21 February 2024 , 07:43
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Floyd Mayweather has claimed Manny Pacquiao had to pay him a massive $4million for announcing talks of their potential rematch.
Former eight-weight world champion Pacquiao shocked the boxing world by announcing plans of a rematch against Mayweather on New Year’s Eve. “I will see you here in Japan again, for a big fight. Floyd Mayweather, I thought you wouldn’t want me to say that. I am excited for that," Pacquiao said whilst appearing at a RIZIN event.
Mayweather beat Pacquiao in their ‘Fight of the Century’ almost a decade ago and the fight still holds the record for the most pay-per-view sales in boxing history at 4.6million.
Their rematch is far from official however, as talks haven’t progressed since Pacquiao announced it two months ago. Mayweather slammed his rival whilst appearing on The Pivot Podcast as he said: “When Manny Pacquiao spoke about that, he shouldn’t have because there’s a time and a place for everything.”
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“It’s so crazy when he spoke about it. I could have easily come out and say, ‘Yeah you spoke about it I ain’t have to say nothing’. Just by him saying my name they gave me a cheque for $4 million.
"Who I mean you know. I don’t like to throw certain individuals under the bus but remember, he got famous because they said he could be the guy that could possibly dethrone the king.
“Did it happen? Absolutely not. Was it easy? Absolutely.” Mayweather won a relatively one-sided decision against Pacquiao in a fight that failed to live up to its massive hype, with Pacquiao later blaming a shoulder injury on his subpar performance. Mayweather earned upwards of $200million for the fight with Pacquiao also pocketing over $100million.
Mayweather only had two more professional fights after facing Pacquiao as he beat Andre Berto before stopping Conor McGregor and retiring with a flawless record of 50-0. Pacquiao retired in August 2021 after losing his welterweight world title to Yordenis Ugas. Pacquiao already has an exhibition fight lined up in April as he will fight muay thai legend Buakaw Banchamek in Thailand.
Mayweather has been involved in several exhibition fights since hanging up his gloves as he shared the ring with the likes of YouTube star Logan Paul and the grandson of mob boss John Gotti. The boxing legend was expected to face Gotti III in a rematch on Super Bowl weekend but the fight has seemingly been pushed back.