Manny Pacquiao: 5 Fighters He Could Fight Next If Superfight Doesn't Happen

OK, so I'm looking ahead a bit, but Pacquiao should handle Marquez tonight. This one should be the easiest of all three fights in the trilogy. Pacquiao should be on a mission to cement the matchup with Mayweather. If Floyd is true to his word and Pacquiao takes the drug test, the two should fight in May of 2012.

Now, we all know that may not happen. If it doesn't, this is a list of five fighters who would make for a great matchup with Pacquiao, assuming he wins tonight. Obviously, Marco Rene Maidana is one of them..

Marco Rene Maidana

Maidana is a rugged puncher who currently bangs in the 140-pound light welterweight class. He had a great potential matchup set with young rising star Robert Guerrero, but Guerrero suffered an injury and had to pull out. Maidana took out his frustrations on Petr Petrov by fourth round TKO. 

The two could meet at a catch-weight similar to the one Pacquiao is fighting Marquez at tonight. Talk about fireworks, those two together would make an almost sure candidate for Fight of the Year.

Mike Jones

Mike Jones is a young, undefeated (25-0 19 KO) welterweight fighter. He has yet to step up his level of competition, but his height and jab could cause a problem for Pacquiao.

Though Pacquiao would likely be too experienced for Jones, it would be a nice barometer for where both men are in their careers.

Saul Alvarez

Canelo Alvarez is a very impressive young Mexican light middleweight. He is a hard puncher that has some holes in his defense. It would be interesting to see if Pacquiao would be willing to move up about six pounds to fight Alvarez in what would be an exciting fight.

Alvarez is also undefeated at 38-0 with 28 KOs though he is only 21-years-old.

Amir Khan

Amir Khan is perhaps the sport's brightest up-and-coming star. The once defeated Khan has charisma, hand speed, power and heart. He appears to be a Pacquiao supporter and has called out Floyd Mayweather, but that doesn't necessarily mean he won't take a fight against one of the two biggest names in the sport.

It would be an awesome fight that would also prove to be very exciting and a true barometer for where Khan is and Pacquiao's all-time greatness.

Sergio Martinez

Sergio Martinez may be the fight that is the biggest reach, but maybe not. Martinez is on the hunt for the best and biggest fights. He could wait for Saul Alvarez, but he is 36-years-old and he has already all but cleaned out the middleweight division. 

Could Pacquiao meet him at 150 lbs? It doesn't seem crazy, it would be six pounds heavier than Pacquiao is fighting Marquez and 10 lbs less than the 160-pound middleweight limit.

Another great fight, but Pacquiao has to take care of business first.

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.