Floyd Mayweather needs to strike while the iron is hot and accept a return with Manny Pacquiao in 2019, according to the Filipino’s coach.
Strength and conditioning trainer Justine Fortune believes Mayweather can no longer afford to keep fans waiting on a formal decision.
Pacquiao has already thrown his hat into the ring for a money-spinning rematch of their disappointing 2015 effort.
The fight was easily won by Mayweather as Pacquiao fought the entire contest with a severe shoulder injury. Requiring surgery, Pacquiao knew about the ailment pre-fight, as did Mayweather.
‘MayPac 1’ remains the biggest grossing Pay-Per-Per-View earner of the modern era. A second helping still earns the pair eight and nine-figure checks respectively.
Speaking to the Philippine Star, Fortune urged Mayweather not to dwell on confirming his comeback after previously stating his desire to fight in Japanese exhibitions.
“Manny looked good against Broner and maybe, Floyd’s not too keen on risking his undefeated record. That zero in Floyd’s record is important to him. To me, I don’t think it’s that important.
“Floyd hasn’t fought a real contender in a while. If the rematch doesn’t happen this year, it may not ever happen. If you wait until next year, they’ll be a year older.
“Floyd will be 43. Fans might lose interest in a rematch if they’re kept waiting too long,” he added.
That victory Fortune speaks of, against Broner, proved Pacquiao still has the skills and speed to compete at the highest level. Floyd, on the other hand, hasn’t fought in a competitive boxing match in almost four years.
BERTO
A 2015 win over Andre Berto, coming just four months after the Pacquiao win, remains the last time Mayweather put in a full training camp.
Dates in July and August have been bandied around for ”MayPac 2′ – although some believe Mayweather would require much longer to get in the right kind of shape to trade blows with Senator Pacquiao.
September or October may be more realistic targets for a Mayweather v Pacquiao battle. Whilst both did post training videos simultaneously in February.
The wait goes on…
