Manny Pacquiao's Financial Woes Make Floyd Mayweather Fight More Likely

The boxing match everybody wants to see—Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr.—might be one step closer to becoming reality after the celebrity gossip website TMZ reported Pacquiao is having some financial problems.

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The accountants claim they straightened out his money problems–and even let Pacquiao borrow some cash–but Manny never paid the them back and totally ignored the bill.

Now the pencil pushers are suing for their jack -- $649,016.95. Calls to Manny's people have not been returned.

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Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Juan Manuel Marquez on Nov. 12. The Filipino sensation has won 14-straight bouts and is a heavy favorite to make it 15 next month. Following his matchup with Marquez, both Pacquiao's and Mayweather's schedules will be free for a potential 2012 clash.

A mammoth battle like that would be the easiest way for Pac-Man to secure a large amount of cash (probably over $25 million) in a short amount of time. The only roadblock would be Mayweather, who has seemingly shied away from Pacquiao.

The biggest point of contention in previous negotiations was drug testing. Mayweather's camp wanted to incorporate an Olympic-style program and Pacquiao's side, knowing their fighter's regimented style, hasn't been willing to accept that caveat.

Perhaps the recent news will lead to a change of heart.

There's really no reason the fight shouldn't happen. It would be the most hyped bout in a long, long time, the money is there and both résumés would be incomplete without each other.

Knowing that, hopefully the talks have a bigger sense of urgency if they are revisited after Pacquiao faces off with Marquez, who Mayweather beat in 2009. According to Bodog, Pac-Man (-800) is expected to do the same after losing a split decision to Dinamita in 2008.

After Mayweather's outburst directed toward Larry Merchant after his controversial win over Victor Ortiz last month, Pacquiao would have a huge crowd advantage against Pretty Boy, who seems to relish the role.

The interesting part will be if Pac-Man accepts Mayweather's drug testing plan. That will make Money either step up to the challenge or walk away with his tail between his legs. And it's unlikely Mayweather's ego would let him walk away, especially with so much cash available.

The TMZ report did not include how far behind Pacquiao was behind on taxes that caused him to seek financial help, but a couple more big paychecks certainly would help the cause (assuming he pays the requisite taxes this time around).

It's kind of funny that after all the previous negotiations broke down, tax problems might be the main reason the marquee bout actually happens.