Boxing fans may get to see the matchup of their lifetimes if Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather finally agree to a fight deal.
Mayweather, according to the Associated Press, called for negotiations for the fight to take place on May 2. However, he warned the Filipino boxing champion to tamper his compensation expectations from the matchup.
"You lost twice and now you're coming back begging for the same money?" Mayweather asked. "That's not gonna happen."
Mayweather made those comments on Showtime Sports on Friday night from a fight card he was promoting in San Antonio. Pacquiao told Sky Sports that the money that could potentially be made off the fight is not an issue for him.
"Mayweather can get the amount he wants," Pacquiao said. "As early as January this year, I challenged him to a charity fight. Until now, he has not agreed to it. So, money is not the issue in our fight."
Pacquiao added that this fight will focus on "legacy" and "making the fans happy." He said that he will take on Mayweather "for the good of boxing."
According to the Associated Press, Mayweather claimed that Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, has stood in the way for not making the fight happen in the last five years.
"Floyd Mayweather is not ducking or dodging any opponent," Mayweather said. "Bob Arum is stopping the fight. We have been trying to make this fight happen for many years behind the scene."
The Associated Press reported that Arum has been in talks with CBS Corp. chairman Les Moonves about the fight. Mayweather is currently under contract by Showtime, which is operated by CBS, for two more fights in May and September.
Mayweather remains undefeated in 47 fights. He expressed confidence that he could beat Pacquiao in the extremely lucrative fight and brought back old charges about Pacquiao refusing to do blood tests prior to the fight that could have happened five years ago.
"I know that he's not on my level," Mayweather said. "The fan would love to see the fight. And, of course, I want to go out with a bang."
Pacquiao disagreed with Mayweather, noting that this fight was the last option on the table.
"He (Mayweather) has reached a dead end. He has nowhere to run but to fight me," said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao added that he will do his best "to make this a thrilling and entertaining fight," but has his doubts about Mayweather being able to "engage me in a slugfest."
"You all know his fighting style," Pacquiao quipped. "Most of his previous fights, if not all, induced us to sleep."
If the fight ends up taking place, Pacquiao already has a strategy in mind to beat Mayweather.
"I know what I have to do," Pacquiao said. "I will chase him wherever he goes just in case he decides to run around the ring. We will devise a good fight plan against him."
The Associated Press estimated that a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would likely gross at least $250 million, and Mayweather's cut of the purse would be worth more than $100 million.
