Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao created quite a stir last weekend after both legendary boxers crossed paths in Tokyo, Japan. The accidental meaning gave the locals a treat and the undefeated American boxer raised it up a notch when he hinted of a return fight this December.
The last time both Mayweather and Pacquiao met was in 2015. Floyd Jr. won that handily via decision. For his part, Pacquiao alleged that he fought with an injured right shoulder, a reason why he was unable to unload his punches fully.
Mayweather lashed out at Pacquiao for the allegation and told the Filipino boxer to accept the loss like a man. The Pac-Man would eventually undergo surgery and return to the ring. In his last fight, he scored a huge knockout win over Lucas Matthysse to reclaim the WBA welterweight belt.
Fast forward to the Saturday encounter, Mayweather taunted Pacquiao in what most saw initially as a way to entertain the fans in attendance. The Flamboyant One is no stranger to playing the crowd although he may have outdone himself when he teased of a December rematch with the boxer-politician.
But now, in what most thought was nothing more than a tease, things are slowly getting real. Sources from the boxing world who asked not to be named said that negotiations for a rematch are actually moving and that a rematch is a huge possibility.
And it appears that these claims got a big backing with Mayweather on his way to Manila, Philippines, Manila Bulletin Sports said. The American is reportedly flying in to do business, a broad term that could be referring to a meeting with Team Pacquiao.
Believed to be arriving as early as Tuesday, it will be Mayweather’s second trip to the Philippines. He was there last May on vacation. He visited some malls and also went to the Samal Island in Davao with his team.
While the boxing world awaits the final verdict, bookies have already revealed the odds for the rematch. As mentioned in a previous post, oddsmakers at the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook have already made Mayweather a 2-1 favorite.
Looking ahead, boxing fans are divided on the rematch. Some believe that it will hardly see any fierce exchange as both fighters play the cat-and-mouse game once more.
On the other hand, there are some who want to see the rematch. With Pacquiao claiming that he fought the last time out with an injured shoulder, boxing aficionados want to see what he can do fighting at 100-percent.
With a new team behind him, Pacquiao hopes to inflict Mayweather’s first defeat and level the score. A loss, on the other hand, could be a sign for the Filipino boxer to call it a career.
