Manny Pacquiao in talks with Floyd Mayweather over sensational DECEMBER rematch in shock retirement U-turn
MANNY PACQUIAO is in talks with Floyd Mayweather over a sensational end-of-year rematch.
Retirement has been a difficult pill to swallow for the former eight-weight world champion, who has flirted with the prospect of boxing for the Philippines at the 2024 Olympics.
But he’s on course for a shock straightener with long-time rival Mayweather in Japanese fight promotion RIZIN next month.
Pacman, 44, revealed “I’m still active, I’m an active guy, I’m actively training. I have an exhibition match this coming December.
“In Japan. We’re working on it, the opponent. We’re working with Mayweather. Yes [a Mayweather fight].”
Mayweather, 46, has competed in multiple exhibition bouts since hanging up his gloves after his 2017 showdown with Conor McGregor.
But Pacquiao claims the American’s legendary 50-0 record could be on the line in their Japanese joust.
“I don’t know, [it could be pro] if he wants,” he said. “We’re still working on it.”
Boxing Hall of Famers Pacquiao and Mayweather faced one another for the unified welterweight titles in the summer of 2015.
But their long overdue “Fight of the Century” failed to live up to expectations, with an injured Pacquiao suffering a decision defeat.
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Despite coming up short on that fateful Las Vegas night, Pacquiao is adamant he’ll get the better of Money second time around.
The pride of the Philippines told Fight Hype: “I don’t think he will do a rematch with me, Floyd. I don’t think so.
“What I thought is [that] he’s scared to death to fight again.
“And that’s my analysis and thought pretty much with him.
“Well, I can beat him easily. I don’t want an exhibition fight with him.
“I want a real fight – a 12-round fight with him.”
Former five-weight world champion Mayweather hasn’t been as receptive to the idea of a rematch with his old rival in recent years.
He said: “We had a chance to do it when it really counted, for all the marbles.
“I was able to go out there and generate crazy numbers.
“We had a chance to do it and you know what the result was.”
Pacquiao called time on his legendary career in September 2021, just a month after he was resoundingly beaten by former WBA welterweight champ Yordenis Ugas.
The emotional southpaw said: “My boxing career is already over.
“It’s done because I’ve been in boxing for a long time and my family says that it is enough.
“I just continued [to box] because I’m passionate about this sport.
He added: “I am a fighter, and I will always be a fighter inside and outside the ring.
“I am accepting your nomination as candidate for president of the Republic of the Philippines.”