Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are inching closer to reaching a deal to fight in May, according to reports.
TMZ reported Friday that the two sides reached agreement to fight at the MGM Grand on May 2, which is the venue and time of year for typical Mayweather fights. However, other boxing reporters say that while a deal is close, TMZ jumped the gun by saying it’s a done deal.
Prominent boxing reporters Chris Mannix and Kevin Iole weighed in:
Sources tell SI that a Mayweather-Pacquiao deal is not done yet, as TMZ reported. Inching closer and both sides optimistic. But not done.
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) January 31, 2015
My information from multiple sources is that the TMZ report about Mayweather-Pacquiao being done is inaccurate. Close but not done
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) January 31, 2015
The most telling tweet of all came from Showtime boxing executive Stephen Espinoza, who said TMZ’s sources were off here.
Watch what? There is no deal right now. "@VanLathan: @bomani_jones @StephenEspinoza @Woodsy1069 don't believe me just watch…"
— Stephen Espinoza (@StephenEspinoza) January 31, 2015
Earlier on Friday Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum said they were getting close to a deal.
“We’re looking to complete the paperwork. Everything is moving in the right direction. Hopefully, the next couple of days it will get done.”
The boxing world will be waiting and hoping that the deal finally gets done.
