Rematch likely
Arum, CEO of Top Rank Boxing, told TMZ that he does not think a rematch is something the two fighters would be able to say no to were there a demand for such a fight — another way of saying “let the hype begin.” And it has, with dozens of media publishing stories on the prospects of a follow-up to the fight that collectively made the two hundreds of millions of dollars.
“If the match was available, I believe (Pacquaio) would come back for that match,” Arum said. “If either man agrees to fight, my feeling is that they won’t be able to resist. It’s close to 50-50 but probably leaning more toward the fight happening…more likely than not.”
He’s not the only one from a high-level suggesting Pacquiao may get back into the ring to try and beat Floyd Mayweather, who won their first bout in an unanimous decision. The Pacquiao camp say their fight stepped into the ring with an ailing shoulder, which he’s since rehabbed.
Mayweather-Pacquiao fight hype
Joining Arum in saying the two will battle again is Stephen Espinoza, from U.S. cable network giant Showtime, part of the broadcast of the first fight between the two legends.
“If there is a demand for this fight I believe Floyd will give it strong consideration,” he said. “It is up to the fans and the media but if people are interested and make their voices heard we will start working on it.”
Mayweather retired after his win over Pacquiao last year while Pacquiao just beat Timothy Bradley in a unanimous decision and has now also retired. The first fight between the two was not what the hype suggested it might be, with Mayweather dominating by use of his legendary defensive tactics.
It may have been the most hyped fight, however, in the history of the sport. There has been speculation since that first fight, including an article by this writer, that the lure of another massive payout would lead to a second fight.
Mayweather, 39, “retired” at 49-0 and would put that undefeated record on the line should he fight again, a fact that will surely become part of the hype should another fight take place. Pacquiao, 37, “retired” at 58-6-2.
