Manny Pacquiao Would Be Wise to Cancel December Fight

Manny Pacquiao is in a no-win situation for his next bout. According to Dan Rafael of ESPN, the fight date has been moved to December 8, but Pac-Man still doesn't have an opponent.

It appears the options are limited to a fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez or a rematch with Timothy Bradley. Neither is especially exciting, and rather than risk a defeat against one of two tough competitors, he should cancel the December date.

Pacquiao doesn't stand to gain a lot from beating Bradley or Marquez. Most people believe he beat Bradley in the first fight, and though the Marquez decisions are debated, a win over him doesn't improve Pacquiao's standing in the sport.

Of the two options, the Bradley fight makes the most sense.

Yet it doesn't appear that Pacquiao or his promoter Bob Arum is in love with that option.

Considering Pacquiao just lost to Bradley in June, it would seem logical that he would immediately seek a rematch.

Bradley has offered Pac-Man that opportunity ever since the final bell sounded in their controversial bout, but Pacquiao hasn't seemed interested.

Instead, he's entertained the option of fighting Miguel Cotto and Marquez again. All of these fights would be competitive, but at this point in Pacquiao's career, they do nothing for his legacy.

Fighting someone like Robert Guerrero (which would never happen because of the Top Rank-Golden Boy issues) or Andre Berto would be ideal.

Defeating one of these young fighters would be the biggest statement Pacquiao could make. I know those options are unrealistic, but they would be best for Pacquiao and the sport.

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