Showtime exec: Manny Pacquiao is my top choice for Floyd Mayweather

Showtime Vice President Stephen Espinoza says Manny Pacquiao is “absolutely” his first choice as Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s next opponent.

Espinoza, who struck a six-fight deal with Mayweather (47-0) that now has two bouts remaining after the welterweight champion’s unanimous-decision victory against Marcos Maidana Saturday night at MGM Grand, said afterward a “variety” of possible opponents could emerge.

But the focus for a May opponent, he said, should begin with Pacquiao, who has failed to come to terms with Mayweather over personal grudges, purse splits and drug testing since talks were first initiated in 2009.

“In terms of the actual substance of discussions, it hasn’t progressed to anything that’s worth commenting on,” Espinoza said. “But if you’re saying, at this stage of their careers -- with the finish line in sight -- is there maybe more psychological pressure or interest to get that one fight out of the way that’s always eluded you? Absolutely.”

Mayweather’s May win over Maidana drew 900,000 buys, less than what’s wanted, and the rematch appears headed to a similar fate. Pacquiao’s buys have sagged, too, as the boxing public yearns for the fighters to take their ultimate test.

Espinoza is a former attorney for Golden Boy Promotions who tried to help make the fight in 2009.

“There’s been different obstacles each time, but ever since that first negotiation, I’ve never doubted Floyd’s interest in doing it,” Espinoza said. “There’s another guy on the other side with an ego and a championship history, as well.

“There’s a lot of pride here. I think a lot of people are going to need to swallow a little pride to get this thing done.”

Mayweather said of Pacquiao after beating Maidana, “I’m going to go back and talk to my team and assess the situation. I’m not ducking and dodging no one.

“If the Manny Pacquiao fight makes sense, let’s make it happen. He has some business to take care of. Once he gets past that guy [Chris Algieri on Nov. 22], we’ll see what the future holds.”

Mayweather was less encouraging in his post-fight news conference, but at 37, time is running out to make the fight that most think he needs to affirm his current claim as “the Best Ever.”

“I hope I’m not being naive in thinking that where they are in their careers is a motivating factor,” Espinoza said. “I think Floyd thinks of the end, and what’s missing.

“Is there going to be something missing?”