Rumours are rife that Mayweather is on the verge of confirming his comeback after a ringside appearance at Pacquiao’s recent victory and Arum remains hopeful a rematch deal can be done.
“I haven’t spoken to Mayweather yet, but he was at the fight and seemed to enjoy it so I’m optimistic about it,” Arum told TMZ Sports.
“I’d have to say it’s more favourable than not that a rematch will happen but I’m not certain of it. I haven’t spoken to Floyd or his people yet.”
Asked his thoughts on Pacquiao’s form and whether he could prepare for Mayweather alongside his duties as Filipino Senator, Arum replied: “I think Manny looks, really, a lot better now.
“I think we could work all of it out, I really do and I think this time I give my guy Pacquiao a hell of a lot better chance.”
And on negotiations for the return, which is not expected to generate monies anywhere near the first meeting in 2015, the promoter said: “I think Mayweather, like last time, will fight on percentage. I think he’s open to relying on the public just like Manny is.
“The biggest was the first fight. I don’t think this will exceed the first fight but I’m hoping this will be the second biggest (pay-per-view) of all time,” he joked.
A date of May 6 could be workable for ‘MayPac II’ to take place in Las Vegas, although the two ring legends could face competition from Canelo Alvarez who has made the Cinco de Mayo weekend date his own since Mayweather retired.
The possibility of Canelo featuring on the undercard with a view to facing the winner in September 2017 could be something both sides would consider should talks get underway between Mayweather and Pacquiao in the near future.
