Don’t let anyone tell you that Manny Pacquiao doesn’t want to face Floyd Mayweather Jr.
For weeks now a potential showdown between Pacquiao and Mayweather has appeared more imminent than it had at any point over the last two years. Between the Filipino champion’s controversial -- and in some people’s eyes questionable -- victory over Juan Manuel Marquez, and Mayweather’s equally suspect sucker punch win over Victor Ortiz, it felt like this was the ideal time for these guys to reaffirm their legitimacy.
Sensing the general tenor of the public, both men opted to make gestures that indicated they were interested in a prospective dream match.
Mayweather, for his part, came out on the week that Pacquiao was due to fight Marquez and presented an unofficial offer to his arch rival – a fight in May 2012. Then, following the events of November 12, Pacquiao realized that the time had come for him to prove that he was the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter. He sent a number of his representatives to speak with Mayweather’s people and, as recently as two weeks ago, told the media that an agreement was “80 to 90 percent sure to take place on May 5 next year and only a few more details are being ironed out before contracts are finalized.”
Since then, both camps have been quiet about the progress being made. The only real person to speak out has been Top Rank boss Bob Arum, whose disdain for Mayweather makes him far more of a hindrance than asset to this whole process. Predictably, his contributions were entirely useless and didn't shed any light on where the top two pound-for-pounders in the world stood when it came to fighting one another.
Well, on Saturday, finally, there was some movement.
While speaking to reporters from his home in General Santos City, Pacquiao made it clear that fighting the undefeated Mayweather was in fact important to him. That, regardless of whether or not Mayweather really wants to fight him, he’d make sure that his American rival would be left with no excuses this time around.
As per Nick Giongco of the Manila Bulletin:
Pacquiao is willing to take the smaller piece of the pie as long as the dream fight takes place.
“Walang problema kahit pa mas maliit ang premyo ko,” said Pacquiao, who turned 33 on Saturday. “Ang importante ay matuloy lang ang laban.”
Pacquiao’s pronouncement that he is giving Mayweather the lion’s share of the pot only puts credence that he is moving heaven and earth to make it happen.
The subject of random blood testing is apparently a non-issue now since Arum had mentioned many times in the past month or so that Pacquiao has agreed to Mayweather’s demands
This latest gesture by the Filipino champion is absolutely huge. It goes a long ways in proving that he isn’t concerned with wasting his time on inconsequential, meaningless bouts that won’t do anything for his legacy anymore. Rather, Pacquiao’s sole focus has been shifted to giving the public what they’ve longed for since 2009 – a match between the two biggest and brightest stars the sport has to offer.
Pacquiao has officially done his part. He’s sought out Mayweather and made some impressive concessions. Now, so long as Arum doesn’t do anything to mess this progress up, Mayweather should have no excuse but to quickly jump up and agree to fight Pacquiao.
And, of course, if he doesn’t – then we’ll know who’s really ducking who here.
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Fank,did you know that Manny is a Congressman in the Philippines? He is also a movie star and has business investments all over the place. The exchange rate in the Philippines is in pesos, which makes him a billionaire there. So,he doesn't spend much. In addition,a majority of his opponents were much bigger than him.So,by you throwing that out there and saying that Manny is small, confirms the validity of your lack of intelligence. Now, we all know that the one with IRS, legal and money problems is Kentucky Floyd Chicken. So, don't try to turn this around.I'm not sure why I am even responding to your dumb-ass. It's useless to convince someone who's idol is Gayweather.The fight will never occur, because your idol is a coward.
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Manny has no choice other than to take less money. Manny’s charade of greatness is over and his back is to the wall. There are no more bums with big names for Manny to fight less he be further exposed for the farce that he truly is. If he refuses to fight Floyd, Floyd is considering a fight with Martinez who is another credible opponent and huge money fight for Floyd. On the other hand, for credibility purposes, Manny would have to take on one of the top contenders (Bradley, Khan, Berto etc.). He will likely lose to any of the aforementioned and his chance to cash in on Floyd’s name will be over. Floyd is in the driver’s seat and Manny is in no position to negotiate. Floyd does not need Manny, Manny needs Floyd and it’s becoming more and more obvious. Also, He does not deserve a split purse seeing that Floyd has consistently produced better PPV numbers and capitol.
Justrodamus901
There Can Be Only One.
"And, of course, if he doesn’t – then we’ll know who’s really ducking who here" - Alex, most of us have long known that Floyd was ducking Manny and not the other way around..you just happen to be a recent convert to reality
Bob Arum has ripped Manny off so much that Manny still has financial problems. Manny will not get a chance against any other fighter to make a jackpot before retiring. Because after Floyd takes him apart, that's just what Manny will do, Retire. People that really know boxing know that Floyd is definately the best all around Welter there is bar none. Manny conceding is the right thing to do. i don't belive that it's because he really wants Floyd though. I think he really wants the jackpot. I don't question the heart of Pacman, he is a great warrior but his size, reach, lack of defense and lack of ringsmarts is too much to overcome against a master boxer like Floyd. Good luck to both fighter and I hope this fight does happen.
@Frank,On Wednesday, boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in prison for domestic violence and harassment...HAHAHAHAHAH who's got financial problems now b*tch?
@Frank, I agree that Manny wants no part of Floyd. And I believe that should Manny run and hide, he will use Arum as his excuse so as not to look like a coward. But I do not think that there is anything great about Manny. He has built his reputation on shot fighters and gullible fans. To be honest, I really don’t care to see him fight Floyd other than to silence his fans. The outcome is too obvious. I would much rather see Floyd fight Martinez. BTW, Martinez was recently quoted in a different publication. He said that Manny is a fake P4P champ who has never fought any real fighters. He then stated that when Manny finally stepped into the ring with a real fighter, Marquez, we all saw what happened. His statement is very true and I think more people are started to understand that Pac is nothing more than an overrated farce.
@Justin, your idol Gayweather is in jail now.LOL. You should go visit him, so he can stick his d*ck up your arse, since you like him so much.