by Doug Fischer

Ok, you tell me if boxing NEEDS a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight. Of course a Pac vs Money fight is amazing. However, Pacquiao-Bradley and Marquez-Peterson are the next more formidable match-ups out there. I do believe Bradley can give Pacquiao all the Filipino can handle. What you think about the styles clash? Cause I’ve come to believe Bradley is the modern B-Hop, not flashy but finds a way to win, all about the ‘W’ baby! Marquez-Peterson? Really this is such a complicated match of styles that I would not venture on making any prediction. What do you think about this encounter between experience and smartness vs youth and determination? I know man, this is hot waters. The best part is that we can add a Cotto-Money fight and then winners face winners and losers vs losers. Oh please, there’s not going to be losers here. Does all this sound too optimistic? – D.A., Oakland, CA

It does. Bradley could turn the Pacquiao fight into a stinker (win or lose) and Marquez could get beat up by the younger, bigger, stronger, and technically sound Peterson. But there’s nothing wrong with a little optimism. Boxing needs it. Bradley and Pacquiao could go at it like pitbulls, and Marquez-Peterson could be every bit as heated as JMM’s first fight with Juan Diaz or his war with Michael Katsidis, maybe even better.

My guess is that Pacquiao-Bradley will be a competitive and intense but not terribly exciting fight (and I think headbutts will mar a lot of the action). I think Marquez-Peterson will be a fight of the year candidate. I give the edge to Peterson.

Mayweather vs. Cotto intrigues me if it takes place at 154 pounds. read more