For years the prospect of Floyd "Money" Mayweather battling against Manny Pacquiao has excited fans. Although the two historic fighters have been close to reaching a fight deal in the past, for one reason or another it always seemed to fall through. Both sides pointed fingers at the opposing camp saying that the fighter was consciously trying to dodge the other. Mayweather has insisted on bigger purses as well as heavier testing for performance enhancing drugs. Pacquiao's side has always agreed but still no fight deal was ever reached.

As the two boxers slowly progress into their veteran years, the push for a heated matchup has never been stronger. Boxing fans will not bring themselves to purchase the fight if all they see are two 'has-beens' slugging it out. The time for a Mayweather/Pacquiao bout is now.

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum is confident that a 2015 fight date could be agreed upon and scheduled for early next year.  "Both networks want this fight to happen," Arum told the San Francisco Chronicle. "All signs seem to point to the fight happening early next year."

Arum emphasized that window for a "good fight" is quickly closing. "There is a sell-by date, where it becomes (after that) 'Who cares?' It has to happen by the first six months of next year," he said.

When searching for a potential motive for Mayweather taking on Pacquiao, it has to be all about the money. Mayweather is still undefeated and it's highly unlikely that he would risk it all just for the sake of entertainment. While Mayweather may have an arrogant persona, he is extremely business oriented when it comes to picking fights. He's been met with criticism for his tactics over the years, but nevertheless he remains the champ.

Pacquiao is currently in San Francisco promoting his next fight against Chris Algieri. When asked about the possibility of meeting Mayweather in the ring Pacquiao said, "Of course, I want this fight. People have always been bothering me, 'When is this fight going to happen?' 'When is this fight going to happen?' I am ready to fight Floyd anytime."

Unless Mayweather wants to be regarded as a 'fight dodger,' he needs to give the fans what they want and square off against Pacquiao.