Pacquiao vs. Mayweather: Clock Is Ticking on Potential Pac-Man vs. Money Fight

Only a few sand particles remain in the hourglass that is the careers of Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Pacquiao is 32 years old while Mayweather is 34.  Mayweather is scheduled to fight on May 5th, 2012, and if the two legends don’t face off then, it may never happen.  Pretty Boy Floyd already retired once and Pac-Man could test retirement in the near future as well.

According to examiner.com, Pacquiao’s agent Michael Koncz told the press this week:

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Two fights, three fights or maybe four.  Manny can't go on forever and he won't be some age 40-plus-old fighter in there seeking more paydays.  Manny makes investments and Manny has plenty of financial resources.  We also know his political ambitions will be a big factor.  Only Manny will decide when he's hanging up the gloves.  But maybe he will be fighting for the next two years and then he will retire.

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Two to four years: that is the estimated lifespan for the sport of boxing.  If Pacquiao and Mayweather fail to set up a fight, boxing will officially be dead.  Each fighter’s legacy will suffer as well and that fear is what will ultimately motivate the two to box.

Pacquiao defeated Juan Manuel Marquez in a controversial decision on Saturday night.  Those doubts he sought to disperse will not go away.  A victory against Mayweather would make critics forget about Pacquiao's win against Marquez. 

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.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.  Follow him on Twitter.