Rumblings of a rematch
Less than a week after Manny Pacquiao outpointed Keith Thurman to wrest the super WBA welterweight crown in Las Vegas, fans are excitedly talking about a rematch. Not between Pacquiao and Thurman but between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The exchange of bitter public messages in social media has fueled speculation that Mayweather may come out of retirement once more to face Pacquiao in a muchawaited return engagement. If it happens, the fight will be held next year as Pacquiao is in no hurry to return to the ring after his grueling 12-round battle with Thurman.
Mayweather, 42, was at ringside for Pacquiao’s win over Thurman and seemed to cheer for the Filipino. When ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. declared Pacquiao the winner by a split decision, Mayweather was nowhere in sight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. He disappeared before reporters could mob him for his comments on the fight and of course, the possibility of a rematch with Pacquiao.
Mayweather was in the ring for the prefight proceedings but quietly left when it was all over. Then, he emerged in social media to attack Pacquiao a few days later. Maybe, it was his way of reminding fans that he’s not exactly palsy-walsy with the Filipino icon, that there’s no love lost between them and that if they fight again, it’ll be a war.
Mayweather met up with Pacquiao in Tokyo last year then visited the Philippines twice. His latest rants seem to point to making noise for a rematch. “This man’s entire legacy and career has been built off its association with my name and 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,” said Mayweather. “When we finally fought, I won so easily that everyone had to eat their words.”
Pacquiao shot back at Mayweather in a tweet, saying “you come to my fight and then use my name in a post but I’m the one that is trying to stay relevant? If you want to be relevant again, MayPac2.” Mayweather struck back with some harsh words. “Bottom line, I make more money than you,” he said. “I beat you then I signed you. I was only at your fight supervising you, my employee, as any real Boss would do. You made $10 million for 12 rounds when I just made $9 million in under three minutes playing around in an exhibition with a pizza delivery guy. I beat you mentally, physically and financially. Remember, you fight cause you have to, I fight when I want to.”
Pacquiao returned fire, saying “excuse me, Floyd, your name has not been on any of my PBC contracts … but if you’d like to be on the next one, I’ll have one drawn up and sent to you.”
Because Pacquiao was pushed to the limit by Thurman, Mayweather is probably encouraged that a rematch wouldn’t be such a high risk proposition. Maybe, if Pacquiao had knocked Thurman out, Mayweather wouldn’t bother to rant in social media and create public interest in a battle of words. Maybe, Mayweather thinks that since Pacquiao was hit by Thurman with the most power shots in his last 43 fights, the fighting Senator wouldn’t be difficult to beat.
Mayweather is known as Money because he lives for it. Preserving his unblemished record couldn’t be more important than depositing $100 million in his bank account. Thurman was tagged his first career loss by Pacquiao but he’s moving forward. Eight other previously unbeaten fighters were defeated by Pacquiao. Mayweather’s 50-0 slate isn’t even a world record – Ricardo Lopez retired as an undefeated world champion with 51 wins and Thailand’s Wanheng Menayothin still reigns as the WBC minimumweight titlist with a 53-0 mark. So 50-0 isn’t something to crow about.
If Mayweather is available, Pacquiao wouldn’t bother considering to fight Errol Spence, Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia, Mikey Garcia or Terence Crawford. Pacquiao has nothing to prove against Spence and the others. But he’s got something to prove against Mayweather. Pacquiao wants to avenge that loss in 2015. Time and again, Mayweather has said he’s not interested in a rematch. But if the public wants it and the price is right, you can bet Mayweather will step up to the plate.