Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on Potential Rematch
Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeated Manny Pacquiao by unanimous decision in May 2's superfight, and the two camps are reportedly in talks to make a rematch happen.
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Showtime Sports President Comments on Rematch
Saturday, May 23
"'I think we have to remain open to it. There’s a lot of chatter on both sides about the possibility—once Manny successfully recovers from [shoulder] surgery, if there [is] a demand and if Floyd is still active or would consider coming back to being active then it would be a topic of conversation. But it will be driven by demand,' [Showtime Sports head Stephen] Espinoza told Multi Channel News," courtesy of BoxingScene.com's Edward Chaykovsky.
Richard Johnson of Page Six reported May 13 that the two best welterweight boxers of their generation are already gearing up to square off again—even if everyone involved denies it in public.
"It's already being negotiated," said a source to Johnson. "The fight will be the first event at the under-construction MGM–AEG Arena set to open next year."
The motives for Pacquiao are quite obvious—he wants another crack at Mayweather off his initial loss, after which it was revealed Pac-Man fought with a significantly torn right rotator cuff.
Johnson reports Pacquiao needs four months of rehab on his arm once he undergoes surgery and three months thereafter to train.
"He feels he fought with only one arm," said another source to Johnson about Pacquiao's recent defeat.
Although this runs contrary to Mayweather's previously stated intentions to retire following the last fight on his current contract this September, per Showtime Sports, he will reportedly take on Pacquiao again because of the financial gains to be had. That's one reason Mayweather's nickname is "Money."
Mayweather improved to 48-0 overall and could be in for a stiffer challenge whenever this rematch does go down provided Pacquiao is fully healthy and healed. Another triumph would add a great deal to Mayweather's legacy, but redemption for Pacquiao could even set up a third decisive showdown.
Tim Dahlberg of the Associated Press reported Tuesday that the May 2 fight shattered pay-per-view records. Both boxers will secure huge paydays, which likely offsets many concerns about whatever a rematch would do for their respective careers in the ring.
The anticipation should only grow if the two sides are indeed negotiating in good faith. It would provide fans with what they want and deviate in a positive way from the figurative sparring that prevented Mayweather and Pacquiao from facing each other far sooner.
