Pacquiao vs. Mayweather: A Pac-Man Win Will Lead to Super Fight with Mayweather

Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao is set to defend his WBO Welterweight title against Juan Manuel Marquez on Saturday night in what will be the third fight between the fighters.

Each of the first two meetings were extremely competitive, as they resulted in a draw and a split-decision, both won by Pacquiao. Because of that, the boxing world is eagerly anticipating the bout, but not as much as it would a battle between Pacquiao and Floyd "Money" Mayweather.

Pacquiao and Mayweather could very well have been scheduled to fight tonight if it weren't for constant hang ups in negotiations. In order for that dream fight to happen, Pacquiao all but has to defeat Marquez on Saturday.

While Marquez was more than a handful for Pacquiao in their previous two encounters, he is now 38 years old and isn't the fighter he once was. Pacquiao, on the other hand, seems to be as dominant as ever, and is incredibly focused.

One reason for Pacquiao's focus is likely Marquez's insistence that he was the rightful winner of both fights against Pac-Man, but I also think Pacquiao realizes the true importance of this fight. If he loses, then boxing will lose out on an incredibly lucrative fight.

Not only that, but Pacquiao himself will miss out on what could be an unbelievable pay day. Everyone and their mother wants to see Pacquiao take on Mayweather, but Pacquiao first must take care of business against Marquez.

Provided Pacquiao fights his fight and doesn't let Marquez lull him to sleep, he shouldn't have any problem. Pacquiao is aggressive by nature in the ring, and as long as he stays on the offensive, I don't see any way Marquez can win.

Marquez certainly has the opportunity to play spoiler and perhaps position himself for another big-money fight with Mayweather, but that fight simply doesn't appeal to the masses like a Pacquiao vs. Mayweather clash would.

Even if Pac-Man does come out on top, there is no guarantee that he will lock horns with Mayweather. In addition to being talented, it is obvious that both men are quite business conscious as well, evidenced by how much money they have made in their careers.

A Pacquiao vs. Mayweather match would be a once-in-a-lifetime pay day for both fighters and it would also be huge for boxing. While Pacquiao and Mayweather don't necessarily have a responsibility to get boxing back on track, they could certainly do it if they come to an agreement.

Ultimately, Pacquiao will defeat Marquez for the second time, and we will finally see Pacquiao vs. Mayweather in the spring.

For the latest news and updates on Pacquiao Vs. Marquez, and for all the latest news and insight on all things boxing, be sure to check out Bleacher Report's Boxing Central.