The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Judith Benjamin
Legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao has revealed he is in talks to stage an incredible rematch against his old rival Floyd Mayweather this December in Japan.
The two iconic boxers last fought in 2015 – with Mayweather winning via a unanimous decision against the injured Filipino fighter – in a showdown that was dubbed ‘fight of the century’ but ultimately disappointed inside the ring.
It pitted the two superstar welterweight fighters against each other after years of speculation that the pair could face each other – with the fight generating around 4.6million pay-per-view buys to become the most watched bout ever.
Now Pacquiao has claimed the pair are in talks to square off once more – despite both men retiring long ago – and said it could happen as soon as December.
‘I’m still active, I’m an active guy, I’m actively training. I have an exhibition match this coming December,’ he said, as reported by the Sun.
Manny Pacquiao (R) has revealed he is in talks to stage a rematch against Floyd Mayweather (L)
Mayweather and Pacquiao have both retired but have taken to lucrative exhibition bouts
‘In Japan. We’re working on it, the opponent. We’re working with Mayweather. Yes [a Mayweather fight].’
When asked if Mayweather’s unscathed 50-0 record could be on the line should they agree a fight in Japan, he replied: ‘I don’t know, [it could be pro] if he wants. We’re still working on it.’
Mayweather retired in 2017 after beating UFC star Conor McGregor in one of the first major crossover bouts – but has since fought a number of MMA fighters and influencers in lucrative events since hanging up his gloves.
He has already fought in Japan twice – comfortably stopping Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in 2018 before KOing MMA artist Mikuru Asakura in 2022.
His other exhibition bouts have seen him face YouTuber Logan Paul, former boxer Don Moore and ex-Geordie Shore TV star Aaron Chalmers.
Pacquiao claimed the Mayweather rematch could happen as soon as December in Japan
