Mayweather asks Pacman for rematch this year

FILE: Floyd Mayweather (Photo: @flodmayweather/Instagram)

The undefeated Floyd Mayweather recently announced that he is coming out of retirement for a rematch against Manny Pacquiao.

In an Instagram post, Mayweather captioned, “I’m coming back to fight Manny Pacquiao this year another 9 figure pay day on the way.”

This previous weekend, videos circulated of the two interacting at Ultra Japan music festival in Tokyo, Mayweather telling Pacquiao “I’m taking the belt in December,” with the Philippine boxer responding, “I have the belt.” Mayweather then says, “I’m taking it from you. I’m going to take it from you like I did before.”

Pacquiao’s last fight was on July 15, where he reigned victorious over Argentinian Lucas Matthysse after a seventh round knockout. When asked by ESPN about his next match, Pacquiao stated, “Mayweather? If he decides to go back to boxing then that is the time we are going to call the shots.”

The initial rivalry began before the two boxers’ first match in 2015, where Pacquiao was defeated after a unanimous decision. The Filipino boxer claimed he had a right shoulder injury at the time, which limited his performance to 81 punches. The match reached a total record number of 4.6 million pay-per-view buys, with Mayweather receiving an estimated total of $220 million from his win, while Pacquiao earned an estimated $100 million for his participation.

There is no word yet on the exact details of the upcoming rematch, however, it is speculated to happen by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao also made the headlines last week for taking legal charges against promoter Top Rank, which he worked with for twelve years. He then retracted his statements after claiming it was all just a “miscommunication.” With this rematch between Mayweather and Pacquiao, Top Rank is choosing not to stay involved. Top Rank chief Bob Arum told CBSS Sports, “Listen to me. I will not be involved in that fight, period. At all.”

He continues saying, “Let other people do it. God love them, let them make money. It’s not for me. I want to devote my time and effort to guys who are in the prime of their careers.”