Mayweather ducks against Pacquiao (Photo : Al Bello | Getty Images Sport)
Boxing's only eight-division world champion, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KO's), has expressed his interest to call it a career after his next fight some time in 2016. As to who he'll face in the ring in his last stand, well, that's still up in the air.
Here are the Top 6 Opponents For Manny Pacquiao's Last Stand.
#1 Lucas Matthysse (37-4, 34 KO's)
Argentina has a long list of hard-hitters throughout boxing history, and one of them to go down in the books among them will most definitely be Lucas "La Maquina" Matthysse.
'The Machine' is a certified brawler and will bring the action right to Pacquiao's grill, and that's a guarantee. If a Matthysse and Pacquiao fight is made, which still seems like a possibility despite Matthysse's recent setback, it will be a fight for the fans.
Matthysse is relentless and will not let up against Pacquiao who will be drawn into a firefight. This one won't need 12 rounds to decide a winner.
#2 Juan Manuel Marquez (56-7-1, 40 KO's)
The 39-year old Marquez hasn't fought since decisioning Mike Alvarado in May of last year, but his 6th round knockout victory over Pacquiao -- where he left the Filipino lying down face first on the canvas -- is still fresh in people's minds.
Pacquiao has wanted revenge since that fateful night in 2012, but Marquez has never seemed interested in a fifth fight. Regardless, Marquez is still considering his options and one of them is Pacquiao. If the price is right, Pacquiao and Marquez may dance for a fifth time.
Marquez is weary of another bad decision in his eyes, hence the hesitation, but there's no doubt that a fifth and perhaps final fight will definitely sell, especially to the Filipino and Mexican boxing fans who have no problem shelling out dough for Pay-Per-View.
#3 Danny Garcia (31-0, 18 KO's)
Danny "Swift" Garcia has flown under the radar in recent memory, after his scintillating victory over Lucas Matthysse in 2013.
He has recorded two solid victories over Lamont Peterson and Paulie Malignaggi this year and is still undefeated with tremendous upside. Garcia was once considered for a Pacquiao fight not too long ago, and he's always been in Pacquiao's sights.
Making a fight with Danny Garcia right now though seems a little far-fetched because Garcia hasn't really made headlines. It will be a hard sell for fight fans. Nonetheless, a Garcia-Pacquiao matchup is compelling and intriguing.
#4 Terence Crawford (27-0, 19 KO's)
Terence "Bud" Crawford is one of the most highly-regarded young fighters today and is considered the future of boxing. He recently called out Manny Pacquiao following a 10th round TKO victory over Dierry Jean.
The 140-lb. champ boasts of pinpoint combinations and uncanny punching power, along with great defense to boot. He's thought of as a complete fighter who is ready for the limelight.
Pacquiao will have to go down to junior welterweight to fight Crawford though, which he hasn't done in quite some time.
The last time Pacquiao fought at junior welterweight was against Ricky Hatton in 2009, where he knocked Hatton out cold with one of the best left hooks he's ever thrown but it's no secret that Pacquiao can easily make the 140-lb. limit if needed.
Crawford may get what he asked for, and he better be ready.
#5 Floyd Mayweather (49-0, 26 KO's)
A lot of people were turned off with their first fight, after such an intense build up over a span of five whole years. People have openly said they won't buy a rematch if one materialized, but who are we kidding?
If the rematch gets made, it will still do just as good as any Pay-Per-View extravaganza. The angle will of course be focused on Pacquiao's shoulder, which apparently wasn't a hundred percent when they first fought.
Filipino fight fans will bring the revenue and so will Pacquiao's American fanbase. The rematch may not outdo the first fight, but it is still probably the most financially impactful fight in boxing right now.
Rumors are Mayweather and Pacquiao are negotiating a rematch, with the fight set to take place at the new MGM arena in Las Vegas next year.
#6 Adrien Broner (31-2, 23 KO's)
'The Problem' has only created problems for himself recently, but he's still a compelling matchup for anyone, including Pacquiao.
Broner employs a similar style to Mayweather, but with less defense and more brawling, which will be good for those turned off by all the 'running' Mayweather did in the first Pacquiao fight.
Fans will finally get to see Pacquiao against the Philly Shell minus the hugging and the running and it will be just as sweet to stop Broner in his tracks as it would be Mayweather. Broner's anti-hero persona will undoubtedly help sell tickets and it could be a great way for Pacquiao to exit the sport.
