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Manny Pacquiao Teases Floyd Mayweather Rematch, But Says It’s Up to ‘Money’ To Make the Move

Zaid Quraishi

Manny Pacquiao hints at unfinished business, making it clear the rematch hinges on Floyd Mayweather’s return to the ring!

Some boxing rivalries never truly die, they just hibernate until the right moment comes along. The sport has always thrived on second chances and comeback stories that capture the imagination of fans worldwide. These moments often provide closure that the first fight couldn’t deliver, especially when controversy or underwhelming performances leave fans wanting more. The sweet science has a way of bringing legends back together, sometimes years or even decades after their first encounter seemed to settle everything.

Ten years have passed since Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao finally stepped into the ring together at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Their 2015 showdown was supposed to be the fight of the century, but it left many fans feeling disappointed after years of buildup and negotiations. The fight generated over $600 million in revenue and broke pay per view records with 4.6 million buys. Yet the actual bout felt more like a chess match than the war everyone expected. Mayweather won by unanimous decision, but questions lingered about Pacquiao’s injured shoulder and whether fans truly saw both fighters at their absolute best. Now, after Pacquiao’s recent majority draw with Mario Barrios, the Filipino legend has opened the door for a potential rematch. However, he’s making it clear the ball is entirely in Mayweather’s court.

Manny Pacquiao Willing For A Rematch With Floyd Mayweather

At 47 years old, Pacquiao showed enough against Barrios to convince himself that he still belongs in the ring with elite competition. The eight division champion looked fresh and determined during their 12 round battle. He proved that ‘Father Time’ hasn’t completely caught up with his legendary speed and power. 

After the fight, reporters naturally asked about the possibility of running it back with Mayweather, and Pacquiao’s response was diplomatic. He made it clear that he’s ready and willing to fight anyone in his weight division, but he won’t chase a retired fighter who seems content with exhibition matches.

“It’s hard to talk about a fighter who retired already. If he comes out [of retirement], then go sign the contract and we’ll fight. Let’s fight again, if he want. I have no problem with that, I’m active now and don’t pick my opponent. I fight them all in my weight division.”

Mayweather officially retired with a perfect 50-0 record and has been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He’s limited himself to exhibition matches since stopping Conor McGregor in 2017. Meanwhile, Pacquiao took a four-year break from boxing before returning to face Barrios, showing that his competitive fire still burns bright. 

The business side of a potential rematch would be absolutely massive, even though both fighters are well past their prime. If Mayweather wants to come out of retirement for one more big payday, the door is open. It’s a smart strategy that puts all the pressure on Mayweather to make the first move while allowing Pacquiao to maintain his dignity and focus on other potential opponents who are actually active in the sport!

(Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – Imagn Images)

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!

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