Two Challengers Emerge as Pacquiao's Next Foe While Mayweather Serves Jail Term

As Floyd Mayweather starts his jail confinement in early January, two top challengers have emerged as possible opponents of Manny Pacquiao when he returns to the ring sometime in May next year.

With Mayweather out of the running, the popular choice is down to Mexican counter-puncher Juan Manuel Marquez and unbeaten American Timothy Bradley.

Marquez, who is aiming for a fourth encounter with Pacquiao, complains he was robbed of his victory during their Nov. 12 fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada while Bradley is fresh from his impressive win over Cuban Joel Casamayor in the undercard of the Pacquiao vs. Marquez fight.

Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto, who is fresh from an impressive win over former foe Antonio Margarito in their recent encounter at the Madison Square Garden in New York, looms as another possible contender.

Although Marquez has fought Pacquiao three times since 2004, it appears there are still a large number of boxing fans who are inclined to watch Pacquiao vs. Marquez for the fourth time if only to settle who between them is the better fighter.

Top Rank Promotions owner Bob Arum, who promotes Pacquiao, Marquez and Cotto, believes there is still good money to be made with another Pacquiao vs. Marquez rematch.

Manny Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, seems to favor Bradley over Marquez and Cotto and probably feels boxing fans may no longer be interested in a rematch with either of them.

But it appears Bradley has not really reached the level that make will him a worthy opponent of Pacquiao at this time.

Although unbeaten in his professional career, boxing insiders say he is nothing but an overrated fighter. His lackluster performance over Devon Alexander in January has not contributed to his image as a top-rated and skillful contender.

Another negative impression boxing fans have on Bradley is his apparent lack of fans or followers who could support him in the promotions of his fights.

But since Arum is grooming him as Pacquiao's successor when the Filipino boxing star leaves the sport to pursue a career in politics, the amiable promoter can probably set aside a substantial budget for a campaign to make him popular overnight.

Still many boxing fans believe Bradley's time has not come, and putting him in front of Pacquiao in the ring could spell disaster for the budding Palm Springs slugger.

Between Marquez and Bradley, boxing insiders say Arum would most probably choose Marquez again as Pacquiao's next opponent.