Floyd Mayweather Jr's jail sentence, and how it affects a potential fight with Manny Pacquiao.

A potential fight between boxers, Manny Pacquiao, and Floyd Mayweather Jr is something the world has been wanting to see. It's not only a fight that die hard boxing fans want, but the sporting world in general has been longing for it. Attempts to make a match between the two have fallen short over the last couple of years. There have been several reasons offered by both sides as to why the fight hasn't been able to happen. However, the main issue that has constantly stopped the match from happening is the issue of Olympic style drug testing. Despite the Nevada State Athletic Commission not requiring this form of testing for boxing matches, Mayweather has required rigorous Olympic style testing from his opponents in his last few bouts. Mayweather has stated that he wants to clean up the sport of boxing, and he is taking the tests also. During the span of time this fight hasn't taken place, Mayweather has been plagued by legal troubles. On December 21st, 2011, Mayweather was sentenced to serve 90 days in jail. This sentencing stems from a 2010 domestic battery report filed by Mayweather's former girlfriend, Josie Harris. You may ask yourself; Why is this significant when it comes to a fight with Pacquiao? Please read on.

Floyd Mayweather's advisor, Leonard Ellerbe announced in November that Mayweather would be fighting again May 5, 2012 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Mayweather was ordered by the judge in his case to surrender on January 6, 2012. If Mayweather does the entire 90 day sentence, which it is likely that he won't, he will be out sometime in April. The question now is; Can Mayweather serve three months in jail, and still fight Manny Pacquiao in May? I personally don't see it happening. I don't think that being in jail for 3 months will affect Mayweather skill wise, but Mayweather is the king of hyping up his bouts. He paints himself as the perfect villain for his matches. That is what has helped get him rich in the sport of boxing. It's also one of the reasons he's one of the most disliked boxers in the world. He certainly won't be able to hype up a May 5th bout from a jail cell.

Both Mayweather and Pacquiao are coming off of controversial victories. Mayweather fought and defeated Victor Ortiz on September 17, 2011. Mayweather earned a knockout victory, which many critics have said to be a cheap shot victory. It happened in the fourth round after Ortiz threw a blatant headbutt. With this victory, Mayweather claimed Ortiz's WBC championship title. Manny Pacquiao defeated Mexican boxer, Juan Manuel Marquez on November 12, 2011. This marked the third fight between the two with Pacquiao winning another close bout. Their first match which took place in 2004 ended in a draw. All three fights between the two have been very close, with many people believing Marquez has won all three fights. Pacquaio once again struggled against Marquez in their most recent fight. Pacquiao was counter-punched all night by Marquez, and never seemed to feel comfortable in the ring. Apparently, this had Mayweather ready to fight Pacquiao on May 5th. This would have been the perfect date for these two to meet up. Doesn't look like it will be happening now.

It's hard to determine whether or not this mega fight that everyone wants to see will take place in 2012. Negotiations have taken place for years, and they always seem to fall apart. If the fight does happen to be made, I could see it happening sometime in the latter part of 2012. It depends on what Pacquiao's camp decides to do. The way Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum talked after the Pacquiao/Marquez fight, he seemed to be more interested in a fourth fight between Pacquiao and Marquez. Regardless of what happens, the world is still anxiously waiting to see these two in the ring. Both of these guys aren't getting any younger, so hopefully it happens sooner than later. Then again it may not happen at all. Thanks for reading.