Pacquiao vs. Mayweather: Money Should Be Pleased with Pac-Man's Latest Bout

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is afraid of Manny Pacquiao.

In fact, he's scared to death of him. He wouldn't get in the ring if his life depended on it. Not even if he was being paid a king's ransom. Not even if he knew for certain that Pac-Man wasn't juicing. He just wouldn't do it.

At least, such is what the peanut gallery would have you believe. Just note that the honorable delegates of said gallery are not huge fans of Money Mayweather.

But after Pacquiao's narrow victory over Juan Manuel Marquez on Saturday night, it may not be long before the peanut gallery changes its tune. After watching this fight, Money has no reason whatsoever to be afraid of Pac-Man.

Shocking thing to say, I know. But true all the same. For all the hype (and championship belts) attached to his name, the world's best pound-for-pound boxer looks more like a mere human being now than perhaps ever before.

Pac-Man was made to look this way in the ring by Marquez. He was expected to be a punching bag, but he took Pac-Man to the brink once again. Marquez already claims to have beaten Pac-Man twice, and it won't be long before he claims to have beaten him thrice.

He would have a point about the third fight. His corner was telling him he was winning during the fight, and it was self-evident why they were. Marquez gave Pac-Man hell from start to finish.

If he could do that, then Money must figure that, shoot, he could do that, too.

To be sure, Money's camp has already proclaimed that he wants the fight. They were even kind enough to offer May 5, 2012, as a date for the bout (see ESPN.com). My guess is that nothing will happen on that date, but I guess it's yet another kick-start for the on-again, off-again negotiations.

Obviously, it's up to Pac-Man's camp to re-open negotiations with an open mind. But ultimately, the pressure will be on Money to ditch or at least modify his drug-testing demands. If he does that, the fight may actually happen.

The very idea should sit well with Money right now. He should realize that it's a bout that A) will pay him handsomely and B) he can win.

I wouldn't recommend getting your hopes up, but crossing your fingers is definitely advisable.

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.