A showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley is looking more and more likely if Pacquiao beats Ricky Hatton on May 2 in Las Vegas.

Mosley, coming off a tremendous performance against Antonio Margarito, is salivating over the possibility because of the attention and money it would generate. And Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer, told a Filipino website that he likes the fight.

It would probably take place around November if Pacquiao wins in May, which isn’t a sure thing.

Many experts believe that Pacquiao will have difficulty with Hatton’s strength and rough fighting style. At the same time, Hatton should have problems with Pacquiao’s speed, as the Englishman did against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

So who wins Pacquiao-Mosley if it happens?

No question: Mosley. Pacquiao has no advantage whatsoever over Mosley, except maybe age. And, remember, Mosley, 37, fought like he was in his 20s when he stopped Margarito on Jan. 24.

Mosley bench presses 300 pounds – free weight. He’ll break Pacquiao in half. And Mosley is as quick as Pacquiao, eliminating the advantage the Filipino has over so many opponents.

OK, I also said De La Hoya would beat Pacquiao and we know happened there. This is different, though. A depleted De La Hoya couldn’t cope with Pacquiao’s speed. Mosley won’t have that problem.

Here are the fighters Mosley would like to face, in order of preference: Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Hatton (if he wins) and Miguel Cotto (in a rematch).

Michael Rosenthal can be reached at [email protected]