Predictions for Whom Floyd Mayweather Will Fight Next in 2015

Floyd Mayweather took down Marcos Maidana by unanimous decision this weekend to continue to solidify his claim of being one of the greatest fighters ever. With a record of 47-0, the question now moves to the future. Whom will Mayweather fight next?

If there’s been one criticism of the world champ, it’s that he’s too picky in choosing his opponents. Many reporters and boxers have claimed that he will not agree to a fight against someone who can realistically beat him.

At 37 years old, Mayweather is clearly reaching the final stages of his professional career. His current deal with Showtime and CBS has two remaining fights, most likely the final two bouts of his career.

With only a few fights left in his legs, Mayweather must decide how he is going to close out this wild ride. He can either find favorable matchups that will lead to more easy victories, or he can take on the best possible opponents to cement his legacy.

Let’s take a look at who would be a good fit to fight Mayweather next in 2015.

Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao has to be the first name on this list because this is the match that boxing fans have been waiting so patiently for. The two were nearly set for a bout in 2010; however, it never took place due to differences in the revenue split and the form of drug testing.

Mark Lennihan/Associated Press/Associated Press

Although the 35-year-old Pacquiao is nearing the end of the line as well, this match would still be the most highly anticipated fight in recent time.

Unlike Mayweather, Pacquiao has suffered a few defeats recently. He lost twice in 2012 but has bounced back nicely with two consecutive victories. Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Chris Algieri in November.

Jeff Powell of MailOnline listened to Mayweather after his win this weekend. Mayweather said, “We don't know what the future holds, as of right now. Anything is possible. ... At the moment I want to go home, have a break, spend some time with my children and then see who's next in May. Hopefully it's Manny Pacquiao.”

Many fans likely feel the same.

Amir Khan

Someone who wouldn’t be pleased with a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight is Amir Khan. The 27-year-old seems primed for a big fight after winning his last three matches.

Eric Jamison/Associated Press

Khan has a big-enough name and is someone people believe can actually challenge Mayweather. The pairing would create plenty of buzz to sell on pay-per-view and could potentially create a fight actually worth paying to see.

When discussing his next opponent, Mayweather brought up Khan. According to MailOnline’s Jonny Singer, Mayweather said:

"

But Amir Khan's a good fighter, of course. I mean I think when Amir Khan was an amateur, I was champion. And then when Amir Khan turned pro and got knocked out, I was champion. Then when Amir Khan got knocked out again I was champion. And then when he lost his belt again I'm still champion and I'm still right here.

"

Although this can be described as mostly trash talk, Khan is clearly in the picture for the fight in May. It’s difficult to predict who will actually be in the ring come spring, but with Mayweather involved, we know it will be highly entertaining.

My personal gut feeling is that this time around the public will get what they desire with a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight. The two boxers are the best this generation has to offer, and it would be a shame if they never fought.

Mayweather loves to be talked about, and a battle against Pacquiao would do that for several months. The timing would also be perfect. Both are nearing retirement, and Mayweather would no longer have to worry about facing someone in his prime who can legitimately beat him like in 2010.