Manny Pacquiao has reportedly confirmed negotiations are ongoing for a lucrative and high-profile rematch with Floyd Mayweather.
According to rappler.com, the Filipino Senator revealed talks were underway with ‘The Money Team’.
Pacquiao even went as far as stating an announcement could be made by the end of next week.
It’s a major development. Also a far cry from the last correspondence from Mayweather’s camp regarding a return to action.
Mayweather hasn’t fought since 2015 against an active boxer. In what was billed as his retirement fight, the five-weight world title holder dominated Andre Berto in Las Vegas.
The fight took place just four months after Mayweather out-pointed Pacquiao at the same venue. Both boxers were largely criticized by fans for an underwhelming display after several years of waiting for the clash to happen.
Pacquiao cited a shoulder injury for his poor display. An excuse which has since left the door ajar for a second helping.
Conor McGregor and Tenshin Nasukawa have since been swept aside. Both mixed martial artists stopped by Mayweather in cross-code exhibitions earning the 42 year-old millions of dollars.
‘MayPac 2’ has Pay-Per-View projections in the millions. Which means another guaranteed ten-figure purse is up for grabs on Mayweather’s side.
Consequently, Pacquiao will be able to bank a paycheck with seven zeroes attached. Just like he did on May 2nd four years ago.
Rumors of Mayweather v Pacquiao II began in mid-2018. They were then intensified by Pacquiao’s comments before facing Adrien Broner.
Stating Mayweather was next after he defeated Broner, Pacquiao was adamant the battle would happen after signing a deal with Floyd’s advisor Al Haymon.
News soon went quiet, though. Master media puppeteer Mayweather pulled strings to keep all Pacquiao matters under his control.
STRATEGIC
Since then, strategic meetings at basketball games and synchronized Instagram posts of early training are the only bones the press have been thrown.
That is until this week. Pacquiao has finally decided to break his silence on contact for the encounter.
On March 16, Pacquiao is expected to be ringside for Errol Spence v Mikey Garcia. If nothing is forthcoming or concrete on Mayweather by then, the ‘Pacman’ can expect to be quizzed by a mass of media upon his Texas visit.
Dates in June, July and August have been mentioned for the showdown. The T-Mobile Arena is the favored venue to host in Nevada.
