Manny-Floyd rematch to happen?

MANILA, Philippines — Premier Boxing Champions owner Al Haymon is supposedly convinced a rematch between super WBA welterweight champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao and undefeated Floyd Mayweather, Jr. will happen sooner or later.

“Al thinks it’s coming,” said a source. “I love his thoughts. This crisis is affecting everybody, including Floyd and for sure, he wouldn’t mind making over a hundred million dollars when the situation normalizes.”

There is talk that boxing may be back in business in some parts of the US and Europe by June but under controlled conditions, including a limited audience. “The big names in boxing like Manny, Triple G, Canelo, Errol Spence and Anthony Joshua make a lot of money with the fans they pull in but we don’t know how long before fights are back and crowds are allowed in again,” said the source. “Everyone’s hoping and praying this ends soon.”

For Pacquiao, the plan was to fight in Saudi Arabia in July with Mikey Garcia the leading candidate as opponent. Pacquiao himself confirmed that talks had begun to arrange the bout. When news came out that Mayweather was back in the gym, Pacquiao said his next opponent is now up in the air. “It depends on Floyd,” said Pacquiao, indicating who’s No. 1 in his wish list.

Pacquiao, 41, hasn’t fought since defeating Keith Thurman in Las Vegas last July while Mayweather, 43, is coming off a first round knockout over hapless Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Kasukawa in an exhibition in Saitama in December 2018. Mayweather claimed he was paid $9 million for the stunt.

If the situation normalizes, Pacquiao could fight once this year in September or October or even in December, perhaps against Mikey Garcia. Saudi Arabia could be the host and will be able to control who enters the stadium to watch.  When the crowds are allowed back in, then it would make sense to stage the Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch in Las Vegas next year for what could be their final fight. As for Top Rank CEO Bob Arum’s recent hint that Terrence Crawford may be Pacquiao’s next opponent, the source said Haymon wouldn’t hear of it.