Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Jr. - How did we get here?

By Bryan Brennan

Not too long ago it seemed like after every fight I watched the winning fighter would call out Floyd Mayweather Jr. Experts and fans alike had differing opinions on who should get a crack at the reigning pound-for-pound champ. A little over a year after Floyd Mayweather Jr's retirement and it seems as if everyone agrees Manny Pacquiao is the guy who deserves the shot (or at this point Mayweather deserves the shot at Pacquiao). Did "Pretty Boy" actually help himself out by disappearing for a little while?

The names of Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Paul Williams, Shane Mosley, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Manny Pacquiao were all being thrown out there. Not to mention some thought Hatton deserved a second shot at the undefeated fighter. If Floyd hadn't retired would we have gotten to this point?


Here are some big fights that have lead to a Mayweather Jr. - Pacquiao showdown:

December 12th 2008: Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Ricky Hatton

Mayweather Jr. KO’s Ricky Hatton with a perfect right hook to Hatton’s jaw. Following the 10th round face plant Hatton would still call for a rematch.

February 9th 2008: Carlos Quintana vs. Paul Williams

Quintana upsets Williams by unanimous decision, and takes his WBO title. We start to wonder if Williams was just a bit overrated.

March 15th 2008: Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez II

In a spectacular fight Pacquiao walks away with a Split Decision win (many experts and fans thought it could have gone the other way, I had Pacquiao winning). It gives Pacquiao an edge against his arch nemesis with the win, either way I think most look forward to a third encounter. read more