MANILA, Philippines – After keeping mum for a while, Floyd Mayweather Jr. finally broke his silence and challenged Manny Pacquiao to a super fight that boxing fans all over the world have long been craving.
In an extensive interview with Showtime, the undefeated American confirmed his desire to lock horns with Pacquiao in a mega bout seen to be the richest in boxing history.
Mayweather recalled the failed talks he had with the Filipino icon’s camp several years ago, blaming Pacquiao for his then reluctance to undergo random blood testing.
WATCH #Mayweather call out #Pacquiao - http://t.co/RkgPaHAG8f #boxing
— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) December 13, 2014 “[I] Absolutely [want the fight]. I would love to fight Manny Pacquiao. We tried to make the fight happen years ago. We had problems with random blood and urine testing. Like I said, I just want an even playing field,” he told the Showtime interviewer.
The interview came after repeated calls by Pacquiao for Mayweather to finally step up to the plate and face him. Pacquiao had been very vocal about fighting Mayweather since dominating Chris Algieri in Macau last month.
Mayweather, for his part, insisted that the fighting congressman only wants a big payday.
“Now he's [Pacquiao] on a really tight situation. He's lost to [Juan Manuel] Marquez. He's lost to (Timothy) Bradley. (Pacquiao’s) Pay-per-view numbers are extremely low. He's desperate. I've been wanting that fight for long. I'm just waiting on them,” he continued.
Mayweather and Pacquiao are set to earn career-high purses facing each other. Both will also be entitled to a portion of the revenues from pay-per-views and live gate, but Mayweather is expected to demand the lion’s share.
Additionally, the fight should be aired on Showtime, Mayweather’s home network and chief rival of HBO Sports, which earns the rights to broadcast Pacquiao’s fights.
“Of course we have to make the fight happen on Showtime pay-per-view, because Showtime Championship Boxing is number 1 and will remain number one. I'm here to stay,” Mayweather insisted.
The Las Vegas-based fighter went on to say he isn’t avoiding Pacquiao like many others perceive, instead blaming Top Rank chief Bob Arum for the fight not materializing.
“Floyd Mayweather isn't ducking or dodging any opponent. Bob Arum is stopping the fight. We've been trying to make this fight happen behind the scenes for years now but the fans and the people have been fooled because they have been listening to one side,” he explained.
Arum earlier said talks are ongoing to arrange the fight, but so far failed to mention any specifics. Mayweather beat his former promoter to it when he mentioned the date he expects to tangle with Pacquiao.
“Now it's time for us to talk. We want the fight. We are ready. Let's fight. Let's make it happen. May 2nd. Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao. Let's do it!” he said.
Mayweather ended the interview with another swipe at Pacquiao, something he had done on social media the past few weeks.
He’s extremely confident of defeating the Filipino.
“He's not on my level,” Mayweather said.