Floyd Mayweather Jr.: 5 Fighters Pretty Boy Could Face in His Next Bout

The Internet as well as broadcast and print media have reported the impending return to the ring of unbeaten boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr who is reportedly facing newly crowned WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz on September 17.

Mayweather has been on an extended boxing leave since his last fight against Shane Mosley and winning via a unanimous decision more than a year ago.

Victor Ortiz, who was relatively unknown before his recent victory over highly rated Andre Berto, is reported to be Mayweather's top choice for his tune up fight after a long boxing holiday.

The choice of Ortiz as Mayweather's next opponent has received varied reactions from boxing fans, most of whom have praised the match up but others believe it was a bad choice for Mayweather.

Other than Victor Ortiz, at least four other prospective opponents have been mentioned by boxing insiders and fans as well.

Here are four names in addition to Victor Ortiz who was reported to be Mayweather's first choice for his upcoming fight.

Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto, who recently trashed Ricardo Mayorga last March 12 via TKO, has been widely mentioned as possible opponent for the unbeaten boxer.

Cotto, who is the current WBA super welterweight champion, is scheduled to face Antonio Margarito for a rematch on September 17.

There were reports however Margarito is not ready for the September fight due to the damage done on his eyes as a result of his bloody fight with Manny Pacquiao recently.

Roger Mayweather, Floyd's uncle and trainer said Cotto would be an easy fight for Floyd and would be a good tune up for for the unbeaten champion.

Boxing fans are saying though that Cotto is a tough opponent for Floyd and the fight could go either way.

Floyd is expected to find a way to avoid a risky collision with the Puerto Rican idol.

It is unthinkable why Paul Spadafora continues to be in the active list of possible tune-up partners of the unbeaten boxer.

Paul Spadafora has often been mentioned as one of Floyd's choices for his tune-up fight because he is undefeated just like him and it would be easier to promote by capitalizing on his equally unbeaten record.

Given his known marketing expertise, Floyd can drum up a fight with Spadafora as a legit opponent on the basis of his undefeated pro boxing record. It will be a good fight but Mayweather will most likely prevail.

Mayweather has to win a tune-up fight and he could do that with Spadafora.

Floyd has to capitalize on certain qualities of his opponent and use them to justify his choice and to put a little legitimacy on the match.

This time it would be Paul Spadafora's unbeaten record that will justify his choice.

Martinez name surfaced immediately after Mayweather defeated Shane Mosley last year. At that time, Martinez was fresh from his victory over Kelly Pavlik for the WBC/WBO middleweight crown.

Boxing fans have clamored for the fight to happen but Mayweather was in the thick of negotiation at that time with Manny Pacquiao in a highly-hyped fight that never took place.

Besides, Mayweather seems to have ducked Martinez after the Argentinian boxer demolished Paul Williams in their recent encounter.

Mayweather must have been stunned by Martinez awesome power after flooring Paul Williams in the second round of their fight last November.

Martinez has since been calling Mayweather and Pacquiao for the high-profile fight which boxing fans have been clamoring since last year.

A Martinez-Mayweather fight will surely make it to the box office but it is doubtful if the unbeaten Mayweather will risk his "O" over the Argentinian.

Pacquiao has shown willingness to face Martinez but his trainer, Freddie Roach has said the Argentinian southpaw will have to go down to 147 before he gives his consent.

In one of the Internet on line polls last year Paul Williams ranked high with about 30% vote from fans and viewers though the poll was conducted before he got pummeled by Martinez.

It would be a good fight for Mayweather if he gets serious with his training. Paul Williams was a highly rated welterweight and he will give the unbeaten boxer a good fight.

Paul Williams, who is campaigning in the middleweight was willing to get around 147  to make the fight happen. Williams is a southpaw and stands at 6'1" and has defeated Martinez in their first encounter.

Williams has only two losses in 41 fights with 27 knockouts. The "Punisher' has fought and won over highly rated fighters in the past including Antonio Margarito, Kermit Cintron, Carlos Quintana and Winky Wright.

Mayweather has shown little interest with Paul Williams most probably because of his size advantage and his awesome power.

Many boxing insiders believe his loss to Sergio Martinez was unfortunate and was a product of his carelessness. Boxing fans say it was just a lucky punch that found its mark on precise timing by the Argentinian.