After Floyd Mayweather’s unanimous decision over Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, what is next for the two men who were at the middle of the Fight of the Century?
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The pair have put everything, mentally and physically, into this fight over the past few months and will both be looking forward to a well-earned rest but who will be on their radar when it comes to picking their next opponents?
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
Amir Khan
Other than Pacquiao, the man who has been most regularly linked with Floyd Mayweather is Amir Khan. The Bolton welterweight shares the same advisor as Mayweather, Al Haymon, and has been chasing a fight with the pound-for-pound No. 1 for the best part of two years. However, Khan’s Ramadan commitments – which will hamper his training – may rule him out of Mayweather’s September date proposed for his next fight.
Keith Thurman
Many people consider charismatic boxer-puncher Thurman as a man capable of becoming boxing’s next big pay-per-view star. The current WBA regular champion is also advised by Haymon and impressed by outclassing Robert Guerrero in March. He would love a shot at Floyd but may be considered too much of a risk for the champion in his farewell fight.
Manny Pacquiao
Whoever Mayweather chooses for his September swan song, it is never going to come close to equalling the sort of hysteria which surrounded this fight. That’s why a rematch with Pacquiao is still a distinct possibility despite his lop-sided victory. Pacman says he was injured for this one so will feel he could improve on this encounter should he get another crack – and it would guarantee them both another huge pay day.
MANNY PACQUIAO
Amir Khan
Pacquiao and Khan are former stable mates who shared many rounds of sparring and their history would make this one an easy sell. Khan might miss the boat on Mayweather and will need a big name in whichever fight he takes after a potential mismatch against Chris Algieri later this month. And, although he lost this one, the Filipino is a huge draw and a clash with Khan would do great numbers all over the world.
Terence Crawford
A bit of a curveball but, if Pacquiao’s shoulder injury is as serious as it sounds, he may require surgery so we could be looking at a good eight or nine months before he’s back fit again. Terence Crawford, 27, is also promoted by Top Rank and has been hailed as a future star having won world titles at lightweight and light-welter already. He is expected to move even further through the ranks and could step up to face Pacquiao early next year, although they could probably do it at 140lbs anyway.
Retirement
It was always suggested that whoever lost here would face little option but to retire. How would either man get motivated to fight again after the size of this one, especially after a defeat? It remains to be seen what will happen with Pacquiao’s shoulder, or any of his other niggling injuries, and a long lay-off might just evolve into permanent retirement.