WBC backs Mayweather-Pacquiao megabout

MANILA, Philippines – The World Boxing Council declared its support in the staging of the long-overdue duel between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.

In a statement posted in its official website, the Mexico-based boxing sanctioning organization urged Pacquiao and Mayweather to iron things out and make the fight happen.

“After Floyd Mayweather clearly defeated Marcos Maidana in their much anticipated rematch, there have been countless news stories, articles and statements in the press regarding the fight that has been in the makings for several years. Clearly and simply – the world wants to see Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao,” the WBC said.

“Mayweather, the WBC Welterweight and Superwelterweight champion of the world, has been the pound-for-pound driving force of the sport in recent years, while Pacquiao is an iconic champion who has reestablished the interest of the boxing world after his dramatic loss in his fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez,” it added.

Pacquiao has long been ranked by the WBC as the number one contender to Mayweather’s welterweight title. Curiously, the influential organization has failed to make the Filipino the mandatory challenger to the undefeated American.

“The WBC has been extremely supportive, and in fact ranked Pacquiao as number one contender in the welterweight division after his comeback victory against Brandon Rios,” the organization said.

According to WBC rules, a champion must defend his title at least once every 120 days, but not necessarily against the number one contender. This has enabled Mayweather to keep his title even without facing Pacquiao.

The WBC, meanwhile, also offered an explanation as to why the fight, expected to be the richest in the sports’ history, remained elusive. Interestingly, it blamed Pacquiao’s decision to go for the title of a rival organization, the World Boxing Organization.

“With this ranking in the month of December, 2013, Pacquiao was in line to have the fight against Mayweather, but unfortunately his plans were different and he challenged Timothy Bradley, conquering the WBO championship,” the WBC said.

The clamor for the Pacquiao and Mayweather to face each other reached its peak again, especially after the latter said he’ll fight two more times before retiring in 2015.

Pacquiao takes on Chris Algieri in Macau on November 23, and if the fighting congressman wins, it probably will be the last time both camps will try to find common ground and finalize the megabuck bout.

“The WBC hereby ratifies complete support and commends Mayweather and Pacquiao to sit down and make the fight happen, if Pacquiao successfully wins his upcoming fight against Chris Algieri,” the WBC statement continued.

“Both Mayweather and Pacquiao have great history in the WBC and without a doubt their fight would be one of the biggest events in the history of boxing and our sport.”