Floyd Mayweather optimistic about Manny Pacquiao rematch
Floyd Mayweather has declared his belief that a rematch with Manny Pacquiao will be confirmed within the next two days while also clearing up recent reports on his financial situation, reports BritPanorama.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the undefeated 50-0 boxer expressed strong optimism about reaching an agreement with his longtime rival. “I truly believe that we’ll get this done,” Mayweather stated. “I think we’re almost at the finish line to finish the Pacquiao fight, but a lot of things have changed in the sport of boxing, and eventually I think within the next 48 hours the Pacquiao fight should be done.”
The retired American also acknowledged the evolving landscape of the sport, citing new companies and platforms such as Netflix entering the boxing business. The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty surrounding the bout, which would serve as a sequel to their highly anticipated 2015 encounter that Mayweather won by unanimous decision.
Negotiations have been complicated by conflicting statements about the nature of the contest. Mayweather previously described the rematch as an exhibition rather than a professional bout, prompting a sharp response from the Filipino’s camp. “That’s not what we signed,” Pacquiao protested. “We signed for a real fight. He got his advance. Why is he announcing this propaganda exhibition?” Pacquiao suggested his opponent feared losing his unblemished record, accusing him of using exhibition bouts as a safeguard.
Mayweather also addressed reports suggesting his passport could be revoked due to an outstanding $7 million debt. The boxing legend brushed aside the allegations, framing media coverage as ultimately beneficial to his brand. “Whether you write a good story or a bad story, you’re keeping me relevant,” he said. “When you keep a guy relevant, the money still flows in. So thank you. Negative stories always go a lot further than positive stories.”
He added: “A lie will always go further than the truth. My whole goal is to always stay positive, continue to work hard, and continue to push the next generation to be great, teach them the way, and show them how they should move.”
The passport concerns arise amid broader financial and legal difficulties for Mayweather. Reports indicate the IRS has filed a $7.3 million tax lien against him, while he recently abandoned a $100 million defamation case against Business Insider. A separate lawsuit involving unpaid private jet services totalling $105,000 also remains outstanding.
Despite these pressures, Mayweather continues to plan his return to the ring. Beyond the Pacquiao negotiations, he is scheduled to face Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis in an exhibition bout in Athens next month. An exhibition against Mike Tyson, first announced last September, has also been discussed but remains without a confirmed date.
As the boxing world anticipates the potential rematch, the intersection of sport and personal challenges raises questions about the motivations that drive legendary figures like Mayweather back into the spotlight.
