By Kirk Jackson

The dust has settled. The proclaimed, “Fight of the Century” is over; the event, the hype, the spectacle, the one sided boxing exhibition that was, which included championship belts and historic implications, is finally over.

And now that the dust has settled where do we go from here? How does this affect the landscape of boxing? Does this affect the landscape of boxing?

Only time will tell. For one, we know this was an economic success. While we have yet to tally the total numbers, the live gate, Pay-Per-View buys, and sponsors from this event has reportedly generated at least $300 to $400 million dollars, (more than the Super bowl).

Not to mention the hundreds of millions of dollars spent on betting, hotel expenses and etc. There was certainly an economic boost for the city of Las Vegas.

The fighters got paid, and while fans can complain about fight itself, failing to live up the hype in their eyes, the two best fighters from this generation fought and the better man won.

Since the fight’s conclusion, a myriad of stories and excuses have popped up. Shoulder injuries, surgery, lawsuits, vacated belts, blah, blah, blah.

Time to move on from this fight and time to look towards the future.

For one, we have an exciting match-up this upcoming weekend between James Kirkland 32-1 (28 KO’s) and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez 44-1-1 (31 KO’s). Both fighters look to bring the action, so expect fireworks in that fight, especially for all the fans who enjoy blood, and guys going in the ring to pummel one another to a pulp.

We also have Omar Figueroa 24-0-1 (18 KO’s) vs. Ricky Burns 37-4-1 (11 KO’s), Amir Khan 30-3 (19 KO’s) fights later this month, along with Andre Dirrell 24-1 (16 KO’s) and Gennady Golovkin 32-0 (29 KO’s).

Next month, Andre Ward 28-0 (14 KO’s) returns to action, along with Kell Brook 34-0 (23 KO’s), Erislandy Lara 20-2-2 (12 KO’s), American heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder 33-0 (32 KO’s) and Miguel Cotto 39-4 (32 KO’s).

So while true boxing fans have so much to look forward to in the coming months, one can only imagine what the future holds for Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Floyd Mayweather 48-0 (26 KO’s), could potentially fight one of aforementioned fighters for his supposed final bout in September.

Khan and Brook are in the running, although many fans would rather see them fight each other first.

A rematch with Cotto could bring upon historical ramifications if either guy were to win the fight. For Mayweather, capturing another lineal championship, for Cotto, dethroning the best fighter of his generation.

From a stylistic standpoint, Lara is the most threatening fighter for Mayweather. Lara is slick and elusive southpaw, has a long reach (75 inches), quick and large for his division. Many fans did not enjoy his performance against Alvarez in July of last year, although he displayed technical brilliance from the ‘Cuban School’ of boxing.

Golovkin, affectionately known as ‘GGG’ is who everyone wants Mayweather to fight. People want this fight because Golovkin hits like a semi-truck and many people want to see Mayweather get ko’ed. Whether that reality comes to fruition remains to be seen.

For Golovkin, it’s his dream fight. And for some, Mayweather can’t call himself the best ever “TBE” unless he faces Golovkin. That’s what highly esteemed boxing trainer and ESPN boxing analyst Teddy Atlas thinks at least.

“If Floyd cares about such things, he’ll fight Golovkin — but I don’t think he cares. Golovkin is a seek-and-destroy guy,” said Atlas.

“He’s aggressive and physical and knows what he’s doing. Now that fight I would buy a ticket for.”

Atlas also mentioned Mayweather will never be regarded as one of the greats because he never took risks. Didn’t take risks like Sugar Ray Leonard, who fought Marvin Hagler.

Does Atlas have a point?

What if Mayweather were to fight Golovkin and emerge the victor? Would critics like Atlas suggest Mayweather take on the likes of Andre Ward, Sergey Kovalev and Wladimir Klitschko next? Probably.

Not sure if Mayweather benefits from a fight with Golovkin, but who knows what will happen.

Ironically, Mayweather, boxing’s villain, the guy deemed as the cancerous dodger of boxing is actually quite the opposite and has displayed grace in recent times.

Leading up to this mega fight we heard no trash talk from Mayweather, he complimented Pacquiao before and after the fight, demonstrating modesty and humility.

Another thing that can be applauded from Mayweather, is his recent decision to vacate his championship belts. He claims to be doing so the younger guys can have more opportunities for titles.

Mayweather will be saving quite a bundle from sanctioning fees, which is another probable reason for vacating the belts.

People can be skeptical of Mayweather’s intentions, which is fair, but at the end of the day, the younger fighters will have opportunities to grab these alphabet belts (WBC, WBA welterweight and super welterweight titles, WBO welterweight title). This is bowing out from the sport gracefully.

For Pacquiao, surgery to repair an injury recently took place and rehabilitation should range from 4-6 months. The operation was performed by orthopedist Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who said Pacquiao will make a full recovery and return to the ring.

That leaves a possibility for Pacquiao to return later on this year, conveniently and just enough time for him to partake in his obligation to fight at the Venetian in Macao, China.

Who Pacquiao will fight remains to be seen. He still is one of the best fighters in the world, but who he fights depends on his mastermind of a promoter Bob Arum.

Let’s just keep our fingers crossed that it will not be a Chris Algieri rematch.

Speaking of rematches, let’s not ever entertain the rematch of a Mayweather and Pacquiao, which some people are already doing. Yes it will probably generate money, but we already know what will happen.

Mayweather’s style isn’t suited for Pacquiao. It’s a stylistic mismatch.

In regards to Pacquiao’s injury woes and list of excuses, is there a way to apply surgery to repair his reputation?

All of the excuses and exhibits of poor sportsmanship is not a good look, for the good Christian/Politian.

Again with the irony. The man hyped up and marketed as the good religious person, the most modest, happy go lucky guy, is the one lacking good sportsmanship.

Leave a Comment