Straight from the Horse’s Mouth: Mayweather Picks Maidana for May 3

A decision has been made. Just moments ago, Floyd Mayweather confirmed that his May 3 opponent will be Marcos Maidana.

Maidana is coming off a sensational 2013 that saw win a TKO over Josesito Lopez ina Fight of the Year candidate. He followed up in December with an upset win over previously undefeated and self-proclaimed Mayweather heir apparent Adrien Broner, who was dropped twice in route to a unanimous decision defeat.

The high-profile wins allowed Maidana to leapfrog Amir Khan in obtaining the Mayweather showdown. Khan, was hasn’t fought since barely defeating Julio Diaz by split decision last April, declined a fight in December against Devon Alexander in hopes of not jeopardizing the Mayweather fight with a defeat.

“Marcos Maidana’s last performance immediately brought him to my attention,” said Mayweather, who turned 37 today. “He is an extremely skilled fighter who brings knockout danger to the ring. I think this is a great fight for me and he deserves the opportunity to see if he can do what 45 others have tried to do before him – beat me.”

“I am extremely happy to be facing Floyd Mayweather because it will give me the opportunity to show the world that I am the best welterweight in the division,” added Maidana. “I just handed a great defensive fighter his first loss and I plan to do the same to Mayweather. I don’t care whether he’s the best and undefeated. I will bring some real Latino power to him on May 3rd.”At press time, no undercard fights have been announced for the MGM card.

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Congrats to Maidana. Personally, I was rooting for Khan to get it. Not because he deserved it (he doesn’t), but having seen ringside how easily Floyd dismantled Canelo, I can’t see Maidana has much more success. On the other hand, Khan is recent years is like watching a live Nascar wipeout or a trainwreck. Khan’s recklessness (and the unintentionally comedic quotes he’d drop over next few months), ensure we’ll get a crash and burn finish.

With that said, my good friend and esteemed boxing colleague Ryan Bivins did point out to me on Twitter that Maidana is rough enough to make this an entertaining brawl in spots, ala Mayweather’s thrilling slugfest with Jesus Chavez. If Floyd was still being trained by Roger, I’d have more faith in that. With Floyd Sr. at the helm, I see Maidana getting his ears boxed. The undercard will have to be a big selling point for this one (and no, the usual Money Team suspects won’t cut it).

So let’s hear it. Has Mayweather left you satisfied, or will you be holding onto your precious dollars come May 3?