Mayweather, Pacquiao camps deny reports about possible rematch
The representatives for undefeated welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are already negotiating terms for a possible rematch, according to a report from the New York Post.
Mayweather won the welterweight unification bout by unanimous decision on May 2 and has said he refuses to give Pacquiao a rematch, calling him a “sore loser” because he used his injured shoulder as an excuse for losing.
Both sides deny they are having talks about a rematch, but the New York Post reports "it's already being negotiated." According to the report, Showtime, HBO, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum and others want a second fight.
The fight would be the first event at the under-construction MGM–AEG Arena set to open next year, the Post reported.
• Pacquiao returns to the Philippines, hints at possible retirement
Pacquaio returned home to the Philippines this week and says he is not focused on Mayweather at this time, but instead will concentrate on rehab for his injured shoulder. Pacquiao had surgery to repair a torn right rotator cuff he says was injured weeks before the bout. He is expected to be out for the next nine months to a year.
Mayweather-Pacquiao Fight of the Century proved to be an artistic bust
The first fight between the two broke pay-per-view and live gate records and generated more than $600 million in revenue.
Pacquiao faces multiple lawsuits that accuse him of lying about his injury and he could also be fined or suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission if he is found to have been dishonest on the questionnaire about his injured right shoulder.
- Scooby Axson