Floyd Mayweather Jr. Must Fight Manny Pacquiao Soon or Risk Losing Limelight

Like a well-crafted spaceship set free from its launching pad, Manny Pacquiao's popularity continues to soar since his being given twin awards by the prestigious Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA).

As boxing's most popular icon, Pacquiao is sought by equally popular boxing contenders either for the money the fight brings or for the rare opportunity to become famous overnight. Nobody in his right mind would argue that any boxer who beats Pacquiao, at the height of his game (and popularity), wouldn't become an almost overnight boxing celebrity.

The world's most popular boxer earlier announced that he would retire after his scheduled November fight. It seems the planned retirement is inevitable as the Filipino boxer has to fulfill his political commitments after his election as a Congressman of his district in southern Philippines.

Boxing fans from around the world are hoping it will be Floyd Mayweather who will face him this coming November. Unfortunately, the undefeated American boxer has been ducking Pacquiao by making unreasonable demands before signing up for a fight that the world wants to see.

It would be Mayweather's last shot at the best boxer of the decade and his last chance to share the limelight with him. The undefeated boxer will never take his legitimate place in history as the world's best boxer if he fails to square off with Pacquiao before his announced retirement.

Mayweather has been saying he is the greatest just like the legendary Muhammad Ali, who claimed to be the greatest boxer of all time.

Ali has every right to claim his place in history because he fought superior boxers without preconditions. Mayweather's claim to greatness will never be validated if he continues to impose unreasonable demands and preconditions.

His claim to greatness is anchored on his cherished undefeated professional boxing record. But boxing experts and fans alike are saying he personally chooses his opponents, making sure he wins every fight to protect his unblemished record.

Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, says he is prepared to work on a Pacquiao-Cotto rematch if the Puerto Rican boxer wins over Foreman Saturday night if the Mayweather-Pacquiao match is not made.

Floyd Mayweather Jr., the self-proclaimed "greatest American boxer" has two options: Face Pacquiao inside the ring on November 13 to prove to the world that he is indeed the greatest boxer in his generation, or face an inferior opponent for a sure win to keep his unblemished record.

The fight the world wants to see is expected to generate at least $40 million for each boxer, excluding their share on PPV and gate receipts. It is a rare opportunity for both boxers to cash in on the huge revenues that match will generate.

The choice is not difficult to make unless the undefeated American boxer is scared to face Pacquiao inside the ring for this year's biggest boxing event.