Floyd Mayweather Jr is finally ready to step inside the ring with Manny Pacquiao — or so he says.
During a Showtime interview on Friday night, Mayweather called out Pacquiao and even named a specific date that he wants to fight him.
“We are ready. Let’s make it happen. May 2,” he said. “Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao. Let’s do it.”
Forgive us if we choose not to hold our breath.
Mayweather has repeatedly taunted Pacquiao through social media in an attempt to make it seem like Pacquiao is the one who is ducking Floyd. Mayweather (47-0) values his undefeated record above all else, and the thought of losing to Pacquiao terrifies him.
“I would love to fight Manny Pacquiao” Mayweather said. “We tried to make the fight happen years ago; we had problems with random blood and urine testing. I just want to be on an even playing field. Now he’s in a very, very tight situation. He’s lost to [Juan Manuel] Marquez [in 2012], he’s lost to [Timothy] Bradley [by controversial decision in 2012 but avenged it in April]. Pay-per-view numbers are extremely low. He’s desperate. I wanted that fight a long time ago. I’m just waiting on them.”
Pacquiao agreed to random drug testing long ago and the fight has still not happened.
One of the more recent hold-ups has been money. Pacquiao lost both of his fights in 2012, and Mayweather has attempted to use those losses as leverage against Pac Man. However, Pacquiao has won three fights in convincing fashion since the two losses. He once again looks like one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and the top challenger to Mayweather.
Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum has reportedly been pressing for the fight with Mayweather and has even held talks with CBS (Showtime) in an attempt to work out a deal where Showtime and HBO could produce a joint pay-per-view. Mayweather is under contract with Showtime and Pacquiao is with HBO.
“So let’s make this fight happen. Manny Pacquiao, Bob Arum, you guys have been ducking us for years,” Floyd said Friday. “We’re tired of you guys fooling the public, fooling the critics. You guys didn’t want to take random blood and urine testing, so that’s why it didn’t happen. Then I offered you $40 million, then you didn’t want to make the fight happen. You lost twice, now you coming back begging for the same money. That’s not gonna happen. Let’s make the fight happen for the people and the fans. Mayweather versus Pacquiao, May 2nd, Cinco de Mayweather.”
Arum recently mentioned a possible venue where the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight could take place, and it’s a big one.
On the surface, both parties seem willing. But we have seen this act before, and appearing willing is all part of the game. We can expect plenty more childish jabs on Instagram, but we know better than to assume the fight is a done deal.
