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Mayweather faces Middle East dilemma over Pacquiao interest

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As World Boxing News first reported on Friday, Middle East investors want Floyd Mayweather to face Manny Pacquiao in a huge 2020/21 showdown.

Within hours of WBN breaking the news, Conor McGregor threw a spanner in the works by stating he’d be facing the Filipino next.

WBN believes Mayweather still has the option to take the Pacquiao rematch, though. Investors behind the event would much prefer Mayweather than McGregor, only for the revenue boost.

Mayweather now faces a massive dilemma as Pacquiao is ready to agree with McGregor and leave the five-weight world champion out in the cold.

Pacquiao assistant Jayke Joson has already confirmed to the media that the eight-weight legend is ready to battle the UFC star.

“For the sake of all the Filipino COVID-19 victims, Senator Manny Pacquiao will be fighting UFC superstar Conor McGregor next year,” said Joson.

He also added that Pacquiao is keen to use his portion of the takings to help victims of the pandemic.

McGregor also confirmed the Middle Eastern showdown, which will ultimately allow Mayweather to move on to other plans.

“I’m boxing Manny Pacquiao next in the Middle East. It will be a true honor to have faced two of the greatest boxers of the modern era,” stated ‘The Notorious’.

Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao II

FLOYD MAYWEATHER OUT

Now, Mayweather knows he can make hundreds of millions of dollars by taking on either of his other foes. But this new development could severely cut his ability to secure a massive paycheck this year.

A YouTube vlogger has been rumored as a target, although Mayweather has been utterly silent on the matter.

Having some involvement in the Middle East opposite Pacquiao was undoubtedly the first choice. It looks as though McGregor will beat his old rival to the punch.

Pacquiao has been waiting since last October for Mayweather to draw up contracts for a second encounter after initially revealing the pair would clash in the summer of 2019.

Opening talks with a Saudi consortium, it looked for all the world like Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2 was on. McGregor will benefit hugely from Mayweather’s decision.

That’s unless Mayweather has a massive change of heart and decides to contact Pacquiao in the next few days.

WBN Editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.