Op-Ed: Filipino Boxer Manny Pacquiao and his Four Ms

Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao is taking his time out in the countryside campaigning for a congressional seat in home country while four other popular boxers with a big M in their last names are salivating to face him for a mega fight this year.

After disposing Joshua Clottey in a 12-round unanimous decision last March 13, and with constant prodding from his Mom, Manny Pacquiao has hinted at an early retirement from professional boxing. But before even considering his options, Manny Pacquiao has been getting feelers from at least four giant names in boxing for a possible shot at the popular Filipino boxer. The last names of these equally popular boxers begins with the big M minus the big M in McDonald's. The four Ms represent Mayweather, Mosley, Marquez and Margarito. Boxing fans are of the opinion that anyone of these great boxers could be Pacquiao's next possible opponent - that is assuming he decides to make one or two more fights before finally retiring from professional boxing. Mayweather is being rated as the top contender for the WBO welterweight crown being held by Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao. These two great athletes were supposed to fight last March 13 but the match was called off on allegations that Pacquiao was on steroids and Mayweather wanted to have the Filipino boxer undergo a random blood and urine tests.

Marquez is salivating to have another crack at Pacquiao for the the third time. The popular Mexican boxer fought Pacquiao twice but lost on points in their first encounter. Marquez maintains that he was a clear winner in their last encounter which was called a draw by the judges. Marquez even traveled to Manila to beg Pacquiao for a third match.

Mosley has likewise chased Pacquiao even before the Filipino boxer's boring encounter with Joshua Clottey but the Pacquiao-Mayweather negotiations came in the way which eventually failed with Pacquiao taking on Clottey while he ended with a fight on May1 against Mayweather.

Margarito has been mentioned as Pacquiao's next opponent but the Mexican boxer who lost to Mosley in his last fight has to settle his case with US boxing regulators. Margarito was suspended from professional boxing when he was found to have inserted illegal wraps in his boxing gloves during his last fight with Shane Mosley. Another challenger who has been 'begging' Pacquiao for a fight is Edwin Valero of Venezuela. But the undefeated Venezuelan boxer has reportedly been committed to a rehab center for drug addition. He is also facing criminal charges for assaulting his wife who was recently treated in a hospital for injuries she suffered reportedly in the hands of Valero. Manny Pacqquiao is currently in his home country and is busy attending to his political campaign for a possible seat in Philippine congress to represent his district in southern Philippines.