As the days go by and we continue to wait, it seems more and more likely that Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao will never face each other...at least while both fighters are at the top of the sport, that is. So as sports fans continue to wait for the two best fighters of our era to step in the ring and determine who the #1 pound-for-pound fighter really is, let's examine some potential future opponents for Mayweather and/or Pacquiao who have the chance to knock them out of the top spot. Because this list could be 10 miles long, I have set the following restrictions to narrow the field...
- No prospects will be on this list. Only fighters that have the potential of facing Mayweather or Pacquiao by the end of the year 2013 will be listed.
- There is a 135 lb-160 lb weight restriction. This takes away the potential of anyone saying Mayweather and Pacquiao should go up to super middleweight to fight. In all reality, neither man will ever fight above jr. middleweight (154 pounds) let alone middleweight (160 lbs).
- Sergio Martinez
The obvious choice. The middleweight champion of the world is #3 on most experts' pound-for-pound lists after his incredible knockout of Paul Williams. Martinez would almost assuredly have to drop down to 154 pounds to get a fight with either guy (he has fought at that weight in the past), but Martinez would be a huge pay-per-view for either guy. If the money is right and the terms are agreed upon, look for "Maravilla" to be a future opponent for Mayweather or Pacquiao in 2012. - Amir Khan
A fight with Pacquiao is almost certainly out of the question. Both men are trained by Freddie Roach. But Golden Boy has Khan on the fast track to super-stardom and Mayweather has been named as a potential opponent in late 2012. Khan is getting better with every performance and may have the tools needed to knock Mayweather from the throne if given the opportunity. He has the speed to keep up with Floyd and the punching power to hurt anyone. The only question marks for "King" Khan are his chin and his endurance. - Saul Alvarez
Golden Boy's prized possession is certainly a name that would draw huge ratings in a fight against either of the top 2. He is only 21-years-old, has a large fan base in Mexico, and is building a huge fan base in America. If he can get through the rest of 2011 and all of 2012 unscathed, we could see a potential showdown in 2013. "Canelo" must get past Alfonso Gomez on Sept 17th, and will probably have to beat Alfredo Angulo or Vanes Martirosyan, and maybe even Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in 2012. - Tim Bradley
Bradley's inactivity may be the biggest factor in deciding this. He is widely considered, along with Amir Khan, the best junior welterweight in the world, but when will we see him back in the ring? His current legal battle with Gary Shaw is keeping that from happening, but Bradley has been calling out Pacquiao for awhile now. It would be entertaining, and Bradley would certainly have a chance, but he needs to build a bit more of a fan base before he gets one of the big 2. - Devon Alexander
While it may be a stretch after Alexander's recent performances, it wasn't that long ago "The Great" was given the label of successor by Floyd Mayweather Jr. himself. Alexander has attributed his last three performances to draining himself to make 140 pounds. Maybe the move to 147 is the just the thing he needs to get back on track. After all, it appears to have worked for Ortiz. Alexander is currently a promotional free agent and signing with the right promotional company can help any fighter get the big fight. Only time will tell. - Alfredo Angulo
Angulo made a successful return to the ring after a 13-month layoff by knocking out Joseph Gomez in the 1st round. The real test will come when he faces Martirosyan, and then potentially Saul Alvarez in 2012. And don't forget he still can't fight in the United States. But "El Perro" remains a dangerous fighter with a huge Mexican fan base. - Miguel Cotto
We've already seen Cotto fight Pacquiao and it didn't go well, but a potential clash with Mayweather is not out of the question. Cotto is still a huge draw and a big name. Floyd may have to take a fight with him to sell some tickets if he can't find another name to make real money. - Mike Jones
2012 will be the year for Mike Jones to go from contender to champion. A title shot is not too far away, and if this undefeated Philadelphia product can win a few big fights, a chance at Mayweather or Pacquiao is reasonable to consider in 2013. - Erislandy Lara
This is a real stretch of a name to throw out there and it may have seemed like a pipe-dream a couple of months ago, but Lara clearly beat Paul Williams (regardless of what the scorecards said) and showed he is a force at junior middleweight. His speed is blinding and could give a fighter like Pacquiao fits, even at a catchweight of 150 lbs. Don't expect to see this in 2012, but if Lara keeps winning and wins a few belts, don't rule out 2013. - Marcos Maidana
Maidana is a fighter with a name who has proven he can bang with the best in boxing. I'm sure Mayweather or Pacquiao would consider him as a future opponent if they needed to secure a date. Maidana brings all-out relentlessness from the opening bell and the fans want to see action. - Juan Manuel Marquez
Marquez had his shot against Mayweather in 2009 and it didn't go well. Now he has an opportunity November 12th in a 3rd fight with Pacquiao to prove he still has the magic formula to beat "PacMan." Only problem is this fight will be taking place at a weight Pacquiao now dominates, and Marquez's only venture in this class was his unsuccessful try at Mayweather. Don't expect fireworks from JMM this time. - Victor Ortiz
The only other fighter on this list besides Marquez who has the opportunity right now to make this debate a non-issue. While Marquez has his chance at Pacquiao in November, Ortiz gets a chance to dethrone Mayweather September 17th. "Vicious" Victor says he has been dreaming about this chance since he was 9-years-old. Let's see if he will take advantage of the biggest opportunity of his professional career. - Brandon Rios
The earliest a potential showdown with Pacquiao will happen is late 2012 for "Bam Bam" Rios. The Bob Arum promoted fighter, and lightweight titleholder, is building a name with his all-action style and engaging personality. After his recent knockout win, Arum publicly declared Rios may have what it takes to beat Pacquiao down the line. That's a big statement from the boss, but look for Arum to build Rios up a bit more before giving him a shot at Pacquiao. He is currently penciled in to fight on the undercard of Pacquiao-Marquez III in November against an opponent to be determined, but that is subject to change.
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