Floyd Mayweather: Why It's Pacquiao or Bust for Money

With the exception of a match against Manny Pacquiao, who is left for Floyd Mayweather to take on? 

Actually, I could make a similar argument for Pacquiao against Mayweather, but his controversial win against Juan Manuel Marquez on Saturday likely means that a fourth match between the two would be very interesting to follow. 

But as far as Mayweather goes, what other fights are out there for him? I guess you could make a case that he would have a little to prove in a rematch against Victor Ortiz, but I don't quite buy it.

For one, I don't think the knockout punches on Ortiz were terribly cheap. Two, Mayweather had already established himself as well up in points. While there was still a long way to go in the fight, Mayweather is not a good fighter to come back against.

Translation: Even if you think Mayweather landed a cheap shot on Ortiz, it really just sped up a certain Mayweather win. 

But who else is out there for Mayweather to fight? 

For the record, I am not implying that Mayweather is ducking Pacquiao, or the other way around. No, I am not a part of the negotiations. The only thing we hear comes from the respective camps, and that will always be filtered. 

Ironically, I don't think Saturday's Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez did anything to help a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight. If the next fight they have is with each other, then both of their last fights would have ended in controversy, and I don't know that that helps sell the fight at all.

Granted, this is a dream fight that's been anticipated for a long time, so the intrigue is there.

But for whatever reason, if Pacquiao and Mayweather can't find a way to get in the ring with each other, then what is left for Mayweather? Who is out there for him to fight?

Now, the paydays are there, but those paydays also mean punches to the head, even from the "weaker" opponents.

On balance, it's not worth it.