Legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao has revealed he is in talks to stage an incredible rematch against his old rival Floyd Mayweather this December in Japan.
The two iconic boxers last fought in 2015 – with Mayweather winning via a unanimous decision against the injured Filipino fighter – in a showdown that was dubbed ‘fight of the century’ but ultimately disappointed inside the ring.
It pitted the two superstar welterweight fighters against each other after years of speculation that the pair could face each other – with the fight generating around 4.6million pay-per-view buys to become the most watched bout ever.
Now Pacquiao has claimed the pair are in talks to square off once more – despite both men retiring long ago – and said it could happen as soon as December.
‘I’m still active, I’m an active guy, I’m actively training. I have an exhibition match this coming December,’ he said, as reported by the Sun.
‘In Japan. We’re working on it, the opponent. We’re working with Mayweather. Yes [a Mayweather fight].’
When asked if Mayweather’s unscathed 50-0 record could be on the line should they agree a fight in Japan, he replied: ‘I don’t know, [it could be pro] if he wants. We’re still working on it.’
Mayweather retired in 2017 after beating UFC star Conor McGregor in one of the first major crossover bouts – but has since fought a number of MMA fighters and influencers in lucrative events since hanging up his gloves.
He has already fought in Japan twice – comfortably stopping Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in 2018 before KOing MMA artist Mikuru Asakura in 2022.
His other exhibition bouts have seen him face YouTuber Logan Paul, former boxer Don Moore and ex-Geordie Shore TV star Aaron Chalmers.
Pacquiao, meanwhile, has ventured into the exhibition world for one fight – against YouTuber DK Yoo in South Korea last December.
It comes at a time when Pacquiao has been linked to a number of lucrative bouts – with Amir Khan claiming he was in talks to face the veteran.
Speaking exclusively to Mail Sport, Khan said: ‘You’ve been hearing rumours Manny Pacquiao is in town. We are in talks. We’ve spoken a few times and that fight could happen. There’s a lot of interest in that fight between Manny Pacquiao and myself.
‘Manny is in town so this is where me and him will have a sit down. If it happens (the fight) here or somewhere else it would be great.
‘If I fight Manny Pacquiao I think it will be a brilliant fight. I’ve always looked up to him and we know each other quite well.’
Pacquiao later confirmed he was indeed in negotiations with Khan – before Irish UFC fighter McGregor said he himself had discussions to fight the 44-year-old in Saudi Arabia just days later.
‘One of us in the MMA sphere is going to have to put a dint in the boxing run,’ he said. ‘We’re going to have to get in, switch the roles and get a win. And now it’s MMA time.
’I feel like I’m the person that can do that. His excellency (Mohammad bin Salman) set myself and Manny Pacquiao together. There was a discussion, it was close for us to fight in Saudi Arabia about two or three years ago now.
‘I’m sure we’ll pick where we left off. MMA is what I have lined up right now so that’s where I’m at. Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom and UFC have a deal so it’s growing. I’m up for anything.’
