Will we see Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather together in the same ring soon? That’s the plan, according to the Filipino boxing icon.
A decade after their megafight, Manny Pacquiao is still intent on getting a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Mayweather beat Pacquiao by unanimous decision in May 2015 in a fight that shattered pay-per-view and gate receipt records, but failed to deliver in terms of excitement. On Wednesday, eight-division champion Pacquiao confirmed plans are underway to hopefully secure a rematch.
Speaking at a press conference shortly before the start of the Thrilla in Manila 50th Anniversary fight card, Pacquiao admitted that nothing is set in stone, and in fact, he may end up fighting another elite boxer if the Mayweather rematch falls through.
“So it’s hard to say what fight I’m going to push through (with),” he said. So I’m waiting for the final negotiation. But right now, I think we have a lot of negotiations about my next fight. There’s a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather. And also there’s a fight with (Vasiliy) Lomachenko and other fighters.”
In his most recent official fight in July, Pacquiao drew with World Boxing Council welterweight champion Mario Barrios, putting on a vintage performance that surprised many pundits.
Pacquiao also revealed plans to be more involved in the grassroots development of boxing with the launch of boxing and sports academies in his name, with the help of the International Boxing Association.
“It’s really important to support the young kids, especially the class of shadow, so to develop a good fighter, and that’s what IBA plans to do with our president, Umar (Kremlev), that we are going to establish a Manny Pacquiao Boxing Academy, not only in the Philippines, and in different countries in the world, especially in Dubai.
“We’re planning to start in Dubai this year or early next year, so that’s what we are planning to do, but our goal is to put up Manny Pacquiao Sports Academy, not only boxing, but major is in boxing, but in any sports, we’re going to develop young athletes, young kids to make history in their lives.”
The IBA recently introduced Pacquiao as its new Vice President, and its president, Umar Kremlev, said in a statement that he sees a parallel between the organization and Pacquiao’s own boxing journey.
“Manny Pacquiao is widely beloved around the globe; he is a true boxing legend who wants to leave a legacy beyond the ring,” part of the statement read. “His life story mirrors the spirit of IBA’s mission: giving every young boxer a fair chance to have achieve their dreams. We have been helping children as an organization, while Manny has been doing it all alone. Now, we will continue to help our children together as a united IBA boxing family and extend Manny’s programs beyond the borders.”
The IBA also announced its Men’s Elite World Championships to be held in Dubai in December, where knockout format tournaments will be held in 13 weight classes.
Banner images from AFP.
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