The 36 year-old, who puts his WBO belt on the line against Mayweather’s WBC and WBA versions, believes the fight was a long-time coming, but aims to capitalize on the opportunity when he faces the best boxer on the plant in the spring.
“I will be ready for my date with destiny on May 2,” said Pacquiao. “I am very happy that Floyd Mayweather and I can give the fans the fight they have wanted for so many years. They have waited long enough and they deserve it. It is their mandate.
“It is an honor to be part of this historic event. I dedicate this fight to all the fans who willed this fight to happen and, as always, to bring glory to the Philippines and my fellow Filipinos around the world,” he added.
Pacquiao has been back to his sparkling best over the past year on the back of suffering defeats to Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez previously, but still goes into the fight a 2/1 underdog to inflict a maiden career loss on Mayweather.
The fight is worth a staggering $200 million between the fighters on a 60-40 split basis before a punch is thrown or a PPV buy has been counted as the world holds their breath for what promises to be the most intriguing fight since Lennox Lewis v Mike Tyson some thirteen years ago.
