With it looking more and more likely that the March 13 fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is going to fall through (at least on that date), the Pacquiao camp has seemingly shifted their focus back to 154-pound titlist Yuri Foreman rather than 140-pound contender Paulie Malignaggi. March 20 is the target date for this fight, as Mayweather apparently will keep the March 13 date at the MGM Grand.
Recently, it seemed as though Malignaggi would be the replacement for Mayweather, after a career-boosting win over Juan Diaz on December 12 and a great, profile-raising year overall in 2009. Malignaggi and promoter Lou DiBella both seemed totally open to the idea, with Malignaggi even trying to drum up early interest by saying he doesn't respect Pacquiao.
Primera Hora reports that Foreman's manager Murray Wilson says it's all but a done deal, but then we've heard a lot about "done deals" involving Pacquiao lately. From Wilson:
"We've reached an agreement to face Pacquiao. Originally we wanted the fight on March 13, but Mayweather has the date booked with the MGM Grand. So we're looking at March 20. We still have to square some things, but we definitely won't have blood tests required of either fighter."
He also believes Foreman has a real shot:
"It will be a tough fight. I believe that Manny is entering unknown territory. It won't be easy against a man who will rise up to 160 pounds on fight night."
The reasons this is happening (if it happens) should be obvious enough. Pacquiao would be looking to get a title in an eighth weight class, and it also keeps all the money in Top Rank's pockets. They don't have to deal with Golden Boy or DiBella or anyone on this fight.
If this really happens, is HBO going to foot the bill for Pacquiao-Foreman and Mayweather-whoever? Two PPV events in two straight weeks? Do they REALLY want to test the public's willingness to pay $120 over two straight weeks for a couple of copout fights? Would YOU pay for both shows?