The boxing world got rocked Saturday night when retired and undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. crossed paths with Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao. There was no telling what would happen with both future Hall of Fame fighters in Tokyo, Japan.
The thought of a potential rematch between the two lingered, something that has repeatedly been yearned for by some camps. Mayweather, known for being a showman, somehow scratched the surface of that issue, teasing of a potential boxing return in December, Manila Bulletin Sports said.
With Pacquiao around, it seemed obvious that the undefeated boxer was referring to him – the same fighter he defeated back in 2015. That clash was one of the epic fights of boxing with both fighters receiving a massive payday.
Nothing has been made official although credible developments should happen in the near future. The boxing world is divided on a rematch, most calling it a boring fight with both opting to fight conservatively.
While Mayweather is still technically retired, Pacquiao is not. He is coming off a huge win over Lucas Matthysse to win the WBA Welterweight belt. The boxer and politician believes that the undefeated American fighter has his eyes, quoting him of saying: “I want to take that belt, I want to take that belt.”
A December clash would be grand for most wanting to see another blockbuster fight. However, it also means that Amir Khan will be shunned for the second time and by the same fighter – Mayweather.
In 2015, there were reports that Amir Khan would be facing Pacquiao in what was termed a “done deal.” Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum cleared the aid and said that this was not so, Sports Illustrated said. Aside from Khan, the name of Terence Crawford also cropped up as the boxing icon weighed his options.
It was about that time when Mayweather entered the picture and the fight was set. Khan was left out of the picture and instead faced Canelo Alvarez on May 7, 2016. The British boxer lost via knockout in the sixth round to the Mexican Brawler.
If both Mayweather and Pacquiao can come to an agreement, it becomes déjà vu for Khan all over again. The 31-year-old seemed to be the obvious opponent for Pacquiao in December, a clash which he coined as something that the Filipino should not overlook.
In the world of boxing, money talks and the big bets are obviously on a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao rematch. There are no promotional barriers between the two men since Mayweather promotes himself and Pacquiao is a boxing free agent.
Though it has yet to be made official, oddsmakers at the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook have already made Mayweather a 2-1 favorite.
