Floyd Mayweather: Five Reasons Pacquiao's Lawsuit Means They'll Finally Fight

The defamation lawsuit filed by Manny Pacquiao against Floyd Mayweather Jr. et al has passed its preliminary stage after a Nevada court judge denied Mayweather's motion to dismiss the case. The lawsuit will now go on trial and the case will be heard and decided based on evidence presented in court.

To a number of boxing fans, the live lawsuit will put pressure on Mayweather to consider his options to avoid possible conviction that would derail plans for his future fights.

Mayweather is facing several lawsuits now pending in Nevada courts including a $3.4 million IRS tax recovery case for his 2009 earnings. Three years ago he was forced to pay $5.6 million in unpaid taxes for 2007 earnings.

Obviously Mayweather needs more money to settle his pressing financial obligations.The IRS case and the different lawsuits now pending in Nevada courts require substantial amount for settlement including legal fees of topnotch lawyers working on his cases.

Here are five reasons why Floyd Mayweather Jr may finally decide to face Manny Pacquiao in the ring sooner than most boxing fans think.

First, Mayweather has not fought for one year since his unimpressive win over Shane Mosley last year. He needs to fight again to replenish his reported dwindling funds with a large chunk reportedly invested in his film production venture with his friend 50 Cent. He may have to find a way to get out of the Pacquiao lawsuit to earn a fight.

Secondly, it was understandable for Mayweather to take for granted the defamation case filed by Pacquiao during the preliminary stage of the lawsuit. But as soon as the judge denied Mayweather's motion to dismiss and ruled that the case must go on trial, it now becomes a different ballgame for the undefeated boxer.

Third, the prospect of being convicted and the possibility of jail term is a serious matter and a possible "way out" is for him to agree on certain terms with Pacquiao and his lawyers for an out of court settlement.

Fourth, In a possible settlement, Mayweather could drop his original demand for full random blood test and hopefully agree to seven-day window for random blood sampling as some fans suggest.

It may be recalled that Mayweather demanded the test be done all the way up to fight night which Pacquiao rejected claiming he is weaken when blood is drawn from his body few days closer to the fight

And finally, the live defamation lawsuit forces both fighters to act swiftly by reaching an out of court settlement before they are both asked to appear in court for cross examination by their respective counsels which could turn embarrassing if one is found lying and a time-consuming exercise as well.