Mosley could be next opponent for Pacquiao

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Manny Pacquiao was still in the ring savoring the thrill of winning a world title in an eighth weight division when he gave boxing fans the news they were aching to hear.

"Yes, I'm going to continue to fight," Pacquiao said moments after he destroyed Antonio Margarito on Saturday night and cruised to a 12-round unanimous decision to capture the WBC super welterweight title in front of a crowd of 41,734 at Cowboys Stadium. "I'm still strong, and I will try to keep making people happy."

The one person Pacquiao could make the happiest is Shane Mosley. The former welterweight champion was in attendance Saturday and said he would love to get a shot at Pacquiao.

"I hope so," Mosley said. "We've already been talking (to promoter Top Rank) and I hope it happens next March, next May, whenever. I think it would be a great fight."

Mosley, however, may have to wait.

Pacquiao's camp wants to get the pound-for-pound champion in the ring with Floyd Mayweather Jr. But given Mayweather's legal problems -- he faces charges of felony domestic battery -- he might not be available anytime soon. Additionally, his uncle and trainer, Roger Mayweather, is also dealing with the Clark County justice system for domestic violence charges.

"Obviously we, like everyone in boxing, would like to see (Pacquiao) fight Floyd Mayweather, and that's our first priority," said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter. "But it will require Floyd Mayweather's willingness to do the fight and some indication from the Nevada court system when he could fight without being interrupted by a trial."

Pacquiao (52-3-2), wasn't talking about Mayweather afterward.

"I leave that up to Bob Arum," he said. "My job is to train hard and fight when I get in the ring. My promoter's job is to find me my opponent."

Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, said he has no problem with his fighter facing Mosley if Mayweather can't or won't face the Filipino superstar.

"It would be an easy fight," Roach said. "I like Shane. He's a good guy. But have you seen his last two fights?"

Since Mosley destroyed Margarito on Jan. 24, 2009, he was routed by Mayweather in May, losing a 12-round unanimous decision at the MGM Grand Garden, then had a tough time with Sergio Mora in September, battling to a 12-round draw at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

What could make Mosley an attractive opponent is the fact that Pacquiao could fight him at 147 pounds or a catch weight of 144. On Saturday night, Pacquiao spotted Margarito 17 pounds in the ring after the Mexican fighter came into Cowboys Stadium weighing 165 in what was supposed to be a 150-pound fight.

"That's no problem," said Mosley.

Mosley and manager James Prince are negotiating with Top Rank separately from Golden Boy Promotions, which Mosley is aligned with. Mosley and Prince were in Las Vegas two weeks ago and met with Top Rank president Todd DuBoef.

"They reached out to us," DuBoef said. "We'll sit down with Manny and Freddie and see what they think.

"Obviously, Floyd's right in front of us. But we've got the legal issues to deal with."

Mosley said he was impressed by Pacquiao's performance, especially considering how much weight he was giving away.

"Manny's performance was impressive, but mine was a little more stronger than Manny's," said Mosley, who knocked out Margarito when they fought. "Manny did a great job and showed great willpower. He threw a lot of punches, a lot of combinations. But I saw some openings with Manny that I think I could exploit."

While Pacquiao, who earned at least $15 million for fighting Margarito, will return to his new position as a congressman in the Philippines and plots his next move in the ring, Margarito's future is uncertain.

He took a savage beating from Pacquiao and was taken to a hospital for a CT scan following the fight. Margarito, who earned $3 million, remained hospitalized Sunday with a broken right eye socket that will require surgery.

"We'll have to wait and see," Arum said about Margarito. "It was a tough fight for Tony."

Pacquiao said it was tough on him, too, even though he looked significantly better than Margarito.

"This was the hardest fight of my boxing career," Pacquiao said. "Margarito is tough. I felt how big he was.

"When I fought him toe-to-toe, I know that's what the people want. But it was a hard fight."

Contact sports reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or at 702-387-2913.