Manny Pacquiao: Pac-Man Must Retire If Floyd Mayweather Fight Doesn't Happen

After his match with Juan Manuel Marquez on Saturday, what's next for Manny Pacquiao?

We've all heard the story detailed here by ESPN's Dan Rafael. 

If you're not familiar with it, Floyd Mayweather Jr. adviser Leonard Ellerbe strongly implied that Mayweather wants a fight with Manny Pacquiao. He went as far as to book the MGM Grand in Las Vegas for May 5. 

Pacquiao has his hands full this week with a fight vs. Marquez, who has given Pacquiao everything he could handle twice before.

Win or lose on Saturday, the match with Mayweather is a dream match. But what if it's just that, a dream? Where should Pacquiao go? 

Let me ask this instead: With the possible exception of fighting and beating Mayweather, is there anything that Pacquiao can do to really bolster his legacy?

Don't misread that. What I am saying is that Pacquaio is so great and has accomplished so much that his legacy is sealed. Sure, winning a few more matches would bolster things slightly, but nothing would really override his overall record. 

What am I getting at? What would I advise Pacquiao to do?

Well, the first thing is to pursue the match with Mayweather. Fans of both fighters, and the sport in general, would love to see that fight. If there is a way that they could bring it to us, there is really no excuse not to.

But if that fight can't happen, should Pacquiao look for another opponent? Well, why should he? He has enough going on in his life and absolutely nothing to prove in the ring.

If a fight with Mayweather can't happen, the best step for Pacquiao is retirement. Any other fights from either Mayweather or Pacquiao would only be disappointments.

So, if they can't deliver a fight with each other, what's the point of delivering any fight.

Pacquiao has nothing left to prove. By continuing to fight, his legacy isn't being endangered, but his physical health is.

At this point, it's not worth the continued risk.