Door opens for rematch

MANILA, Philippines — After Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s adviser Leonard Ellerbe declared “zero interest” in fighting Manny Pacquiao in a rematch a week ago, it appears the undefeated American fighter may be changing his mind.

The other day, Mayweather was interviewed in the ring following WBA superfeatherweight champion Gervonta (Tank) Davis’ second round demolition of Panama’s Ricardo Nunez before 14,686 fans in Baltimore. Asked by TV commentator Jim Gray if he plans to shine again in the ring, Mayweather said, “We don’t know … only time will tell.” It’s the first public statement by Mayweather somehow opening the door for a comeback.

Gray didn’t exactly ask Mayweather if he’s un-retiring but his subtle approach drew a glimmer of hope that a Pacquiao rematch isn’t a closed book. The reply certainly contradicted Ellerbe’s earlier pronouncement of “zero interest” because Mayweather could’ve doused speculation once and for all by saying no to Gray.

Ellerbe, quoted by Harry Davies in boxingscene.com, said, “Floyd has no interest (in a Pacquiao rematch), he has zero interest … he’s been doing this all his life and after a while, you get burned out … he’s given the sport everything.”

Mayweather was at ringside when Pacquiao scored a split 12-round decision over previously unbeaten Keith Thurman in Las Vegas last week. But after Pacquiao won, Mayweather quietly slipped out of the MGM Grand Garden Arena, avoiding reporters who surely would’ve asked if a rematch was imminent. Mayweather, who’s involved with Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), probably didn’t want to rob Pacquiao of his moment of glory in the spotlight. PBC now co-promotes Pacquiao with the Filipino champion.

But a few days after the fight, Mayweather and Pacquiao took to social media in blasting each other over claims of legacy. Mayweather said he’s the boss and Pacquiao is now his employee. He said in 2015, “I won so easily” over Pacquiao and “this man’s entire legacy and career has been built off his association with my name.” Pacquiao answered back, challenging Mayweather to a rematch “if you want to be relevant again.” Then, Mayweather belittled Pacquiao’s $10 million guaranteed paycheck for the Thurman fight, noting that “I just made $9 million in under three minutes playing around in an exhibition with a pizza delivery guy.” Mayweather said he beat Pacquiao “physically, mentally and financially.”

The back-and-forth bashing fueled talk along cauliflower row that a rematch is brewing. There’s no reason for Mayweather to attack Pacquiao in social media other than to test public interest in a possible rematch. 

With Mayweather, it’s all about money. His duel with Pacquiao attracted 4.6 million pay-per-view hits, a world record, and earned the biggest paychecks for both fighters. It has been reported that Mayweather walked away with at least $180 million and Pacquiao, $120 million. A rematch may not bring in as much income considering Mayweather is now 42 and Pacquiao, 40 but if it generates at least half the revenue stream as the first fight, it would surely be worth a re-run.