NEGOTIATIONS for the long-awaited fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are expected to resume after the holidays. Judging from recent statements made by Mayweather’s close advisers, it seems the unbeaten champion and his team are all set to have Manny Pacquiao on their menu.
Two of Mayweather’s closest advisers said they have already made reservations for a Mayweather May 5 fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.
Although they have not named Pacquiao categorically as his next opponent, it was understood Mayweather wants a Pacquiao fight this time — after more than two years of failed negotiations.
Oscar de la Hoya, who is representing Mayweather along with Richard Schaefer, said Golden Boy Promotions wants the fight and so does Mayweather.vDe la Hoya is optimistic the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight could indeed take place on May 5 if both camps agree.
Mayweather’s uncle and trainer, Roger Mayweather said in a recent interview on radio station, On the Ropes Boxing Radio: “Any other fight don’t make sense. The only fight that makes sense is Floyd and Pacquiao.”
But another major issue is shaping up which has something to do with fight purse splits. It appears Pacquiao won’t go down on anything lower than 50% of the purse.
There were reports earlier Mayweather wants as high as 60% of the purse. The fight purse issue is slowly becoming a major obstacle in a renewed fight negotiation which will happen after the holidays.
Still, a lot of other issues will have to be dealt with, including the catchweight if there is going to be one, the billing (whose name will come up first), rematch clause and the penalties for going over the agreed weight, among other things. [MPBOXING.COM]
