Does Pacquiao Fight Tarnish the Gold on the Golden Boy?

Blood spattered from Miguel Cotto’s face in ways that it never has before, and most likely, never will again.

“Manny Pacquiao is considered the best fighter in boxing today and I always want to fight the best…”—Oscar De La Hoya

Margarito grins, sneers, and continues to pound away at one of boxing’s finest and most skilled fighters. All the while he takes big shots, and beautiful combinations, but it doesn’t affect him. He keeps coming. He keeps throwing. He keeps moving.

He keeps moving forward.

“Manny Pacquiao is considered the best fighter in boxing today and I always want to fight the best…”—Oscar De La Hoya

It's round 11. Blood is gushing from the nose of Miguel Cotto. Margarito is a pummeling machine. There is only one thing for Cotto to do—he takes a knee. It's a horrifically disturbing image. This amazing warrior who we've seen defeat everyone he has faced in a brutal and graceful style is forced to kneel...

"I am glad we were able to make this fight happen because while Pacquiao is at the pinnacle of his success and has defeated all of the top fighters he has faced, I am going to show the world that it stops with me. December 6 can’t get here soon enough.”

It's round 11, and miraculously, Miguel Cotto, or who we assume is Cotto, as there is no longer a facial resemblance—stands. He is stripped of his flesh and is nothing but a raw, bloody sacrificial piece of meat for this unforgiving and unyielding Tijuana Monster.

“…while Pacquiao is at the pinnacle of his success…”

Margarito sneers, and moves in for the kill.

"Manny Pacquiao is considered the best fighter in boxing today ..."

And some heads turn as to not see the carnage—

"... and I always want to fight the best ..."

2:05 of round 11, and the unimaginable happens. The towel is thrown, and it is a new age in boxing. It's the time of Antonio Margarito—CLEARLY, and without ANY doubt—the world's GREATEST Welterweight (147 lbs) fighting today.

"Manny Pacquiao is considered the best fighter in boxing today and I always want to fight the best..."

With all due respect to Oscar, and speaking directly to you, sir—yes, Manny Pacquiao is considered one of the best fighters fighting today, but to end your amazing career fighting such a smaller guy is simply ridiculous, and unworthy of the legend you are.

It’s just not the way to go out.

It’s on par with the same bad decision you made on September 18th, 1999 against Felix Trinidad—just coasting, done enough, no need to end it on a high note.

Oscar—this is your last fight, and win or lose, it should honor you and cement your heroism, and legacy.

And fighting Manny Pacquiao does not do that.

We all know that Oscar should absolutely be fighting Antonio Margarito—there is no question about it—and what an awesome fight that would be—win or lose for Oscar—he’d end his career as a hero, a warrior and a valiant man for never ducking anyone.

Win or lose—he’d go out on top.

De La Hoya v Pacquiao will be a fun and interesting fight—just not the fight for Oscar to end his career on.