Pacquiao vs Marquez: Will Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Be Next?

After Pacquiao defeats Marquez, there is only one fight left for him, right?

It would seem that way—especially after Floyd Mayweather's camp indicated he was ready for the "little fella" on May 5, 2012. That would appear to be the perfect time for the two biggest names in the sport to finally clash.

I am careful not to get overly excited about the prospect of finally seeing the super fight. I believed it was imminent before, but was let down.

This time around does seem different, though, as both men are aging. Although they are successful, they are also dealing with their boxing mortality.

Pacquiao is 32 years old and Mayweather is 34, so these aren't young lions. (That description better fits the likes of Amir Khan, Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto.)

That said, it is almost now or never for them. Floyd has had his southpaw tune-up with Ortiz, and Pacquiao will have handily defeated one of the pesky foes from his past.

The boxing public will not happily support another fight from Mayweather that isn't against Pacquiao or Khan; Mayweather will not risk the Pacquiao payday for a clash with Khan.

That isn't to say he wouldn't defeat them both, which I believe he would—Floyd just doesn't operate that way.

The fight will happen late spring or early summer; neither fighter's ego or desire for greatness will allow this opportunity to pass.

There is another element that can't be ignored—cash. A Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight will be the biggest, highest-grossing pay-per-view boxing match in history.

Though there will likely be only one winner in the ring, both men could walk away a victor—at least monetarily.