Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao II? ‘Pacman’ Claims Negotiation for Rematch Is Ongoing
Will Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao collide again next year? If Pacquiao's recent statement is true, then a rematch between the two boxing superstars is still possible.
Pacquiao said in a recent video Q&A session on Facebook that he is still unsure of who he will face in his next fight, but he revealed that his camp is in talks with Mayweather's party for a possible rematch.
"I don't know yet who will be my opponent next, but we're still negotiating right now about the rematch with Floyd Mayweather," Pacquiao said. "Hoping for that."
Pacquiao has been lobbying for a rematch over the past several months, but the former pound-for-pound king has yet to get a clear indication that Mayweather is interested in facing him again.
Pacquiao took a unanimous decision loss to Mayweather during their record-setting showdown in May, but the Filipino boxing icon claimed after the fight that he was not at his best because he faced his nemesis with an injured shoulder, which required major surgery after the bout. The former world champion has not fought since losing to Mayweather.
On the other hand, Mayweather won against Andre Berto in September and announced his retirement after the bout. The undefeated boxing superstar has insisted before that he has no desire to fight again.
Terence Crawford on Top of Bob Arum's List?
But while boxing fans are still eager to see a healthy Pacquiao collide with Mayweather, Top Rank Promotions CEO Bob Arum sounded like he is determined to give Terence Crawford the biggest bout of his career.
Crawford, the reigning World Boxing Organization super lightweight champion, scored a 10th-round knockout win against Dierry Jean on Saturday. For Arum, the win proved that Crawford is ready for a showdown with Pacquiao, who is planning to fight in April next year.
"It was just perfect," Arum said of Crawford's performance against Jean. "He showed a lot of skill, a lot of smarts and a lot of patience. It showed that a fight with Pacquiao would be a hellacious type of fight."
However, Arum clarified that Pacquiao will be the one to decide on who to face in his next fight, which could also turn out as his farewell bout. Pacquiao is seeking a Senate seat in the Philippines, and Arum previously said that the 36-year-old will be forced to retire if he wins in the elections next year.
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