Pacquiao vs. Mayweather: Top 3 Choices for Pacquiao If Mayweather Talks Fail

Almost a month after the controversial Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas which was won by Pacquiao via majority decision, nothing has been finalized in the "ongoing" talks between the promoters of Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

Pacquiao has been quoted as saying talks are ongoing between his promoter, Bob Arum and Michael Koncz on one hand and Roger Mayweather and his nephew Floyd Mayweather Jr. on the other. But so far no action or announcement has been made that will galvanize the May 5 play date set by Mayweather.

“They met with us at my house and they told Michael that they were going to see Mayweather and that [boxing trainer] Roger Mayweather would meet Michael outside the gym and take him in to meet with Mayweather," said Arum.

About two weeks ago, Mayweather challenged Pacquiao to sign the contract for the May 5 fight with a reserved venue at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"May 5th is the date. Sign the contract, I'm waiting," Mayweather said, adding that he heard that Pacquiao is willing to undergo random urine and blood testing for the fight.

"You said you're a clean fighter...May 5th, I'm ready. I can sign today. But if I sign today, you better sign tomorrow," he said.

With these affirmative statements from both Pacquiao and Mayweather, it looks like the promoters are the ones stalling the fight for whatever agenda they have in mind for their fighters.

Be that as it may, there are at least three fighters who are praying the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight talks fall apart and hope that one of them will share the spotlight with Pacquiao.

First on the wait list is Mexican counter-puncher Juan Manuel Marquez, who is Arum's No. 1 choice for Pacquiao's next fight. Arum believes there are still lots of money to be made in the fourth encounter, but many fans think not many people would want to watch Pacquiao and Marquez again.

Pacquiao's second option is fellow housemate Timothy Bradley, who has just exhibited an impressive performance over Cuban Joel Casamayor in the undercard of the Pacquiao vs. Marquez fight in Las Vegas last November 12. For Arum, this is a very easy fight to make as they're both Top Rank house fighters.

Arum's other option for Pacquiao's next opponent would be ex-Pacquiao foe, Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto.

After demolishing Antonio Margarito during their grudge rematch at Madison Square Garden in New York, the Puerto Rican slugger called on Pacquiao right after the fight for a rematch.

The proposed rematch seems acceptable to boxing fans on the basis of Cotto's sterling performance over Margarito last December 3.

Pacquiao can face any of the three aspirants in May as a prelude to the most-awaited Pacquiao vs. Mayweather match which may happen before the end of 2012.