A True Test Awaits

Between the cockiness, the flaunting of wealth, the drama with his father, the two year retirement and his recent gun issues, Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr. has created quite an image. Outside the ring.

For all of the hoopla that comes with the undefeated champion (40-0, 25 KO's) he is rarely tested and continuously dominates his opponents.

He is faster with his first punch. He is slicker with his counters. He is more selective in terms of timing his strike. He is the most elusive fighter today. He is tremendously fit.

"Money" made a world-class fighter look amateur. Yes, Juan Manuel Marquez (50-5-1) is obviously smaller and lighter. Yup, two years ago he was fighting at 130 lbs. Still, Marquez climbed two weight classes to compete against Mayweather and get paid. But in doing so, he was dominated.

Mayweather's jab won the fight on its own. He landed nearly sixty percent of his punches, while Marquez connected on only twelve percent. Each round grew more lopsided for Marquez, with only brief moments of success. After being knocked down in the second round, he did all he could to get through rounds. Jab after jab, and the occasional left hook controlled the fight for Mayweather. All while remaining committed to the low, defensive stance he has used his entire career.

There was a clear weight advantage. Mayweather was bigger, four pounds heavier to be exact. He missed weight, took a $600k fine and never re-weighed in. Therefore, the time after weigh-in, (when fighters often balloon up due to water intake) likely added even more to the differential between the two fighters.

Because of this, Mayweather was never in danger of losing a round, let alone threatened to be knocked out by Marquez.

Number 40, check.

Next up?

The world of boxing wants Manny Pacquiao.

However, before the biggest potential match-up can be inked and money percentages negotiated, Pacman needs to pass a formidable test in Miguel Cotto (34-1). A fighter who has a lot to prove after receiving his only loss to Antonio Margarito and those plaster-filled gloves. Likely the best fight in 2009, Cotto and Pacquiao will face off November 14th in Las Vegas. Winner gets Mayweather and a payday like no other.

Mayweather got his tune up fight out of the way, next will be a fighter sure to challenge him more. Weather it is Pacman, Cotto or even Shane Mosley, Pretty Boy Floyd's next bout will be a true test. At 32-years old there are only so many fights left. Does he want to fight Pacquiao and then retire for good? Does he want to squeeze in Mosley and then the winner of the November fight? Or does he love getting paid so much that he continues to pick smaller opponents that will never threaten his flawless record. Luckily for Mayweather, the ball is in his court.

For his entire career, Mayweather has toyed with his opponents. He has dominated with speed, smarts and strategic defense. He has talked and talked and talked, but always backed it up.

Pacquiao never talks. He just backs it up with powerful inside body shots and lightning quick hooks (ask Ricky Hatton). He is humble, respectful and beloved throughout the Philippines as an ambassador.

Am I looking forward to a potential match-up between these two opposites?

Just a little.