Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather Fight News 2015: Date Unknown But Venue Chosen as MGM Grand

By Virnelli Mercader, Christian Post Contributor Monday, January 12, 2015

After much negotiation, the boxing match that everyone is waiting for is closer to becoming a reality as Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have come to an agreement regarding the venue of their much-awaited fight.

Both boxers have agreed that if the fight should take place, it should happen at the Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Pacquiao has fought 8 of his last 12 matches in the venue, while Mayweather has fought his last 10 consecutive fights in the arena, so the place is very familiar to both of them.

Both boxers have not signed a final contract yet, but according to a source from Los Angeles Times, negotiations are ongoing and that there has been progress in the talks that have been put on and off for almost five years now. The source, a boxing authority involved in the negotiations who reportedly wished to remain anonymous, said that a final decision may be made in the next seven to 10 days.

A highly contested issue is the purse, and the Los Angeles Times' source said that Mayweather wants a 60-40 split in his favor and that Pacquiao's side has expressed willingness to consider this.

In an interview with Sky Sports last month, the Filipino boxer said that the money was not an issue in their fight.

"Mayweather can get the amount he wants. I challenged him to a charity fight. Until now, he has not agreed to it. So money is not an issue in our fight. This fight is about legacy, this is about making fans happy and above all, this is for the good of boxing," Pacquiao said.

Aside from the contract, the drug testing, fight date, and the deal between HBO and Showtime need to be addressed before the match can take place.

According to a report in the Manila Standard, Pacquiao said that he expects to announce the eagerly anticipated bout with Mayweather "before the end of the month."

"We will make an announcement before the end of the month," said Pacquiao. "I think it will happen."