Manny Pacquiao will solely contemplate a rematch with Floyd Mayweather if it’s a sanctioned skilled battle.
The Filipino icon returns to the paid ranks on Saturday night time in a WBC welterweight title conflict towards Mario Barrios in Las Vegas.
2
If Pacquiao, now aged 46, can overcome the chances to turn out to be the second-oldest world champion in boxing historical past, then his first defence may come towards his outdated foe ‘Cash’ Mayweather.
A textual content message from Group Mayweather to esteemed boxing journalist Lance Pugmire reveals that each events have already touched base over a money-spinning sequel.
“Conversations are already taking place,” learn the textual content. “If Manny wins, this rematch could possibly be price billions.”
The fierce rivals have been in talks to satisfy in an exhibition bout final yr, but it surely by no means got here to fruition.
A part of the rationale they have been unable to get previous the negotiation desk was that Pacquiao solely wished to face Mayweather in a ‘actual battle’.
“I do not know if it’ll occur by the tip of the yr, however he’ll see,” Pacquiao advised the Ariel Helwani Present when quizzed on a second battle with Mayweather.
“One after the other. After all [I would be interested in fighting Mayweather].
“He has been ducking me. I do not need an exhibition, I need an actual battle.
“It has been a very long time that I’ve wished to provide the followers battle between me and him.
“However he has been ducking and avoiding me. Let’s deal with this Saturday, I’ve enterprise to handle.”
2
Mayweather famously defeated Pacquiao through unanimous resolution in 2015 to unify the WBC, WBA and WBO welterweight titles.
The much-anticipated showdown shattered a number of all-time data, together with pay-per-view buys, pay-per-view income and dwell gate.
Mayweather vs Pacquiao eclipsed 4.6million pay-per-view buys and grossed over $600million to turn out to be the richest battle in boxing historical past.
It appears unlikely a second battle would generate the identical industrial success, given the ever-changing market and each males’s superior age.
However there seems to be curiosity from each side.
It stays to be seen whether or not Mayweather can be prepared to threat his good 50-0 file in a professional bout, though the primary poll Corridor of Famer could also be compelled to if he desires to run it again with Pacquiao.