Manny Pacquiao hit the gym training in preparation for a return to the ring and promised fans a big announcement if they were patient enough. However, a recent social media post fell flat.
His many followers had clung to hope that reports surrounding Showtime’s interest in staging a rematch with Floyd Mayweather on a farewell show this December would reach a fever pitch.
It wasn’t to be as Pacquiao announced a partnership with an energy drink company instead. He said: “44 going on 30. I’m excited to join together with LOCK’DIN on the release of a new product line!
“Want a clean ingredient energy drink? Look no further,” added the boxing legend.
Not the Mayweather announcement a large portion of the sport were hoping for.
44 going on 30 💪🏻
Excited to join together with LOCK’DIN on the release of a new product line!
Want a clean ingredient energy drink? Look no further.https://t.co/XpyO7uHpBQ#lockdinlaunch #lockdin #nootropic #mentalclarity #energydrink #brainpower #peakperformance pic.twitter.com/1rV73nrPaY
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) October 24, 2023
What’s the latest on a Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao rematch?
The latest news regarding a potential clash is that Filipino journalists expected Pacquiao to attend a press conference on Monday. This was called off.
Some journalists stated Mayweather was the target statement for a RIZIN extravaganza on New Year’s Eve.
Both fighters are signed with the company, and a return of their 2015 Fight of the Century offering was the first assumption.
But no sooner had those Asian media personnel aired details of the press conference, World Boxing News learned of interest from Showtime about having Mayweather on a December 9 show.
Showtime wants Mayweather to battle Mikey Garcia in the finale of 37 years of broadcasting. The developments came after Paramount confirmed Showtime’s entire sports division would be shut down.
Mayweather vs Garcia is a solid offering to bow out with, but as WBN stated, a Pacquiao rematch is far more lucrative and in demand.
Therefore, Pacquiao must move fast to stop the wheels already in motion. The sheer notion of Mayweather vs Garcia is putting his dream event with Floyd on hold.
If Sean Gibbons or somebody at MP8 acts fast, Showtime will have no choice but to listen to the fans.
Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 would be by far the most fitting exhibition for Showtime to end its tenure in the sport. That’s no disrespect to Mikey, who is an excellent fighter in his own right.
But there’s unfinished business here. Showtime must rethink the strategy of securing the services of Mayweather. Pacquiao is freely available and ready to accept the offer.
If Showtime doesn’t make at least an attempt, asking the fans to fork out $80 plus for Mayweather vs Garcia will sting a little more.
Phil Jay is an experienced boxing news writer.
Editor of World Boxing News since 2010.
