If Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather Ever Come to MMA, KJ Noons Will Be Ready for Them

Although James Toney is the most obvious example of a pro boxer putting his money- and his reputation- where his mouth is (or was, considering how easily he was dispatched by UFC legend Randy Couture), he was never the most sought-after athlete that fans wanted to see make the switch from the square circle to the cage. That title belongs to two men: Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Mayweather has been a vocal opponent to MMA and has repeatedly refused to even entertain the notion of competing in a cage, while Pacquiao recently stated that he would be open to making the transition, although his management and trainers are against the idea. Both men seem unlikely to ever compete in a Mixed Martial Arts fight. But if it ever happens, one man has already stepped up to the plate and said that he would be more than happy to welcome both “Pac-Man” and “Money” Mayweather to the sport: the current #1 contender to the Strikeforce Welterweight Championship, KJ Noons.

In an interview with Fight Hype, Noons spoke at length regarding both potential match-ups: “I would love to welcome Pacquiao into MMA. It would be an ideal situation for him because I don’t take guys down to the ground, and after that’s all said and done in the cage, I would be willing to step inside of the ring with him too, something we all knew Randy Couture wouldn’t do with James Toney. I know Floyd isn’t looking to do MMA, but I would still be willing to fight Mayweather and Pacquiao in a boxing match and both camps have been reached, so we will see what happens. I will put it this way, both camps have been reached and both camps were very interested.”

I honestly won’t be holding out any hope whatsoever for either Pacquiao or Mayweather ever competing in an MMA fight. Both men have reputations to protect, since they’re two of the most highly-paid, highly sought-after pro boxers on the planet right now, and I don’t think either man is willing to risk the damage to his reputation that a loss like James Toney’s would do. Even if Noons says he’ll keep the fight standing, I still don’t see either man making the transition until they’re in the same boat as Toney: past their prime and willing to try anything to stay in the spotlight.

A boxing bout sounds infinitely more likely, but even then, the chances are slim. And let’s be honest: isn’t that a good thing? KJ Noons is a great striker, and he does have a legitimate pro boxing resume, but I don’t like his chances against either Pacquiao or Mayweather. Let’s give credit where credit is due: both Pac-Man and Pretty Boy Floyd are two of the greatest boxers of all time. Noons is just barely beginning to truly establish himself as an elite Mixed Martial Artist. I don’t think he’d have a chance, no chance at all, if he tried to beat them at their own game.

But would I like to see it? Most definitely. In a ring or in a cage, Noons vs. Pacquiao or Noons vs. Mayweather would be awesome to see. Just for the sheer spectacle, the history in the making, I’d have no problem putting down my money and would in fact spare no expense to make sure I got to see the fight. It may always exist in the realm of fantasy, but as far as fantasies go, it’s a pretty good one.

And what do you think, fans and friends? In a boxing ring or in a cage, what do you think of KJ Noons vs. Manny Pacquiao or KJ Noons vs. Floyd Mayweather, Jr.?