Manny Pacquiao Calls out Floyd Mayweather on Twitter as Pressure Increases
Don’t get your hopes up quite yet, but it’s looking increasingly likely that Manny Pacquiao and Floyd “Money” Mayweather will square off in a long awaited superfight.
The two iconic boxers have called each other out and traded insults in the press in recent weeks, but Pacquiao has addressed Mayweather directly via Twitter, claiming it’s time to give fight fans around the world what they want to see:
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Manny has typically been unashamed in his desire to get in the ring with the unbeaten Mayweather, and although the American hasn’t always seemed quite as keen to get the fight scheduled, in an interview with Showtime, per Dan Rafael of ESPN.com, he made his intentions abundantly clear.
“We are ready. Let’s make it happen,” claimed Money, per Rafael’s piece. “May 2. Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao. Let’s do it.”
Pacquiao initially responded to Mayweather’s call by claiming he’s only turning to the Filipino because he is at a dead end, per Sky Sports. As noted in the piece the 36-year-old also made a jibe toward the American, slamming his fighting style as sleep inducing.
Former world champion Ricky Hatton, who fought and lost to both of the aforementioned fighters, gave his thoughts on a potential showdown between the pair:
There’s still a long time to go until the May 2 date which Mayweather typically fights on, but for a bout with as much focus as this one, it’s vital concrete negotiations start to be put in place soon, that’s if they haven’t already been done so behind the scenes.
It’s also crucial that the pair get the bout done as soon as possible to ensure it’s a fight that lives up to the hype. Arguably, both fighters are already past their very best, but at this juncture, that would do little to abate the hyperbole that would inevitably stir should the duo decide to finally square off.
It’s something touched upon here by sports journalist Jonas Giaever:
But if it’s left any longer and fans are teased a showdown before being let down yet again, an already frustrating episode could quickly become insufferable for supporters, who would surely prefer to focus their attentions elsewhere.
Both men seem confident about getting the fight done this time. However, there is a lingering sense that a spanner could be in the works, especially with Mayweather claiming in his interview with Showtime that as the undefeated champion, he should command a sizeable portion of the purse for the bout.
There’s plenty who feel that Money is concerned about tarnishing his legacy should he lose to the effervescent Pacquiao, but according to Rafael, it’s vital that he takes up Manny’s challenge:
A win over Pacquiao would cement Mayweather’s legacy as one of the all-time greats and at the moment, he looks as though he has the requisite skills to handle the Filipino. But as alluded to by Rafael, if he continues to speak words about a bout that have no subsequent credence, Floyd will potentially blemish his own reputation.
Pacquiao is right in his assessment that a fight between the pairing is the most logical step for both fighters. They remain the two standout men in the division and, while fights with Amir Khan, Saul Alvarez, Erislandy Lara and Miguel Cotto would stir some interest, it’s time to heed Manny’s words and give the world a fight that is long overdue.
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