Boxing's last gasp?

For the first time since Tyson-Holyfield II, I'm actually excited about a boxing match. Word came from the Philippines on Friday that Manny Pacquiao and Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr. have agreed on a proposal that would put them in the ring together on March 13.

I've been of the opinion that boxing died when Mike Tyson went off the deep end and Evander Holyfield got old. Seriously, since Tyson bit off a piece of Holyfield's ear, has there been a fight as memorable or talked about? I don't claim to be an aficionado of the sweet science, but nothing has come close.

Mayweather-Pacquiao almost certainly will be a disappointment, as are most over-hyped boxing events. But at least this one has potential, and it will capture the attention of the casual fan (i.e. yours truly), which Pacquiao seems determined to do. And anyone who knows anything about Mayweather knows how much he loves the spotlight.

These guys are what boxing has been missing for a decade, maybe more. Not only are they both great fighters, but they have personality, too. Mayweather loves his bling and his Benjamins. Pacquiao loves to show that he can beat people down, despite his small stature.

I used to think boxing would never really come back without some marketable, recognizable and talented heavyweights. Perhaps that's still true, but if Pacquiao-Mayweather comes anywhere close to living up to the hype, regardless of who wins, they can hold rematch after rematch. And maybe, just maybe, boxing can return to relevance.