UAE group hits Floyd, withdraws $120-M offer

MANILA, Philippines - Boxing executive Akbar Muhammad, who represents an investment group from the United Arab Emirates, has announced that the firm has decided to rescind the $120 million offer for Floyd Mayweather Jr. to take on Manny Pacquiao in Dubai this year.

In a report by boxingscene.com, Muhammad expressed his disappointment over Mayweather for his disinterest in the group’s offer.

“We want to deal with serious individuals, individuals who have the ability to make a decision. Regretfully, that is not the case with Mr. Mayweather,” the boxing executive said.

The investment group made the offer to Mayweather late November last year, hoping to stage what is expected to be the biggest and richest fight in boxing history.

“The Abu Dhabi group is serious, and I will not allow them to dangle an inordinate amount of time. Now that time has come and the offer is gone,” said Muhammad.

He continued to blast the Mayweather camp, whom the undefeated boxer fondly calls “The Money Team”.

“One, if Mr. Mayweather wishes to pass on, in essence, $120 million net dollars and, instead, fight for hot dog money, all I can say is that ‘The Money Team’ might consider rethinking its nickname,” Muhammad said.

“Two, the very best of all time are just that because they overcame adversity; they met and beat their nemesis. That’s (Muhammad) Ali meeting and beating (Joe) Frazier; that’s (Ray) Leonard meeting and beating (Thomas) Hearns,” he added.

Pacquiao has been very vocal in wanting to fight Mayweather, calling out the boxer many times since he routed Chris Algieri in Macau last year.