Pacquiao vs Mayweather Fight Rumors 2014: Boxer Reiterates Intent to Fight
The Philippine eight-weight champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao has expressed his continued interest to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Before his fight Saturday against Chris Algieri in Macau, an advertisement for Foot Locker was released which celebrates a likely scenario where the Filipino boxer would fight the American, Mayweather.
Pacquiao was asked about the prospect of fighting Mayweather in which he replied, "I would like it to happen. I've told him my phone line is open 24 hours, seven days a week."
Both Pacquiao and Mayweather are considered to be the best fighters of their generation, with Pacquiao having won 56 of his 63 fights while Mayweather has remained undefeated.
The advertisement features Pacquiao overhearing a conversation in the gym, and he comes to believe that Mayweather has agreed to the much anticipated super bout. The welterweight champion then celebrates by shadow boxing and reflects the wishes of many boxing fans who wish to see the fight.
Pacquiao had been hoping that the fight happens, even months before his fight with Algieri. "I'm crossing my fingers that that fight will happen but right now my mind is already set to focus on my next fight with Algieri. I think the time to talk about that issue is after the fight," Pacquiao said October.
Boxing promoter Bob Arum is also hopeful that the match will happen.
"I am now more optimistic that the fight is going to happen than I was three or four years ago. I am talking to responsible people who are in touch with the Mayweather guys. All of these people have the ability to move it ahead and make it happen," Arum says.