in the ring with Mayweather, he would like to put in the next best thing.

Pacquiao seems interested in a Mayweather fight but recognizes a victory over him would not define his career but only further enhance his legend.

Roach has gone on record saying that he believes Khan could be ready for a Mayweather fight as early as next year and wouldn’t hesitate to throw his young champion into the ring.

Mayweather could stick it to Roach and Pacquiao if he defeats Khan and it would also add another layer of drama to the ongoing soap opera that Mayweather and Pacquiao has become.