Top 10 Best Potential Fights Other Than Mayweather vs Pacquiao Plus Vegas Odds

Call me a pessimist, but I just don't see Money Mayweather and the Pacman getting in the ring anytime soon. So I am exploring other super fight options.

This list counts down them down from 10 to 1 with no fighter participating in more than two fights. Instead of predicting winners, I forecast the opening odds assuming the fights take place at a neutral venue.

Without further due...Let's Get Ready to Rumble! 

10. Sergio Martinez vs Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins

Weight Class 168

Martinez (47-2-2, 26 KO's)  -190

Hopkins (52-5-2, 32 KO's)  +150

These fighters get back in the ring this October and if both should win this fight could potentially happen on pay-per-view next year.

Bernard Hopkins is one of the few fighters who actually has improved with age and is living legend in the sport.

Is Sergio Martinez overrated? Currently, he is ranked third in the pound-for-pound category, but his signature knockout of rival Paul Williams lost some of its luster after the beating Williams recently took against Erislandy Lara.

His performance against Kelly Pavlik, a common opponent, might suggest that Hopkins could have an advantage if these two clashed. Nevertheless, it's hard to image Martinez not opening as a solid favorite.

His style is reminiscent to Joe Calzaghe, whom Hopkins struggled against. Bernard is a better fighter at 175 and coming down in weight could hurt him. This fight would most certainly go the distance and he'd have to be a lot more active than he normal is to have a shot at winning.

9. Amir "King" Khan vs Marcos "El Chino" Maidana 2

Weight Class 140 or 147

Khan (26-1, 18 KO's)        -130

Maidana (30-2, 27 KO's)  +110

Maidana has publicly called out Khan and said that he doesn't have the "balls" to fight him again. He has reportedly gone as far as petitioning the WBA for a rematch.

Meanwhile, Kahn has publicly admitted that Maidana was the toughest opponent he's ever faced. It doesn't appear Kahn is interested in this fight or we would have already heard about it.

There was some controversy in the ring last year when they met as Joe Cortez was the referee and did his typical lousy job. Cortez repeatedly broke the fighters apart while Maidana was in-fighting with Khan negating the Argentinian's greatest advantage.

Khan has noticeably improved since coming under the tutelage of Freddie Roach and he would he most likely open as a small favorite.

Expect another fight of the year if these two ever decide to lace it up again.

8. Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire vs Yuriorkis "El Ciclon" Gamboa

Weight Class 126

Donaire (26-1, 18 KO's) -115

Gamboa (21-0, 16 KO's) -105

At 29 years of age, it's time for Gamboa to step it up in class to make a real name for himself.

He has shown flashes, but has never put it all together against a true marquee opponent.

The fight with Juan Manuel Lopez (30-1, 27 KO's) has lost some of its allure and what better way to gain prominence than fight the fourth ranked pound-for-pound prospect in the world.

It's a logical fight as Donaire is long over due to move up in weight as he continues to effortlessly dominate the bantamweight division. 

Donaire is a long, rangy fighter with excellent power and impeccable timing. Gamboa, who has the rare skill set to beat him, would have to put it all together to make it happen. Due to his inconsistency, I think he would open in Vegas an ever-so-slight underdog for this fight.

7. Timothy "Desert Storm" Bradley vs Marcos "El Chino" Maidana

Weight Class  140

Bradley (27-0, 11 KO's)   -135

Maidana (30-2, 27 KO's) +115

This fight was supposed to happen two years ago, but Maidana pulled out due to injury.

Bradley's speed and timing would ensure he opened as a favorite in Vegas, but it might be his head butts that make the true difference in the fight.

As one of the dirtier fighters in the game, it would be interesting to see him matched against a physical in-fighter like Maidana.

Maidana didn't look his best in his last US performance against veteran Erik Morales, while Bradley hasn't fought in almost a year due to a contract dispute with his promoter.

In this fight, Bradley wouldn't take the chances that Khan did and Maidana would really have to work just to land punches.

There is speculation Bradley's next fight will be with the aforementioned and always entertaining Erik Morales, but a match-up with the Argentinian slugger is more compelling.

6. Saul "Canelo" Alvarez vs "El Perro" Alfredo Angulo

Weight Class 154

Canelo Alvarez  (38-0-1, 28 KO's) -110

Alfredo Angulo  (20-1, 17 KO's)    -110

This fight appears to be on the horizon in 2012 if the unofficial fight between Angulo and James Kirkland (29-1, 26 KO's) takes place as expected this November in Cancun.

Angulo, of course, needs to win that fight and Canelo would probably have one more tune-up fight (possibly K-9 Bundrage) before the promoters seal the deal on this one.

The odds here would depend a lot on how both look between now and then.

Alvarez didn't look particularly great against veteran journeyman Alfonso Gomez and has repeatedly come under criticism for fighting hand picked opponents without any power.

Angulo's power speaks for itself and he has a rock solid chin too. Alvarez is the much faster fighter, but has never truly been tested. Angulo has been inactive due to visa issues in the United States.

It's a 50/50 proposition on who would win this one, although if it went to the cards the edge would go to Canelo because of his rock star marketability.

5. "Vicious" Victor Ortiz vs Brandon "Bam Bam" Rios

Weight Class 147

Victor Ortiz  (29-3-2, 22 KO's)   -120

Brandon Rios (28-0-1, 21 KO's) +145

Rios is one of the most entertaining fighters in the sport.

He likes to flap his mouth and certainly backs it up.

He's not the kind of fighter that is looking out to protect his perfect record.

Instead, he takes chances and goes for the big knock out. He does it for the glory. Bob Arum has mentioned him fighting Manny Pacquiao next year, but that fight seems a little premature.

Nevertheless, Rios is a blood and guts warrior and there would be plenty of motivation in this one. The bad blood between he and Ortiz as well as their trainers is legendary and this fight would promise lots of action and generate plenty of hype.

Rios has publicly stated that he'd fight Ortiz at 147 if their promoters could iron out the details.

Meanwhile, Victor needs another image makeover after his meltdown last weekend versus Floyd  Mayweather.

He could easily do that here as Rios is crass and sometimes ignorant and comes across as a punk with gloves on. Ortiz would open as the favorite as Rios would be coming up in weight.

4. Andre Berto vs Saul "Canelo" Alvarez

Weight Class 154

Canelo Alvarez (38-0-1, 28 KO's)   E

Andre Berto (28-1, 22 KO's)         -120

It's very unlikely this fight is going to happen anytime soon, but it would be a war if it did as these fighters are mirror images of one another in style.

Both rely on speed, combinations, and power to pick shots with effective aggression and batter opponents. And neither man has particularly great defense.

Berto would have to move up in weight, which I believe would be the right move for him. Obviously, it would be a bigger step-up for Alvarez in class, but he's just about ready for it.

Canelo is the fastest rising star in the sport. Meanwhile, Berto has improved his image by fighting more aggressively and taking a lot more chances.

The Vegas odds would open in Berto's favor because he's fought the better competition. A fight with the aging Miguel Cotto (36-2, 29 KO's) might make more sense for either fighter and offer a bigger payday too.

3. Andre "Son of God" Ward vs Sergio Martinez

Weight Class 168

Andre "Son of God" Ward  (24-0, 13 KO's) + 110

Sergio Martinez (47-2-2, 26 KO's)  - 130

If Ward manages to beat Carl Froch (28-1, 20 KO's) in Atlantic City next month either Martinez or Lucian Bute (29-0, 24 KO's) would make the most sense for a lucrative paycheck and big time fight.

The Oakland, CA based fighter isn't used to fighting outside of his home turf and fighting Froch in front of a neutral crowd for the Super 6 Championship is going to be his stiffest test.

That fight would have made this list if it wasn't already happening...

Assuming Ward wins that fight, a bout against Martinez would make for compelling drama due to the stylistic differences of the fighters. Ward is a cerebral, wily fighter who physically wears down his opponents.

The flashier Martinez is more active and relies on his athleticism to dominate the competition. Martinez has the better reputation and pedigree and would probably open as a slight favorite, although betting against Ward has never been a good idea.

2. Manny "Pac Man" Pacquiao vs Andre Berto

Weight Class 147

Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO's) - 500

Andre Berto  (28-1, 22 KO's)         + 425

We know it all boils down to Bob Arum hence his photo here. If Manny beats Juan Manuel Marquez next month, who is the next opponent going to be?

Here's what we know.

Fat chance it will be Floyd, Martinez is too big, Khan has the same trainer, and Canelo is too young and unproven. No one wants to see him fight Cotto again. Tim Bradley is obviously vying for a shot, but Berto is a much more exciting option at this stage of his career.

And this fight would make for more compelling action than any Manny's had in the last couple of years.

What's next for Andre Berto? He's rumored to have a fight in the mix against Devon Alexander (22-1, 13 KO's), a match he should most likely win.

Assuming that happens his next logical opponents would be either: Manny or a rematch with Victor Ortiz. Personally, I'd rather see Manny fight Berto than some  handpicked retread by Bob Arum. Let's hope this fight happens.

Obviously, Berto would enter the fight as 4 or 5 to 1 underdog. 

1. Floyd "Money" Mayweather vs Amir "King" Khan

Weight Class 147

Floyd Mayweather Jr. (42-0, 26 KO's)  -450

Amir Khan (26-1-0 18 KO's)                 +375

We saved the best for last and that's why Floyd Mayweather is on the top of this list. Despite what the most people think his knock out of Victor Ortiz last weekend was brilliant.

Now it hasn't taken long for Amir Khan to start running his mouth again claiming this fight is happening next year and how he likes his chances of winning.

It's plausible though and if Mayweather decides to fight in 2012 Khan will probably be his opponent. Can you imagine a 24/7 between these guys and their camps?

Boxing two biggest loud mouths going head-to-head. The hype would be incredible.

Khan is a better version of Victor Ortiz with faster hands, more technical prowess, and stronger mental acumen. He also has a better trainer in Freddie Roach.

Overall, he is more prepared to deal with fighting the pressure cooker that is Floyd Mayweather Jr and the three ring circus he brings to town.

Khan does have his vulnerabilities like a somewhat susceptible chin, average defense, and questionable stamina.

However, he is a fast rising superstar and the best opponent for Floyd not named Manny. It looks like a win-win situation for both fighters as their camps will surely feel confident going into this one.

Khan has the skill to push Mayweather hard and the odds would most likely open at around 3.5 or 4 to 1 - making him a live underdog.