Expectations.

When Ricky Hatton made his second attempt to gain P4P supremacy on May 2nd, the burden of proof fell on the Hitman to make it through the early rounds, which would have given him a chance to make the fight a brawl in the later rounds. Manny put Hatton to sleep before he had the chance...

The same burden of proof fell on undefeated Cris Arreola, who needed to eat enough punches to get inside and brawl with Vitali Klitschko, the heavyweight champ with the highest KO percentage in boxing history, now 38 wins by 37 KO's.

But the Mexican-American fell short. He did last 10 rounds, which is more than the majority of Klitschko's other opponents can say. Vitali simply changed up his game-plan to frustrate the inexperienced challenger, using that huge reach advantage to maintain distance with the jab, conserving energy by throwing mostly "arm" punches, which seem to do as much damage as any other fighter who turns his weight into his punches.

Although I was hoping that Arreola could make it a dog fight while it lasted, I knew without question that the fight would end this way, though I didn't envision Arreola weeping...

The same goes for last week's fight with Mayweather taking on Marquez. Although I hoped the older, smaller fighter would be able to capitalize on enough of Mayweather's disadvantages (his long layoff, his injured ribs, the extended training camp, etc.) to make a difference, clearly these hopes were pipe-dreams.

And that seems to be my biggest reason for anticipating the November 14th showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto: there is no easy pick.

Sure, Manny has the P4P throne, the speed, footwork, and angles. But Cotto brings his destructive power, infamous body punches, ring generalship and offensive pressure. Plus he's the naturally bigger and stronger man--a natural welterweight.

In a fight with so many factors, it would be irresponsible for anyone to predict the winner before the bell sounds. And that's what excites me--what excites any true boxing fan. Pitting the best one man can give against another, forced to expect the unexpected.

Pre-Destined.

The King has been challenged.

Mayweather ended his 21-month layoff showing no signs of rust or age, dismantling the technical veteran Juan Manuel Marquez in 12 one-sided rounds. The former pound-for-pound king made Marquez look like a sparring partner, rolling his shoulder and dancing away from punches. Money landed close to 50% of total punches, while Marquez was only able to land an embarrassing 12%, with only 21 jabs throughout the 12 round fight.

Although Marquez went down on a lazer-left hook in the 2nd round, he proved irrefutably that not only does he have heart, but also that Floyd is no powerhouse.

The fight went exactly as planned, following the blue-print to the letter. There was talk of Mayweather wanting the knockout, but coasting to a comfortable UD over a smaller man defines his style.

After the fight, Marquez drew some comparisons in the P4P debate, stating "They have different styles. Floyd is very clever. He’s a defensive fighter 100 percent. He’s a good counter puncher. [But] Pacquiao is a guy who likes to fight."

That seems to be the answer to the P4P debate: Mayweather is the best BOXER. But Pacquiao stands alone as the best FIGHTER.

People didn't love Arturo Gatti because of his slick style or technical gifts: they loved him because he dug down deep, found a hidden reservoir of talent and heart, and came back swinging for the fence. Mayweather will be unable to develop that kind of following until he is stuck in a war that forces him to dig...We all know there's talent there, waiting. But is there heart?

All roads seem to be leading to Pacquiao/Mayweather. But not if Shane Mosely can throw up a road block. In Kanye West-esq fashion, Mosley interjected into Floyd's post fight interview with Max Kellerman, taunting the victor a little, saying "this is the fight the fans want to see." Floyd, complete with entourage and guest WWE star Triple H, did not welcome the interruption.

Shortly after Kellerman tried to calm the peace, he shouted the only name that could silence Floyd: "Manny Pacquiao!" And after Floyd gave his usual "I need to talk with Leonard Ellerbe and Al Haymon" (Floyd's advisors), Kellerman had to cut the interview short to avoid Sugar Shane and B-Hop from tag-teaming Floyd and Triple H...

What I've come to realize is this possible mega-match between two P4P kings is comparable to the Cold War: Floyd and Manny are in an arms-race. Pacquiao beating Cotto will give him 7 titles in 7 weights classes, something no other boxer has accomplished, even with all the ridiculous belts and titles. Pacquiao will also have beaten a top-10 P4P fighter, as well as an undisputed welterweight champion. But Floyd brings his perfect record, his self-proclaimed superstar draw, and now an easy victory over the man that took Pacquiao to the limit. Even with Manny's blowouts of De La Hoya and Hatton, you know that Marquez will now factor into the monetary debate.

Like the Cold War, this battle of "World Superpowers" may never even come to fruition. The United States and Russia prepared vigorously for a war that seemed inevitable, but ultimately never took place. Thankfully, the world was not forced to witness such a potentially horrific battle of military superpowers. But hopefully, the world WILL be privileged enough to witness such a potentially terrific battle of two of boxing's greatest superstars, something that seems inevitable--pre-destined.

It's Only Just Begun.

Fight season is finally here.

I honestly won't be upset whoever wins either fight, Mayweather/Marquez or Pacquiao/Cotto. If Mayweather wins, we are one step closer to the biggest fight in boxing--the fight that would do guaranteed record-breaking numbers: Pacquiao/Mayweather.

But if Marquez pulls the upset and hands Money his first defeat, who the hell can complain about a Marquez/Pacquiao III? Maybe Marquez gave Pacquiao a run in their first two wars, but Pacquiao wins in dramatic fashion if a 3rd fight is made. These two guys were made to wage war...

And if the underdogs pull out the victories? I'll settle for Marquez/Valero and Cotto vs. the winner of Mosley/Berto.

Props to Cotto and Pacquiao both. I don't know who has more guts: Pacquiao for fighting the bigger, stronger man--a true welterweight champion. Or Cotto, a favorite fighter of mine since watching him demolish Zab Judah at the Garden, continuing his commitment to only fight the best opposition in challenging the best P4P fighter in the world.

I'm glad to hear that the rumors surrounding Arreola and his lack of training for his Sept. 26th fight against Dr. Ironfist, Vitali, are un-true. Nightmare is looking reasonably fit and ready for the chance of a life-time: become the first Mexican-American heavyweight champion of the world.

Why the hell are Mat Korobov and John Duddy's fights UN-TELEVISED on Top Rank's Latin Fury 12 PPV Card??? Those will be the two best fights of the night. Mark my words: Korobov is the truth.

Did anybody else think of the Ortiz/Maidana fight when watching the entertaining FNF headliner with punchers Urango and Bailey? Why not make Maidana/Urango...eh?

The only competition on tonight's Showtime Super Six preview, feat. Kessler and Ward making their respective mandatories, will be who blows out their opponent faster.

Also LOVE the idea of bringing the Mayweather/Marquez, Pacquiao/Cotto winners to fight next year at Yankee Stadium, where Joe Louis and Max Schmelling drew a crowd of 70,000 people for their heavyweight fight. It's time for America to remember it's true past-time...

If Pavlik pulls out of another fight because of staph infections, I think he should be forced to fight Paul Williams with one hand...new date tentatively set for December 5th.

This change in the HBO schedule pushes Mosley/Berto back to January 30th. Mosley was originally settling for Clottey on December 26th, but HBO came to it's senses and refused a card so close to Christmas. Since Mosley would have to wait until 2010, this solved the money problem which brought Berto back into the equation for a unification fight. Clottey, already training in Las Vegas, was silenced by giving him a slot on the Pavlik/Williams undercard. This pushes B-Hop's (possibly last) fight back to February, after his 45th birthday, which the wily veteran is not so pleased with.

Get all that?