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29 March 2024

Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao vs Floyd 'Money' Mayweather May 2 fight may spark Ali-Frazier era trilogy

Published
By Allaam Ousman

The long awaited showdown between Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao and unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather Jr. could lead to a trilogy rekindling memories of the Ali-Frazier duels.

Muhammad Ali lost the 'Fight of the Century' on March 8, 1971 against his erstwhile rival Joe Frazier, before winning the rematch in January 1974 and the 'Thrilla in Manila' on October 1975.

The two heavyweights featured in 41 brutal rounds defying the limits of human endurance to stamp their legacy in boxing folklore.

Pacquiao and Mayweather have yet to throw a punch but their rivalry is reaching a zenith since they are considered the best pound-for-pound boxers of this generation.

It has reached mythical proportions and the fight boxing fans want to see is finally expected to take place in 2015.

However, one fight may not be enough to determine who is the better fighter, according to Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach.

"I would love to see these guys fight more than once. If they split the first two, we could have a third, there could be a rubber match. We could have three big fights. It's been done before, it could be done again," Roach told The Fight Game via BoxingScene.

Mayweather, who is coming off two consecutive victories against Marcos Maidana earlier this year, has said he wants to face Pacquiao on Cinco de Mayo weekend on May 2 next year.

A UAE investment group has upped the ante by raising Mayweather's already record-setting purse to an unprecented $120 million, according to BoxingScene.com website.     

Mayweather, nicknamed 'Money', has confirmed that he is only motivated by money.

"Got to give them another reason to hate, but I will motivate people that are ambitious and want to be winners in life. I'm materialistic and I'm motivated by money," Mayweather has posted on the social networks according to BoxingScene.com website.

He is aware that there is no bigger fight financially than fighting Pacquiao, although there are rumours that the Mayweather camp is also courting WBC middleweight champion Miguel Cotto for a rematch on May 2.

Roach taunted Mayweather, 37, who has 47-0 record (26 KOs) to accept the challenge of facing 'Pacman' Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs).

"He is so in love with that zero on that record," Roach said of Mayweather. "That's the thing with boxing, if you are champion of the world you fight everybody, you don't duck anybody and you fight all comers. If he retires not fighting Manny, that will be a big question when he's asked for things. I think that will ruin his legacy."

Pacquiao, 36, says he is ready to fight Mayweather anytime.

In his official Instagram account, Pacquiao has revealed his two reasons why he wants to make the fight happen.

“Two (2) reasons why I want the Mayweather fight. (1). My oldest son Jimuel. He asked me before my career is over to fight Floyd first. I don't want my son to think of me as a coward. (2). The Fans. It is what everyone wants. I am going to do everything in my power to make the fight happen. God Bless,” Pacquiao posted.