By Mark Vester

If Manny Pacquiao can overcome the tough challenge of WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, he says the next logical fight would be a clash with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Pacquiao challenges Cotto on November 14, while Mayweather goes against Juan Manuel Marquez on Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Both boxers would have to win their fights for their bout to stay on course.

"If me and Mayweather prevail, then it should be us,” said Pacquiao to ABS-CBN News.

There is still a lot of doubt over the two sides reaching a deal for a future fight. A lot of it comes down to the actual split of the money. Both Mayweather and Pacquiao want more than 50% of the money. Neither is willing to do a 50-50 split. Mayweather feels he is the bigger pay-per-view draw, creating his opinions on the fact that his pay-per-views with Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton did much higher numbers than what Pacquiao was able to produce with the same two fighters.

Mayweather's weekend bout is very important. If the numbers fall below expectations, don't expect Pacquiao to budge a bit from his position. Pacquiao's pay-per-view with Cotto is expected by most insiders to generate a much higher number than Mayweather's upcoming fight with Marquez. Their pay-per-view numbers will play a big role in the negotiations.

Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingvester@gmail.com