Bradley-Pacquiao: Chapter 2 Will There Be Closure?

In the sport of Boxing there are several reasons why a rematch would be considered by the parties involved in a fight.  A reason such as a highly competitive fight between two world-class fighters with a healthy difference of opinion as to who won the fight would obviously fuel interest in a rematch. There are also other reasons why a rematch might take place.  Of course, one of the most obvious reasons might be from a business standpoint.

From a financial perspective sometimes no matter how competitive a fight may or may not have been in the ring, a possible rematch may simply boil down to how successful a fight might have been in terms of both live gate and pay-per-view numbers. There is perhaps another factor, which may play as big a role as any in determining if a rematch is warranted.  If a rematch is mandated, not necessarily by the sanctioning organizations who govern the sport, but mandated by the ultimate authority the Boxing fans.

Such a circumstance presents itself as undefeated two-division world champion and current WBO Welterweight world champion Timothy Bradley and former champion Manny Pacquiao prepare for their highly anticipated rematch Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Although it has been nearly two years since their highly controversial first encounter, there is little dispute that the rematch between the two is something that Boxing fans worldwide have demanded loud and clear.  

By now the story of what happened in the first fight between the two has become common knowledge to most Boxing fans, both casual and enthusiast alike.  Bradley, the always “Game” warrior who endured excruciating pain as he suffered ligament damage to both of his feet during the first fight with Pacquaio, but bravely fought on, despite the pain.  Bradley’s valiant performance however, will forever be overshadowed by what happened at the end of the twelve round championship bout.  

Even though there was no doubt as to Bradley’s courage in the fight, the consensus of many, this observer included was that Bradley was bested on that night in June 2012 by Manny Pacquiao. Despite the consensus of the fight being a decisive victory for Pacquiao, the decision rendered in the fight will be remembered by many as one of the most controversial and bizarre  decisions in the history of the sport.   

The opinion of many at the end of the fight was that Pacquiao had won the fight by margins of at least nine rounds to three or ten rounds to two. Although some, myself included saw this fight even wider in favor of Pacquiao in scoring the fight a shutout, there were a few rounds during the course of the fight where Bradley could have won some rounds. Rounds that are commonly referred to as “Swing Rounds” where there may not be much action taking place, where it can boil down to which fighter does a little more that might determine who wins a round.  

Despite the consensus of a clear win for Pacquiao, the three official judges saw this fight differently turning in a split decision with two judges scoring the fight 115-113 in points or seven rounds to five in favor of Bradley.  The decision was quickly met with great passion and anger by both fans and experts alike.  This observer said quite candidly both after the fight and in the days that followed that the decision rendered in this fight disgusted me. 

Unfortunately, when there is a controversial decision like what happened the first time Bradley and Pacquiao met in the ring, anger can at times be pointed in the wrong direction.  Instead of pointing anger squarely in the direction of the source of such a decision, some will choose instead to direct their anger at the fighters involved.  Such was the case with Timothy Bradley.  

Regardless of what one’s opinion might be as to who won the first fight between Bradley and Pacquiao, how Bradley was treated by some in the aftermath of that fight was unjust and one might say downright cruel. When it comes to fights that end under circumstances as that fight did, it not only does damage to the integrity of the sport as a whole, but also and perhaps more importantly can do damage to the fighters involved, specifically the fighter who would appear to be the benefactor of the controversy. Unfortunately, in this case that fighter was Timothy Bradley.

An argument should be made that the win for Bradley probably did more damage than a loss to Pacquiao would have. Despite his accomplishments prior to the first encounter with Pacquiao, those accomplishments were all, but forgotten by some. Bradley responded by defending his title in a grueling give and take battle against Ruslan Provodnikov in March of last year earning a hard fought unanimous decision victory to retain his title.   

In his last fight, Bradley engaged in a tactical dual with future Hall of Famer Juan Manuel Marquez. In an extremely close fight that this observer scored a draw, Bradley was able to outwork Marquez and earned a split decision. Despite the two hard fought victories for Bradley since the first fight with Pacquiao, there may be some who might still question his standing in the sport as the rematch approaches.  

Although much of the negativity about the decision of the first fight has been pointed in the direction of Bradley, Manny Pacquiao has also gone through trials and tribulations in the two years since the first fight took place.  Following the loss to Bradley, Pacquiao chose to face his arch-rival Juan Manuel Marquez in their fourth fight in December 2012.

As has been the custom throughout the series of fights between Pacquiao and Marquez, the fourth fight delivered plenty of back and forth action. Unlike the first three fights however, the fourth encounter would not go the distance and debates as to who won the fight would not be needed. In a fight where both fighters tasted the canvas, Marquez brought the fight to a sudden end knocking Pacquiao out cold in the closing seconds of round six. 

Despite his loss to Bradley earlier that year, many still considered Pacquaio if not the number one fighter in the world, then most certainly 1-A on most pound for pound lists.  The definitive knockout at the hands of Marquez however, would change Pacquiao’s standing in the sport’s mythical pound for pound debates.  After suffering such a devastating knockout, it was also fair for some to question whether or not Pacquiao could recover.  In Pacquiao’s last fight he showed no ill effects as he dominated former WBA interim Lightweight champion Brandon Rios over twelve rounds in November of last year.

This now sets the stage for the rematch between Bradley and Pacquiao.  A few questions that some might have as this fight approaches are what effect has each fighter’s most recent fights had on them?  As well, due to the element of controversy that emerged from the first fight will it result in a much more action packed fight with both fighters not looking to leave it in the hands of the judges?  

In my eyes this fight could go several different ways. Both fighters have hand speed and both can be solid defensively. In terms of the type of fight that will be fought, I believe the fighter who can establish the pace early could be the one to dictate how the fight will be fought.  The most intriguing storyline of this fight however, does not center around the fighters and any potential tactical adjustments from the first fight.  

The main storyline of this fight in my mind centers around the three judges who will be charged with the responsibility of rendering a decision should the fight go the distance.  A valid point that the judges being a focal point of this fight can be demonstrated not only in relation to the first fight, but also the Floyd Mayweather-Saul Alvarez fight from September of last year. The decisions in both fights received much criticism thanks in part to judge C.J. Ross who served as one of three judges in both fights.

A sign of the times thanks in large part to the advent of social media has been that Boxing fans have the ability to let their voices be heard.  It is a given that much attention will be focused on the three judges for the Bradley-Pacquiao rematch.  Judges Michael Pernick, John Keane, and Glenn Trowbridge arguably have one of the most important assignments in the recent history of the sport.  

What this rematch basically amounts to is a rare scenario of two fighters who are each looking for vindication.  For Timothy Bradley he is looking to validate his first victory as he seeks a second victory over Manny Pacquiao one of Boxing’s biggest stars.  The need for validation and recognition for Bradley could be demonstrated in that although he is the champion coming into this fight, he has not gotten top billing in the promotion of this fight.  Pacquiao’s name being put before his could be looked at as a champion being disregarded.  One could say however, that the reason Pacquiao has received top billing in the build up to this fight, despite being the challenger going in and having lost the first encounter could simply have to do with his star status in the sport.  Whether it be a marketing issue or possibly a strategy to play off public opinion as to who won the first fight, for a champion it has to be a source of frustration.  

For Manny Pacquiao he is seeking to avenge his loss to Bradley nearly two years ago. In the bigger picture for Pacquiao, he also seeks to prove that the winless year he had in 2012 was not a sign of decline and that he is still among the best pound for pound fighters in the world.  Another question some might have with regard to Pacquiao is whether or not he still has a knockout mentality having not scored a knockout win since stopping Miguel Cotto in 2009.

For two fighters, each with something to prove the rematch could end up being a memorable night for Boxing fans. Not only is there a possibility of an action-packed fight between two great fighters, but also for the sport, this fight offers an opportunity to heal itself from a controversy that many consider a black eye for Boxing and could bring redemption to both fighters win or lose.  

Will Controversy emerge once again?  For the fighters sake, for the judges sake, but most importantly for Boxing fans worldwide, I certainly hope not…  

  “And That’s The Boxing Truth.” 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter:www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 

Cunningham Vs. Mansour: Let’s See It Again!

A common storyline that will surface from time to time in the sport of Boxing is a scenario of a veteran fighter or a former world champion, who might appear to be on the downside of their career being pitted against a contender who is on the way up the ranks. Such a scenario was presented as former two-time IBF Cruiserweight world champion Steve Cunningham entered the ring to face undefeated Heavyweight contender Amir Mansour on April 4th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

For the thirty-seven year old Cunningham, this fight may have been viewed by some as a make it or break it situation for him. Although Cunningham is a former world champion an argument some might make is that he is more known for getting tough breaks in losing a couple of very close decisions throughout his career. Most notably, versus Tomasz Adamek who defeated Cunningham for the IBF World Cruiserweight Championship in 2008 and again in their rematch four years later in 2012 as Heavyweights.

Despite suffering some setbacks during his career, Cunningham has also earned a reputation as a well-traveled road warrior who has been willing to fight all over the world. In April of last year, Cunningham met undefeated Heavyweight contender Tyson Fury in what was one of the most exciting and competitive fights in the division in recent years. Cunningham knocked the 6’9 Fury down for the first time in his career in the second round and gave an extremely “Game” effort before being knocked out in the seventh round. It was the first knockout loss for Cunningham in his career.

Although Cunningham has always given his best every time he enters the ring, some might have questioned what was left for Cunningham after losing four of his last five fights. Cunningham however, would rebound by scoring an eight round unanimous decision over journeyman contender Manuel Quezada in December of last year. This would set the stage for Cunningham to face rising undefeated forty-one-year-old contender Amir Mansour.

Mansour, whose career began in 1997, had his career derailed by legal troubles serving nine years in prison for drug possession. It is highly unusual when discussing a forty-one-year-old fighter that you can say that the fighter is a rising contender. Mansour however, is indeed a rising contender who since returning to the ring in 2010 has garnered significant attention.

In his career, Mansour has scored victories over notable opponents including Dominick Guinn, Jason Gavern, and Maurice Harris to win the United States Boxing Association (USBA) title in August of last year. Mansour, who last fought in December of last year scoring a seventh round stoppage of Kelvin Price has registered a career knockout percentage of over 70%.

When the Mansour-Cunningham fight was announced this observer thought it had an element of intrigue. Could Mansour, who entered into the fight with a record of 20-0, with 15 knockouts continue his march up the Heavyweight ranks by defeating a former world champion? Could Cunningham reestablish himself in the Heavyweight division by defeating an undefeated fighter who appeared to be perhaps on the verge of facing a top ten contender in a division that is wide-open?

These questions would be answered as the two entered the ring to do battle at the Liacouras Center. The action began at a tactical pace where both fighters seemed to have periods of effectiveness. Mansour the aggressor, Cunningham seemingly content in the role of counter puncher.

Although the fight was fought early on at a tactical pace, both fighters established a quick pace and were not reluctant to engage. The primary difference in this fight was Cunningham’s ability to make Mansour miss due to his solid lateral movement, despite fighting in close.

Even though Mansour clearly was the harder puncher, I did wonder as this fight progressed whether or not fatigue would become a factor. Mansour was putting a lot behind his punches and over a period of time when a fighter misses with heavily thrown punches, it can have an effect as a fight progresses. Mansour however, does have the power to turn a fight in his favor with one punch. Cunningham was able to win most of the early rounds in large part due to his defense and making when he did land count. Sometimes it is not necessarily who is the more active fighter in terms of punches landed or thrown that determines who wins a fight. The ability to be solid defensively can be and often is crucial when it comes to winning rounds.

I did wonder however, whether or not Cunningham would be able to continue to nullify Mansour’s offense for the full ten round bout. This question that I had in my mind was valid as Mansour would turn the momentum in his favor in round five, knocking down Cunningham with a right hand and dropping him again seconds later. Cunningham was able to survive the round, but suffering two knockdowns in the round likely helped Mansour gain ground on most unofficial scorecards up to that point.

Although the momentum clearly shifted to Mansour in the fifth round, Cunningham as has been the case throughout his career showed his mettle. Cunningham’s ability to be elusive allowed him to clear his head and get back into the fight as he continued to make Mansour miss frequently and looked to counter Mansour’s offense. One thing that stood out to me as I watched this fight was although Mansour clearly brought the fight to Cunningham throughout, an argument could be made that by Mansour putting a lot behind the punches he threw in actuality worked against him due to Cunningham’s ability to make him miss and thus possibly cost him some rounds that most would consider close.

The fight however, was grueling and both fighters gradually wore the effects of a hard-fought battle. Both men would suffer cuts during the course of this fight and I wondered if the fight would go the distance. As the rounds went on Cunningham not only dictated the fight in my mind based on his ability to be elusive, but he was also very effective in mixing his offense to the body and head of Mansour. Even though Mansour clearly had Cunningham in trouble in the fifth round, I wondered whether Mansour’s punching power would be enough for him to win him this fight down the stretch.

Because of the two knockdowns against Cunningham in the fifth round, there may have been some difference of opinion as to who was ahead on the scorecards as the fight went into the late rounds. One of the primary things that I believe worked against Mansour in this fight was not only that he was seemingly putting everything he had into every punch he threw, but he also frequently lunged in with his punches and neglected his jab as a way to set up his offense. This allowed Cunningham to time Mansour as he came forward and allowed him to evade the majority of his offense.

Cunningham regained control the fight down the stretch has Mansour appeared to be exhausted and the more fatigued of the two fighters. Cunningham scored a knockdown of Mansour in the final minute of the tenth and final round and would go on to win a ten round unanimous decision, winning the USBA title and reestablishing himself in the division.

For a fighter like Steve Cunningham who has had some tough breaks and has had to deal with adversity throughout his career, this win was in some ways career defining. Both Cunningham and Mansour proved that they belong in the discussion of Heavyweight contenders and potential future world title challengers.

Some might argue that Cunningham at thirty-seven years old and Mansour at forty-one years old might not have time on their side in terms of positioning themselves for a potential challenge of a world title. Current unified IBF/WBA/WBO/IBO champion Wladimir Klitschko is scheduled to face Alex Leapai in a title defense later this month.  Chris Arreola and Bermane Stiverne will face-off in a rematch to determine a new WBC world champion in May. The fact that both Cunningham and Mansour fought like warriors in this fight and are consistently involved in entertaining fights could benefit both in the long-term.

As the Heavyweight division appears to be reemerging as a major focal point in the sport, each fight between prospects, contenders, and former world champions will continue to garner attention. In terms of the near future with several fights already scheduled to take place between top contenders and fights involving portions of the World Heavyweight Championship, the best option for both Cunningham and Mansour in my eyes would be a rematch.

Both fighters gave it everything they had and produced what has to be considered one of the best Heavyweight fights of the year thus far. Why not an encore?

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Rerserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 

Kovalev, Stevenson, And The Changing Landscape Of The Light-Heavyweight Division

It surely looked as though Light-Heavyweight world champions Sergey Kovalev and Adonis Stevenson were on a collision course as 2013 came to a close. Two fighters who have established themselves in the same division, at the same time, in a similar manner. Both producing knockouts that have gained the Boxing world’s attention.

The idea of these two emerging stars in the sport being pitted against each other in a world title unification clash is certainly an intriguing storyline. Most storylines however, are known for having intriguing plot twists. The scenario of a potential Kovalev-Stevenson collision would appear to be no exception.

Although most Boxing fans are probably of the opinion that a fight between Kovalev and Stevenson is the most logical option for both fighters at this stage of their careers, sometimes what may appear to have the most logic does not always take place. This is especially true when it comes to the sport of Boxing and certain elements, which might be a factor in determining when or if such a fight might take place.

Even though the groundwork for a potential Kovalev-Stevenson clash appeared to be laid following both fighters successful title defenses on the same card last November, a scenario that I brought up in the days following that card centered around the various political elements in the sport. A dilemma for promoters and television networks is whether or not to put such a fight together as soon as possible, with the assumed goal to sell the fight as a pay-per-view event to Boxing fans.

In all truth and honesty it is a delicate task for promoters and networks to determine when a fight of this magnitude should be made. Of course one of things to consider is the financial incentives that a fight like this would bring to all parties involved. Other things to consider however, are not only what the fight could do for the fighters involved in the short-term, but also where does it leave the fighters involved in the long-term picture in regard to a potential win or loss. It is also important to remember that those involved in the business end of the sport not only invest time, but also over the course of developing fighters invest in those fighters from a financial standpoint.

It is perhaps more important in the long-term picture to make sure that there are options on the table for all parties involved regardless of whom should emerge victorious in a would be “Super-Fight.” Although some may believe that it would be tempting to put together a fight like this as a significant pay-per-view draw as soon as possible, the other thing to consider is whether or not attempting to continue to grow interest in such a fight would perhaps be better in the long-term. 

An argument could be made that some of the most memorable “Super-Fights” are those fights that are built over a significant period of time and in some cases over a period of years. In almost all cases fights that were built up over a period of time left the fighters involved in better positions coming out of the fight in the long-term as it more often than not gives fighters notoriety and increases their marquee value.

Even though following the Stevenson-Kovalev twinbill last November there did not seem to be any roadblocks that would prevent a potential unification bout between the two. It was recently announced that Stevenson will face top Light-Heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara on May 24th. What makes this noteworthy is the fight will be televised by Showtime in the United States.

Both Stevenson and Kovalev have fought their most recent fights on HBO, the main rival of Showtime for many years. The current landscape of the sport at least in terms of where marquee fights are televised in the United States is largely driven by the rivalry between the two networks, which some might argue has both positives and negatives for fighters.

It goes without saying that the sport of Boxing has many detractors who will point out all the negative things that the sport deals with. In this case however, with two of the sport’s big-time players engaged in competition with the goal of trying to put on the best fights possible for the Boxing fans who have always supported the sport in good times and bad is good in the eyes of this observer. The more that there is competition among television networks looking to bring the best and most competitive fights to their audience, the better.

Some could easily say however, that increased competition between networks and promoters could potentially and has in some ways stood in the way of some marquee fights being made. With the news that Stevenson will be facing Fonfara on May 24th on Showtime very much fresh in the minds of Boxing fans and experts alike, Sergey Kovalev entered the ring to defend his WBO Light-Heavyweight world title against undefeated contender Cedric Agnew on March 29th in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Although Agnew was undefeated going into this fight he was unknown to most. Going into this fight I wondered whether or not all the discussion of the potential fight with Stevenson and the news that some might consider a potential roadblock standing in the way of that fight taking place would have any effect on Kovalev.

Despite a tactical approach and a high defensive guard, Agnew was unable to avoid Kovalev’s power as the champion gradually broke his opponent down, scoring three knockdowns en route to a seventh round knockout. Although Agnew was outgunned in this fight, he does deserve credit for the tactical way he attempted to fight Kovalev and he was successful sporadically with his offense. For Agnew, his effort in this fight could well lead to another opportunity against a top contender in the division down the line.

For the champion Sergey Kovalev his second successful title defense will likely be viewed as a win that will lead to bigger and better things down the road. Kovalev did however, show in this fight that he was not distracted by all the talk of the potential fight with Stevenson perhaps not happening at least in terms of the immediate future.

The attention however, will now focus on Adonis Stevenson as he prepares to face Andrzej Fonfara on May 24th. Will all the attention and discussion surrounding the anticipated potential showdown with Kovalev have any effect on Stevenson in this fight? An interesting question that Boxing fans are likely going to ask as that fight draws closer. The spotlight however, will first shine on IBF champion Bernard Hopkins and WBA champion Beibut Shumenov as they prepare to square off in a unification bout on April 19th in Washington, D. C.

Although much of the attention has focused on Kovalev and Stevenson in recent times with regard to the Light-Heavyweight division it is important to remember that in the current landscape of the division. It’s true both Kovalev and Stevenson are emerging stars and are likely the future of the division. The Light-Heavyweight division still presents one man who not only has skills, but attracts fights on marquee value alone. Bernard Hopkins…

It could be a valid point that no matter the outcome of the Hopkins-Shumenov fight that most would say that Hopkins will likely remain the fighter for whom all fighters in the Light-Heavyweight division will seek an opportunity to fight as long as the forty-nine-year-old future Hall of Famer continues to fight. Hopkins thus far has not indicated any plans to retire in the near future. 

 

Although a fight between Kovalev and Stevenson remains a highly anticipated fight, one could assume that both are likely looking at the perhaps bigger goal. This would be to face the winner of the Hopkins-Shumenov fight and thus look to be in better position in the long-term future.

No matter what happens on April 19th, the landscape of the Light-Heavyweight division will change. As networks and promoters continue to vie to put on the best fights possible for the Boxing fans, some may continue to focus on the negative aspects. This observer chooses to view the division as being on the threshold of a new exciting era. 

Hopkins, Kovalev, Stevenson, and Shumenov all in the mix.  Let’s not forget there are many other contenders and former world champions with Boxing skills and knockout power. The Light-Heavyweight division might be the most explosive division in the sport.

 “And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

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Why Khan-Collazo Fight Benefits Both Fighters

When it comes to the Welterweight division there is little doubt that the two main marquee attractions are Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Both Mayweather and Pacquiao have been at the top of most pound for pound debates for several years, but more importantly when it comes to the Welterweight and even the Jr. Middleweight divisions both are the big money draws that all opponents vie for an opportunity to fight.

Former world champions Amir Khan and Luis Collazo are no exception. Khan the former unified world Jr. Welterweight champion, who reigned over the division for three years between 2009 and 2012 has become one of the sport’s rising stars. Khan however, has had to deal with adversity that some might argue has derailed his standing among the sport’s pound for pound debates.

Khan, despite suffering some setbacks has shown the ability to persevere. Some will remember Khan suffering a first round knockout loss at the hands of Breidis Prescott in September 2008 in fifty-four seconds. Under circumstances where most would be discouraged and some fighters have found it difficult to bounce back, Khan persevered going on to win the WBA world title in the Jr. Welterweight division by scoring a twelve round unanimous decision over Andreas Kotelnik in 2009.

Khan went on to successfully defend and partially unify his title with the IBF Jr. Welterweight world title five times before having to deal with further adversity in back-to-back fights with Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia. Khan would lose the IBF portion of his title to Peterson in December 2011 in what was a closely fought battle, but was reinstated as WBA champion after Peterson failed a post-fight drug test as he tested positive for a banned substance. Khan would then face undefeated WBC champion Danny Garcia in July 2012.

In that fight Khan suffered knockdowns in the third and fourth rounds before the fight was stopped in round four. After suffering two setbacks, Khan would again show the ability to bounce back returning to the ring later that year to stop Jr. Welterweight contender Carlos Molina in ten rounds.

In his last fight Khan survived being knocked down in the fourth round to win a hard-fought twelve round unanimous decision over former Lightweight world champion Julio Diaz. Although Khan’s rise up the sport’s mythical pound for pound ratings may have been derailed by suffering those setbacks, he is still a star of the sport and should be considered a threat to anyone in the Welterweight division.

As much as Khan’s ability to overcome adversity has become a key component throughout his career, the same holds true for former Welterweight world champion Luis Collazo. As this observer has said in the past Collazo might be more known as a fighter who has had decisions go against him in notable fights throughout his career, despite the fact that he is a former world champion.

Despite losing to Ricky Hatton, Andre Berto, and Shane Mosley on the marquee stage of the sport over the course of his career, Collazo has persevered. After suffering a loss to Freddy Hernandez in 2011, Collazo went on to win three straight fights leading up to his encounter with former Welterweight world champion Victor Ortiz in January of this year. Collazo brought the fight to a sudden and dramatic conclusion when a perfectly timed counter right hook dropped Ortiz late in the second round.

A sudden and perhaps unexpected knockout win that has reestablished Collazo in the Welterweight division. As I said in covering that fight in January if there was something to take away from that fight that may be inspiring is that perseverance can indeed pay off. Both Amir Khan and Luis Collazo are examples of that.

In addition to being former world champions both Khan and Collazo share something else in common, the desire to not only reach the top of the mountain once again by becoming world champions, but also the desire in wanting a fight against Floyd Mayweather. For a time it appeared as though Khan would get the opportunity to face Mayweather so much so that he pulled out of a scheduled fight against former two-division world champion Devon Alexander.

The potential of a fight between Mayweather and Khan seemed to be somewhat enhanced by an online poll conducted by Mayweather that saw Khan receive more votes than the recently crowned WBA Welterweight world champion and former Khan opponent Marcos Maidana, who Mayweather eventually decided to fight on May 3rd in Las Vegas. Khan however, may have received the next best opportunity as it was announced earlier this week that he will face Collazo on the Mayweather-Maidana undercard.

Although some may feel that Amir Khan was pushed aside by Mayweather opting to face Maidana instead of him, in all truth and honesty Mayweather choosing to face Maidana was the most logical option for Mayweather at this stage of his career. Maidana after all did score a dominant victory over Adrien Broner, Mayweather’s friend who has been called Mayweather’s protege by some in December of last year to win the WBA title. It was only natural to assume after that fight last December that there would be significant demand for Mayweather to face Maidana with the intriguing storyline of whether Maidana could duplicate his performance by defeating Mayweather with the undefeated Mayweather looking to avenge his friend’s defeat.

Mayweather’s choice however, by choosing to fight Maidana now opens the door for another intriguing storyline as both Khan and Collazo have vocally expressed their desire to face him. The fact that now Khan and Collazo will face each other as the co-main event on the Mayweather-Maidana card presents a perfect opportunity for both fighters to make their case to face the winner of that fight. This would seem logical seeing as Collazo is currently ranked third in the world in the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) rankings and Khan being ranked number two by the World Boxing Council (WBC).

When you also take into the equation that the three fighters who are currently ranked ahead of Khan and Collazo, Paul Malignaggi and Keith Thurman in the WBA rankings and Luis Carlos Abregu in the WBC rankings all have scheduled fights in the next month. What this amounts to in the often political and often confusing landscape of the sport and it’s rankings is an elimination bout between Khan and Collazo to see who will be in line to face the Mayweather-Maidana winner.

Although I am very much looking forward to providing further analysis about this fight as May 3rd draws closer, an argument should be made that no matter who should emerge victorious between Khan and Collazo, both are likely to be in good position for potential big money fights in the Welterweight division in the long-term picture. A testament for two fighters who have made careers out of their ability to overcome adversity and persevere.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison