Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: Analyzing What Must Happen for Superfight to Occur

Floyd Mayweather against Manny Pacquiao is still the bout boxing fans want to see even though Pacquiao lost a controversial decision to Timothy Bradley last weekend. However, several things will need to happen before a superfight starts picking up steam again.

Let's take a look at the most important milestones that likely have to take place before boxing finally gets a match that could get fans to care again. That's something it desperately needs after the recent outcry about Bradley's victory.

Pacquiao Wins Next Fight

A rematch clause in the original contract gives Pacquiao the option of facing Bradley again in November, but Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times says it's not a lock because the level of public interest remains unclear.

Whether it's Bradley or somebody else, Pacquiao must immediately get back on track. Another loss would allow Mayweather to question why he would fight a boxer who can't even beat lower-level opponents. And it would be a valid argument.

The loss should give Pac-Man plenty of motivation once he starts getting ready for his next fight. He should really focus on getting a knockout to leave no doubt as to who won and reassert himself as a dominant force.

Mayweather At Full Strength

Apparently jail has already started taking its toll on Mayweather. The Associated Press reports that an attempt to get his sentence changed to house arrest was denied after Mayweather complained about the impact his stay behind bars was having on his body.

If he's having those types of issues this early into his sentence, it's hard to imagine him being in good condition in a couple of months. So he'll have to spend a lot of time getting back into elite shape and that could take awhile.

It takes a lot of endurance to go 12 rounds against Pacquiao. Mayweather wouldn't put his undefeated record on the line unless he knew he was at 100 percent. That part of things will simply be a waiting game until he deems himself fit for action.

Serious Negotiations

There has been a lot of posturing from both camps ever since the idea of a superfight first popped up a couple years ago. It often seemed more like a public relations battle, more than anything else, which was frustrating to see.

The money is there and the fans are ready. If both guys are genuine in their desire to fight each other, they should get in a room with representatives and refuse to come out until a deal is finalized. Battling through the media accomplishes nothing.

As it stands right now, reaching an agreement while both guys still have some good fights left in them seems like a long shot. That said, if all three of these things happen, maybe they'll actually shock the sports world and make it happen.