By John F. McKenna (McJack)
WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KO’s) was quoted by his attorney Franklin Gacal as saying that he wants to make WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (42-0, 26 KO’s) his next opponent.
The Manila Bulletin reported that in response to a question posed by Gacal as to who he wants to fight next Pacquiao speaking from General Santos City was quoted as saying:
“I want Floyd for my next fight.”
Gacal acknowledged that things are happening behind the scenes, the details of which he could not get into. Gacal went on to say that the major players in the ongoing discussions are being careful not to tip their hand in fear of damaging the delicate negotiations. It is understandable that no one involved in the talks wants to do anything to upset the applecart.
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum said earlier this week that he had been approached by a couple of investment groups who are interested in putting together what would be the richest fight in boxing history.
Over the past couple of years there have been a number of attempts to put a Pacquiao – Mayweather fight together, but for one reason or another, the talks have fallen apart. For that reason it appears that this time the key players are playing their cards close to the vest.
Time may be running out to put such a fight together as Pacquiao has already said that he only wants to have two or three more fights before he retires and Mayweather will turn 35 in February.
Reportedly the major hurdles in the past revenue sharing and blood testing have already been taken care of. In the past blood testing was a major stumbling block that stood in the way of the putting the match together.
Pacquiao is coming off a very controversial win over Juan Manuel Marquez in his last fight on November 12, where he struggled to eke out a narrow victory. Mayweather had basically shut out Marquez when they met in 2009. The Mayweather camp showed a renewed interest in the match after Manny’s poor showing against Marquez.
Those involved in the negotiations are only too well aware how delicate the process is in arranging the fight boxing fans have so long clamored to see.
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