Manny Pacquiao: Will He Fight Paul Williams Now, Since He's Been Knocked Out?

It’s no secret the Bob Arum is one of the most conniving boxing promoters in the business. For decades, Top Rank has been involved in some of the biggest fights in boxing history. Contrastingly he has hindered some of the most highly anticipated ones also. He is a very smart and deceptive businessman who has worked the media for positive angles for years. Arum is an artist at shaping public perception to favor his fighter’s image despite his own slick one.

First let me say I'm not giving Arum credit for Manny Pacquaio's public image I think he earned that on his own. I think he is a sincere humanitarian who cares deeply for people. I also believe he has become a public official in the Philippines for the right reasons. His fighting prowess is also  his own creation and a genuine characteristics of who he is. I think he is a true warrior; the problem is he has partnered with an opportunistic conman.

Every since Floyd Mayweather Jr fled Top Rank's promotional stable there has been obvious tension. It also explains why he hasn't faced an Arum promoted fighter since his departure. Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto are fighters that fans wanted to see Floyd face, but those deals were never going to happen. Most uniformed fans think Mayweather avoided those guys I think Floyd and Arum just refused to do business with each other.

In 2008, Manny Pacquaio challenged Oscar De La Hoya a decision that produced instant exposure and recognition. Then he challenged Ricky Hatton the next year and after knocking him out in the second round the boxing world had to take notice. Later that year he deposed of Miguel Cotto and became a living legend in the eyes of his fans.

After that fight with Miguel Cotto the boxing world demanded a mega fight between Floyd and Manny. After two failed attempts we witnessed Floyd destroy Mosley and Manny dismantle Margarito, but no mega fight. If you ask the average Pacquaio fan he is good as advertised, but I beg to differ even if I'm going to be called a hater, bigot, and whatever other label Pacquaio loyalist can muster.

My problem with his legend is all these guys he recently defeated all have turned out to be either washed up or polished losers. Of course you can make the same argument about Floyd's most recent opponents but the difference is he doesn't receive credit for beating them anyway. Meanwhile Manny is highly celebrated for stoppages of Hatton, Cotto, and Margarito despite someone else beating him to it.

Oscar De La Hoya, and Joshua Clottey can be added to the list of fighters earning a right to face Manny after losing to a quality opponent. Five out of his last 5 opponents were selected after a big loss and Paul Williams can be number six.

Last Saturday night Paul Williams was knocked out in the second round by Sergio Martinez. Considering his recent performance he may now qualify to face Manny Pacquaio. Bob Arum is probably salivating at the opportunity to match Pacquaio up with the recent loser. Its not so much about him being beatable, but more about negotiating leverage. Bottom line coming off a loss earns you less money than coming off a win. Plus you are more vulnerable to accept a catch weight clause like 4 out of Pacquaio’s last five under achievers.  

Recently Mike Marley wrote an interesting article explaining how Arum successfully discourages the Floyd and Manny super fight. Arum offers Mayweather concessions worst than the previous just to appease fans, but leave out actual details. Only to find a fight that he can guarantee a win, or at least build enough hype to at least make him and Pacquaio millions.