Pacquiao vs. Mayweather: Don't Expect Bout Until Punches Are Actually Thrown

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is allegedly ready to fight Manny Pacquiao, but I would urge you not to believe in that fight until you actually see it happening.

We've heard rumblings, trash-talk and everything in between with regards to an epic Mayweather vs. Pacquiao bout, but has it happened yet?

This fight is famous for not happening, and one could make the argument that the fighters are actually benefiting from the speculation more than they would the actual fight itself.

If anything, the drama, anticipation and questions surrounding this matchup are good for boxing.

They inspire articles, blogs, tweets, Facebook status changes and the rare ESPN piece.

This is all publicity that boxing needs, rather desperately to be frank.

Nonetheless, Mayweather has all but said that he is ready for Pacquiao, according to Dan Rafael of ESPN.com:

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Floyd Mayweather Jr. does not plan on taking another 16-month vacation from the boxing ring, like he did after easily outpointing Shane Mosley in May 2010.

Instead, Mayweather, who knocked out Victor Ortiz on Sept. 17, will make a relatively hasty return: May 5 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, adviser Leonard Ellerbe told ESPN.com on Wednesday night.

Mayweather's opponent has not been determined but Ellerbe said, 'We're looking to make the biggest fight possible and everyone knows what that fight is, the little fella.'

Ellerbe was, of course, referring to Manny Pacquiao. The welterweight champions and the top two pound-for-pound fighters in the world have been on a collision course for years. However, negotiations have fallen apart over drug testing protocol.

Pacquiao is set to fight Juan Manuel Marquez for the third time Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand and is a heavy favorite.

'Floyd made it very clear that he wants to give the fans the biggest fights that are out there. He wants to stay active,' Ellerbe said. 'We're going to do everything in our power to make the biggest fight out there for the fans and we all know what the fight is.'

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So there it is, ladies and gentlemen, the latest jab to be thrown in the endless hype machine that is Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Keep in mind this may be yet another publicity scheme, as we've seen both of these fighters get close to a bout before.

Mayweather may want to fight Pacquio right now, but the question is whether or not that will hold up until May 5th, which I highly doubt.

These two are famous for their constant squabbling and bickering, but they're also well known for not putting their money where their mouth is. 

Do I think this fight will happen?

I won't believe it until I see the first physical punch thrown.