More than ten years after their clash, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr are still being pressed by journalists about a potential (though highly unlikely) rematch. Following his draw against Mario Barrios, it was PacMan who was asked about the possibility during the post-fight press conference, and the Filipino didn’t rule out the chance of facing his eternal rival once again.
As Keith Idec reported in a piece for Ring Magazine, Pacquiao responded to the question with the following words:
“It’s hard to talk about a fighter who retired already. If he comes out [of retirement], then go sign the contract and we’ll fight. Let’s fight again, if he want. I have no problem with that, I’m active now and don’t pick my opponent. I fight them all in my weight division.”
The bout between Mayweather and Pacquiao took place on May 2, 2015, and left most fans with a sense of disappointment. The fight lacked intensity, and aside from a couple of flashes, the Filipino slugger couldn’t break through his rival’s tight defense. Mayweather deservedly won on points without offering much in the way of entertainment.
Since then, boxing fans have remained divided: some believe the fight would have played out very differently had it taken place a few years earlier, while others argue that Mayweather’s style would have neutralized even the best version of Pacquiao.
What’s certain is that it’s a shame these two elite fighters didn’t meet when both were at the peak of their careers. Twice the deal seemed almost done, only to fall through at the last minute. In 2010, it was Pacquiao’s team that walked away from negotiations, as the Filipino refused the special anti-doping protocol requested by Mayweather, claiming a blood test too close to the fight would weaken him. In 2012, it was Mayweather who pulled out, indignantly rejecting Pacquiao’s demand for a 50-50 purse split.
Today, a rematch would hold little sporting significance. Mayweather has been retired from professional boxing for eight years and has only taken part in exhibitions since then, while Pacquiao—though able to secure a draw with WBC welterweight world champion Mario Barrios—looked a far cry from the fighter who once thrilled the crowds.
We’ll see if Mayweather lets himself be tempted by the idea of a sensational return to the ring.