Manny Pacquiao Puts Deadline on Floyd Mayweather for 2015 Boxing Match
All eyes are on Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. as they continue to negotiate to make the biggest and richest fight a reality. Now, Pacquiao has issued an ultimatum to Mayweather to sign by the end of January or the proposed Las Vegas superfight, penciled in for May 2, is off. Talks for the much-anticipated match has been ongoing on and off over the last five years.
In a visit to the LA Times to promote his documentary film, "Manny," which is narrated by actor Liam Neeson, the Filipino fighter said he's ready to fight Floyd Mayweather.
"My promoter and I, we've already agreed to the terms and conditions of whatever he wants. We're just waiting on the signed contract from him," Pacquiao said.
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It was previously reported that Pacquiao has agreed for the fight to happen on May 2, which was the date that Mayweather wants. Apart from that, he has also agreed to get the smaller share of the purse, as Pacquiao has agreed to get 40 percent from it, leaving the 60 percent for the American boxer.
There has been speculation that even though both camps have been talking, Mayweather could pull out of the fight at the last minute.
"That's the hard part—if they will fight or not," said Pacquiao. "We have to know soon, because if they will not fight, we can move on and choose another opponent. We have a deadline … this month."
When asked if he thinks the fight will take place, Pacquiao said, "I don't have an idea if the super fight will happen."
"The fans deserve this fight. No more will people bother me. Can this fight happen? It's time to make it happen. We're waiting on a signed contract from him," the Filipino boxer continued.
Meanwhile, Mayweather is denying that a deal is close but confirms that negotiations are ongoing. In an interview with DJ Whoo Kid's "The Whoolywood Shuffle" show, Mayweather said, "I've been saying this for a long time, Pacquiao has no say because he fights for Top Rank Promotions."
"He's not in a position to call the shots right now, he's not on the A-side. I have Mayweather Promotions, it's my company," Mayweather said. "We're trying but its been extremely difficult. I don't want to point the finger at Pacquiao, it's not him, it's his promoter."
Pacquiao immediately took to Twitter after Mayweather's interview and wrote, "I can easily beat Floyd Mayweather, I believe that."
"If you really care about the fans, you will fight. If you care about yourself, you won't fight," he tweeted. "Everyone had me as a big underdog to Oscar De La Hoya too. If Mayweather fights me boxing will get an even bigger upset victory."
