Pacquiao fires back at Mayweather, teases rematch
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxing icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao refused to back down after Floyd Mayweather Jr. invoked his name in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
In a lengthy post, Mayweather said that Pacquiao's "entire legacy and career has been built off its association with my name."
"It's about time you all stop using my brand for clout chasing and clickbait and let that man's name hold weight of its own," he added.
Mayweather also pointed out that he "easily" defeated Pacquiao when they finally fought back in May 2015, after being accused for years that he was ducking the Filipino ring icon.
The unbeaten American was also not amused that there continues to be calls for a rematch with Pacquiao, and accused those experts and critics of being upset at him for breaking the record held by the legendary Rocky Marciano.
Marciano famously retired with a 49-0 win-loss record, a milestone that Mayweather eclipsed when he battered Conor McGregor for a 50-0 mark back in August 2017.
Y'all are just upset that I broke Rocky Marciano's record and hate the fact that a black, high school dropout outsmarted you all by beating all odds and retiring undefeated while maintaining all my faculties simply by making smart choices and even smarter investments," said Mayweather.
"Ultimately, I will always have the last laugh!"
Pacquiao, however, refused to let the American have the last word.
On Twitter, the "Pacman" pointed out that Mayweather has been using his name as well – and even attending his fights as he continues to be an active boxer while the
American has stepped away from the sport.
"You come to my fight and then use my name in a post but I’m the one that is trying to stay relevant?" he said. "If you want to be relevant again … #MayPac2."
This is not the first time that a rematch was teased by either boxer.
They came face to face in Japan in September last year, and Mayweather attended Pacquiao's bout against Adrien Broner in January this year. When asked about a rematch then, Pacquiao said: "Tell him to come back to the ring, and we will fight."