Mayweather’s comeback obtained center stage in May, but the injury prompting his July 19 cancellation against Juan Manuel Marquez made him appear human for the first time in his career.

Their rescheduled September 19 battle at the MGM still offers intriguing variables. Mayweather is unbeaten in a career that started in 1996, and he should be able to outhustle a game but battle-worn Marquez.

If Mayweather wins and Manny Pacquiao prevails as expected against Miguel Cotto November 14 in Vegas, Mayweather-Pacquiao  looms as a substantial barn-burner for 2010. But they must first win impressively. That’s why Pacquiao’s spectacular May knockout of Ricky Hatton marked a perfect time to make Mayweather-Pacquiao, but it hasn’t happened.

By Dave Bontempo

Casino Connection Sports Editor Dave Bontempo is an award-winning sports writer and broadcaster who calls boxing matches all over the world. He has covered the Philadelphia Flyers in the playoffs, as well as numerous PGA, LPGA and Seniors Golf Tour events, and co-hosted the Casino Connection television program with Publisher Roger Gros.