The bout that was billed as The Fight of the Century between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao in 2015 turned out to be a major disappointment, as Money Man’s defensive tactics made it hugely difficult for the Pac-Man to get a foothold in the match. The drawn out dance of the two biggest names in boxing turned out to be somewhat of a snooze fest.
Despite the low entertainment value, the encounter was the highest grossing pay-per-view match of all time, and broke records with over $410million USD revenue. There is no doubt that the organisers would like to see a rematch between the two stars, because it would provide an opportunity to rake in large sums of money once again. And boxing fans may feel as if a second match may serve as recompense for the anti-climax of the first meeting between the two fighters.
Reports suggest that Pacquiao wasn’t 100% fit in the match on May 2nd 2015, and that he was still in the process of recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in training. This was apparently aggravated in the fourth round and, if this was true, could have seriously hindered the Filipino. There were also allegations that Mayweather had been administered IV fluids that had not been authorised by Nevada State Athletic Commission. These are two prime reasons to stage a rematch on level terms.
Indeed, Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach has said in an “On the Ropes” interview that he believes if Manny had been 100% he would have destroyed Mayweather. He also stated that the duo remain in boxing “to get Mayweather”.
Pacquiao, although busy with political commitments as a Senator in the Philippines, could potentially return to the ring later this year, and rumours suggest that the 37-year-old could be paired against Jessie Vargas. In the meantime, Vargas will face off against Kel Brook on Saturday August 27th, but according to the Bet365 boxing betting news, Brook is already eying a unification showdown with Keith Thurman. Vargas would have to be at the top of his game to beat the current IBF Welterweight champion, and a meeting with Pacquiao would prove an equally daunting challenge for the 27-year-old.
Pacquiao’s ideal match-up would be against his bitter rival, Mayweather, though, and Roach has stated that they will do everything they can to get the undefeated boxer back into the ring. Mayweather, on the other hand may be more hesitant. He won’t want to blemish his 100% record, and he will also feel that he won the first encounter fair and square.
Mayweather also told Roach recently that he hadn’t worked out a day since he retired. There were speculations that the 39-year-old may be enticed back to the ring to face UFC fighter, Conor McGregor, but those rumours have been quashed by the news that McGregor will be returning to UFC for a rematch with Nate Diaz.
As it stands, it looks as though a second go between Mayweather and Pacquiao is unlikely in the near future. But with the amount of money to be made should these two meet again, it may well be on the cards at some stage down the line.
