A Pay-Per-View rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao is a very real prospect, according to Showtime boss Stephen Espinoza.
Despite media columns toning down coverage since Mayweather attempted to steal the spotlight from Canelo Alvarez v Gennady Golovkin during fight week, the fight is set to go down in the coming months.
“Floyd Mayweather is very serious about the fight,” said Espinoza at the New York press conference for Deontay Wilder v Tyson Fury.
“From everything I’ve seen and heard Manny Pacquiao is serious about it as well.
“There is a lot that needs to be done, this year would be a big challenge. Not that we haven’t pulled off stuff in a short time. Like we did with Mayweather vs McGregor. But I do think we will be seeing the rematch, Mayweather vs Pacquiao.”
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Mayweather v Pacquiao 2 was the product of social media posts from both fighters last month, something Espinoza doesn’t see as a problem.
“I understand people doubted it because of the way it was announced, so to speak, in a viral video. But I think that was just Floyd taking advantage of an opportunity in marketing and the way he markets things.
“2019 sounds perfect (for the fight). That way I get a little sleep after this event then we go at Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 right away.”
The opportunist actions of a rematch fight have not been met with cheers from all.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, speaking from the 56th Convention in Kiev, said he hopes Mayweather stays retired.
“Everyone saying it and talking about it. I liked the fact that Mayweather was retired and positioned as a leader to set an example to the young people, that you have to retire at the top,” he told ESPN Deportes.
“Once you come back you put everything at risk. He is young.. he has money, health, work, opportunities.. every time you get into the ring you are playing with your life.”
