Larry Holmes Says Floyd Mayweather Is Scared of Manny Pacquiao

According to Mlive.com, former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes has leveled a stinging attack at Floyd Mayweather, saying the WBC welterweight titlist is scared of fighting eight-division champ Manny Pacquiao.

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“Pacquiao did all he can. He did all I would have done. I think Mayweather just got a little too scared if you ask me. If he thinks Pacquiao is taking drugs so what, he should just say: ‘You take it, you kill yourself that isn't going to help you, because with my talent and ability I believe I can still beat you.' But he was scared to take that challenge. If they never fight it won’t be Pacquiao's fault. Every time they came round to fighting Mayweather put his excuses in,” Holmes said.

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For a while now, some sections of boxing fans as well as the media have accused Mayweather of running scared and/or ducking the Filipino congressman. However, the Michigan native has always refuted those claims.

Nonetheless, the fact of the matter is the purported “Fight of the Century” is presently in limbo, as failed negotiations between the two camps have reached a stalemate, with seemingly no light at the end of the tunnel.

Furthermore, “Money” nor “Pac-Man” will be sharing a ring anytime soon, as both have pressing engagements elsewhere.

Mayweather (42-0, 26 KOs) is slated to face off against WBA super welterweight champion Miguel Cotto on Cinco de Mayo, and then he’s off to serve a 90-day prison sentence on June 1.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KOs) will defend his WBO welterweight crown against the undefeated Timothy Bradley on June 9, while news of a fourth encounter with Juan Manuel Marquez and retirement plans can’t be disregarded.

Holmes (69-6, 44 KOs) is becoming part of a growing number of ex world champions who’ve voiced their displeasure at the continued stagnancy regarding a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao superfight—a matchup that has been in the making for three years.

What the other ex champs had to say.

Thomas Hearns

“Put it all on the line and go for it.”

Mike Tyson

“Listen, if I was president I would throw them in jail if they didn't fight.”

Sugar Ray Leonard

“Speaking as a boxing fan, naturally I want to see that fight—and I want to see it sooner rather than later. It won't be the same if they leave it much longer.”

Four boxing greats have spoken, and it’s left to see whether Mayweather, aged 35, and Pacquiao, 33, will take heed.

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