All the rumors have now subsided but the window of opportunity for a Floyd Mayweather comeback remains slightly ajar – as things currently stand.
Linked to a rematch with Manny Pacquiao from December until the spring, Mayweather was fancied to face his old rival for a second time.
Back in 2015, the pair fought out a drab affair. This left fans wanting more as nine-figure checks were handed out on either side.
Pacquiao cited a shoulder injury, whilst controversy over pre-fight testing and TUE’s overshadowed the aftermath.
History-making Pay-Per-View buys of 4.6m worldwide ensured Mayweather and Pacquiao would have ample room for another meeting down the line.
Four years on and Mayweather has so far resisted the temptation.
At 42 years of age, the ‘Money’ man would still be able to compete with Pacquiao, 40. His fitness levels are always on point.
A ten-week camp with certainly be required, although Pacquiao would probably need to be holding a bonafide title to entice Mayweather back through the ropes.
At present, Keith Thurman holds that honor. Pacquiao needs to claim the strap on July 20 in order to hold a bargaining chip for MayPac 2.
A three-time Fighter of the Year and the Boxing Writers Association of America’s reigning Fighter of the Decade, Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs), who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, is the only sitting Congressman and Senator to win a world title.
After serving two terms as Congressman, Pacquiao was elected to a Philippine Senate seat in May 2016, capturing over 16 million votes nationally.
Pacquiao’s boxing resume features victories over at least seven current and future Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez.
In his last match on January 19, Pacquiao put on a vintage performance against four-division champion Adrien Broner. He scored a 12-round unanimous decision in the 70th match of his illustrious career.
It was his first time fighting in the U.S. in two years. Before that, he scored an impressive knockout over Lucas Matthysse. He won his lesser version of the WBA welterweight championship in Malaysia last July 15.
BEST
Still possessing the desire to face the best, Pacquiao knows how important victory is against Thurman.
“All my life I have confronted challenges. In life, in politics, and inside the ring,” said Pacquiao.
“Keith Thurman is the type of challenge I crave as a fighter. He is the biggest and best test. That is why I want to fight him.
“We are going to give boxing fans an exciting fight. A great night,” he added.
This may very well be the final year Mayweather could return to action, having not fought a competitive match-up since defeating Andre Berto after the ‘Pacman’ in 2015.
