Manny Pacquiao Talks Floyd Mayweather Rematch, Money IV Claims and Next Fight

Manny Pacquiao doesn't care if he ever gets a rematch with Floyd Mayweather. In fact, Pacquiao is in no rush to return to the ring while he continues to serve as congressman for the Filipino province of Sarangani.

AP reporter Oliver Teves (h/t ABC News) spoke with Pacquiao in Manila. The 36-year-old fighter dismissed the idea of a return bout with Mayweather as being far from on any list of his current priorities: "Whether there is a second (bout with Mayweather), it's not a problem. I heard he has retired, so it doesn't matter."

But despite swatting away talk of a rematch, Pacquiao couldn't resist a sly dig at Money. Asked about his next fight, Pacquiao insisted he'll face a contender, adding, "because I do not choose my opponents."

This reads like a cheeky salvo fired Mayweather's way after the latter's farewell fight against Andre Berto proved a lacklustre affair. Mayweather was criticised for "hand-picking" an opponent ideal for his style to ensure a glorious exit from the stage.

John Locher/Associated Press

At the moment, though, Pacquiao is more concerned with rehabbing his injured shoulder than rushing a return to the ring: "Boxing is not my focus because I can only fight next year, to give my shoulder a rest."

Once he's back, if Pacquiao is determined not to repeat Money's apparent easy ride, one fighter he's sure to consider is Britain's Amir Khan.

Kahn recently told Sky Sports that his representatives are in talks to secure a fight with Pacquiao: "We are working on that fight, we are speaking to [Pacquiao's promoter] Bob Arum and his team and I think if that is going to happen, it will happen early next year."

If this bout went ahead, nobody could accuse Pacquiao of ducking tough competition in the winter of his career. Yet other accusations remain firmly on his mind.

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

In particular, he remains irked by the controversy surrounding Mayweather getting USADA support after he received an IV drip ahead of their showdown in Las Vegas back in early May this year.

Teves described how Pacquiao feels aggrieved because the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency would not let him receive an injection to help the rotator cuff problem that currently leaves him out of the ring.

Addressing the issue, Pacquiao called for clarification on the differences with Mayweather's case: "What I want to know and clarify is if he committed an offense, how will the rules be applied?"

This controversy only fuels the narrative over what was the ultimate in-ring damp squib when Mayweather and Pacquiao finally met between the ropes. The Telegraph's Oliver Brown saw Mayweather's emphatic points win as evidence Pacquiao is on the decline.

John Locher/Associated Press

At the moment, however, Pacquiao remains focused on his political life. That focus involves providing shelter for the homeless in his region, as well as considering a decision to run for governor or move to the Senate.

Boxing fans, though, will continue to mull the aftermath of the great anticlimax between Pacquiao and Mayweather. The IV drip controversy merely keeps the debate alive about who should be considered the best fighter of their generation.