Assessing odds to Mayweather's potential next fight

The first installment of De La Hoya (left) vs. Mayweather broke box-office records. Would a second fight exceed those numbers? Gene Blevins/WireImage.com

In the sport of boxing, Floyd Mayweather is without peer. He is an unparalleled champion, a fighter with multiple talents to go along with his multiple personalities. On Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Mayweather (39-0) put on a boxing clinic against welterweight pretender, er, contender Ricky Hatton, out-boxing the former junior welterweight champion before flattening Hatton with a series of combinations that left the former undefeated Brit wondering why he even bothered stepping into the ring in the first place. After the fight ended, Mayweather embraced his challenger as a friend and praised him for his efforts, calling Hatton "the best I have ever fought."

His post-fight platitudes were in stark contrast to what has become Mayweather's usual pre-fight blather, when he referred to Hatton as (among other things) "Vicky Fatton" and suggested Hatton seek a career in professional wrestling. The animosity that poured out of him in the days and weeks before the fight had evaporated, replaced by a genial attitude and a 1,000-watt smile. Then, Floyd Mayweather retired. Should we believe him? Should we believe this was the last time we will see Mayweather lace up his gloves? History says no. It says Mayweather has done this before. After taking Carlos Baldomir's welterweight title 13 months ago, Mayweather retired.

After battering Oscar de la Hoya last May, Mayweather retired. It's what he does. As skilled as Mayweather is in the ring, he has become equally talented in the boardroom. For the 29 minutes he battled with Hatton, Mayweather banked nearly $11 million, putting him at around $40 million for in-ring earnings in 2007, a number that does not include the considerable compensation Mayweather received for the two HBO reality shows he appeared in or his stint on Dancing with the Stars. By "retiring," Mayweather only drives up the price for him to fight again. Come March, Mayweather will have a change of heart and decide that the appeal of facing a potential challenger was too much to pass up and he will return, once again, to show the world that he is the best pound-for-pound fighter in boxing. Who that challenger will be? ... is the question.

There are no shortage of candidates, as stepping into the ring with Mayweather is the equivalent of scratching the winning lottery ticket. But finding what Mayweather would find enticing is another story altogether. Let's break down the list:

Oscar de la Hoya

Age: 34

Record: 38-5

Credentials: A world champion in six weight classes who lost a split decision to Mayweather last May.

Why it should happen: There is no bigger payday available for Mayweather than a rematch with De la Hoya, who announced last month that he intends to return to the ring next May. Mayweather-De la Hoya I broke every box office record and while failing to live up to the considerable hype, it was competitive. De la Hoya no longer possesses the same stamina he had a decade ago, but his potent left hook makes him a threat to end Mayweather's 11-year winning streak.

Why it shouldn't happen: A stunning knockout aside, Mayweather would be a clear favorite against De la Hoya, who proved in the first fight that he cannot sustain a prolonged attack against the elusive Mayweather. Moreover, De la Hoya has been reticent about fighting Mayweather again, saying he would prefer his next opponent be someone willing to stand in front of him and trade punches.

Mayweather Appeal-o-Meter (on a scale of 1-10): 7.5

Miguel Cotto

Age: 27

Record: 31-0

Credentials: WBA welterweight champion retired Shane Mosley in November.

Why it should happen: While Mayweather has enjoyed unprecedented success at five different weight classes, he has never been a unified champion. Cotto represents the class of a stacked welterweight division. At 27, Cotto is the young lion fans and pundits alike would clamor for -- yet, at times he has looked flawed; Cotto has been battered by inferior fighters while appearing to tire against Mosley, a man nearly a decade his senior. Lest we forget, fatigue is a fighter's worst enemy against Mayweather. While not possessing the box office appeal of De la Hoya, a fight against Cotto in Puerto Rico would turn the island upside down and could be just the type of hostile environment Mayweather has sought to further cement his legacy.

Why it shouldn't happen: Cotto is relatively untested, and it is entirely possible he could step into the ring with Mayweather and be completely outclassed in the same manner as Carlos Baldomir. There are also strong rumors that De la Hoya is angling to make Cotto his next opponent, leaving little time for Mayweather to negotiate a summertime fight.

Mayweather Appeal-o-Meter: 7.2

Paul Williams

Age: 26

Record: 31-0

Credentials: Stripped the highly touted Antonio Margarito in July of his WBO welterweight title.

Why it should happen: Similar to the appeal of Cotto with one caveat: At 6-1, Williams would be the tallest fighter Mayweather has ever faced (I can hear the snide comments already) and arguably the most active. Williams kept Margarito at bay with a steady dose of jabs that he was able to sustain throughout the course of the fight. If the De la Hoya fight taught us anything, it's that an effective jab is the key to unlocking the Mayweather's vaunted defense. Williams has got one.

Why it shouldn't happen: Williams is also untested and has occasionally looked unimpressive. The Georgia native also doesn't have much of a fan base, making any expansive promotion (i.e. reality show, international press tour) an uphill climb. A convincing win over Carlos Quintana in February (or right about the time Mayweather will be making his decision on who to fight next) could impress Mayweather enough to take on the rangy Williams.

Mayweather Appeal-o-Meter: 5.5

1 of 2