In fact, he admitted he was more disappointed than anybody else as he was all set for his comeback fight almost two years after hanging up his gloves. Doctors have confirmed cartilage damage was the main culprit in the postponement of the fight which has been moved to September in time for Mayweather’s recovery.The six-time former world champion in different divisions did not want to be misconstrued of chickening out because he was the one who suffered injury.
The long lay-off already is taking its toll on unbeaten Mayweather and he cannot afford to extend another period of inactivity. He wants to get past Marquez to seal an important contract with Pacquiao who is currently the hottest property in fight business.
Although it was already medically proven that he would endanger his ribs more if the July 18 fight with Marquez pushed through, still Mayweather wanted to make the public know the injury was caused accidentally and not intentionally.
His pride is as big as his ego and thinks his public image will diminish if he does not speak out his mind on the injury he suffered and subsequent postponement of his much-ballyhooed engagement with the overconfident Marquez.
As a result of the postponement, it will now be impossible for the winner of the Mayweather-Marquez tussle to fight IBO light welterweight titlist Manny Pacquiao before the end of 2009 as Top Rank is now on process of inking a deal for 30-year-old Pacquiao to face WBO welterweight ruler Miguel Cotto in October.
Bob Arum, Top Rank chief, figured Sotto is a safer customer compared to Shane Mosley who owns two spectacular victories over Oscar De La Hoya but is a one-time victim of Cotto.
Unlike the durable Mosley, Cotto has already visited the dreamland when he lost an embarrassing TKO to Antonio Margarito who was himself blown away by Mosely.
Arum and Pacquiao’s plotters thought Cotto could be wiped out if he tangles with the power-punching Pacquiao in the 147 lbs while Mayweather or Marquez and even Julio Caesar Chavez Jr. are on standby.
Mayweather wants his assignment against Marquez done immediately so he can join the publicity lottery for Pacquiao’s next outing.
A long delay of his match with Marquez is tantamount to delaying his next multi-million payday. A fight with Pacquiao will net for Mayweather double of what he will earn in fighting Marquez.
