Manny Pacquiao: Sergio Martinez, Not Floyd Mayweather, Should Be Next on Radar

Manny Pacquiao will fight Juan Manuel Marquez for the third time on Saturday. Pac-Man is such a heavy favorite to emerge victorious that the media has already begun talking about his next opponent, which most boxing fans are hoping is Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

Instead of getting involved in those seemingly endless negotiations again, Pacquiao should go after a fighter that's begging to get a chance at the world's No. 1 boxer—Sergio Martinez.

Martinez is generally considered the world's No. 3 pound-for-pound boxer behind Pacquiao and Mayweather. The Argentine has already called out Pac-Man, but has been largely ignored (via Alex Groberman).

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The Filipino champ – along with Bob Arum and Freddie Roach – spent all of two seconds considering that idea, only to completely and totally laugh it off as an illegitimate offer. Shortly thereafter, Martinez realized he wasn’t in a position of power – and made a far more reasonable proposal – to come down to 150 pounds.

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While it certainly wouldn't generate as much hype as a potential Mayweather clash, it would come close. Boxing is desperate for bouts between elite fighters, and Pacquiao vs. Martinez would be just that without having to deal with mind-numbing contract talks.

The only roadblock, aside from Pac-Man's willingness, would be a catch weight. Pacquiao is fighting Marquez at 144 pounds and hasn't seemed interested in Martinez's offers that have been in the 150s.

Both sides have gone their separate ways since the initial back-and-forth, but after the Fighting Pride of the Philippines finishes up with Dinamita, it may be time to reconsider. Pacquiao could use another epic encounter to reinforce his place atop the sport.

Not to mention that beating Martinez would be a clear message to Mayweather, who has been sidestepping a potential encounter. Money would be the last man standing, so to speak, that would be an actual challenge for Pacquiao.

If he could beat Martinez and Mayweather in 2012, Pacquiao would be able to make a strong case among the greatest boxers of all-time. He would certainly hold that title for the current, albeit fading, era.

Simply put, boxing needs huge draws. Pac-Man vs. Martinez or Mayweather could rejuvenate the sport and anything less is unacceptable.