Mayweather, 35, has been linked to a money-spinning and career-defining clash with the Congressman for as long as fight fans can remember and will now be able plough on with his own targets after Pacquiao’s second successive loss.
Eight-weight champion Pacquiao, 33, was laid out flat on his back by a super right hand that may well have done the same to Mayweather himself, and a fifth fight between the two is set to be screamed for after a Fight of the Year favourite.
‘Money’ returns on May 4th on his ‘Cinco de Mayweather’ promotion against either Robert Guerrero or Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, but may well find himself overshadowed by the build up to further dose of last nights enthralling slug-fest.
Bob Arum, who promotes both Pacquiao and Marquez, waited for the two to fight an interim bout before making what turned out to be their best encounter so far and now needs to move swiftly to secure the next episode to capitalise on the momentum.
If Pacquiao v Marquez 5 is announced by the New Year for May or June 2013, then Mayweather would face being left behind in the headlines as he battles what fans believe are lesser opponents in Alvarez and Guerrero.
The five-weight title-holder may now be regretting not accepting Pacquiao’s 55-45 split offer to fight in 2012 as Mexican legend Marquez and the ‘Pacman’ take the mantle as the hottest fighters on the planet on the back of their classic quadriloy battle at the MGM Grand.
