Floyd Mayweather could make a sensational return to professional boxing for a rematch with Manny Pacquiao, but only if the Filipino defeats Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title this Saturday in Las Vegas.
The 46-year-old Pacquiao is attempting to become the division's oldest champion when he faces the 30-year-old Barrios, marking his first professional bout since losing to Yordenis Ugas in 2021.
Mayweather, who has maintained his perfect 50-0 record since retiring in 2017 following his victory over Conor McGregor, has limited himself to exhibition matches in recent years.
The American boxing legend will reportedly be ringside for Pacquiao's comeback fight, with journalist Lance Pugmire revealing that Mayweather's camp told him: "Conversations are already happening … if Manny wins, this (rematch) could be worth billions."
PA
|Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao could sensationally agree to meet again in the ring
Mayweather is expected to attend with two fighters competing on the card, according to sources at his Las Vegas boxing club.
The potential rematch has gained momentum despite Pacquiao recently claiming Mayweather would be too "scared" to make it happen, whilst the American had previously dismissed talk of a sequel when Pacquiao announced it at a RIZN event.
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Their first meeting in 2015, billed as the "Fight of The Century", generated the biggest commercial revenue in boxing history, with Mayweather winning by unanimous decision.
Pacquiao later claimed he entered the fight with a shoulder problem and underwent rotator cuff surgery afterwards.
Mayweather addressed the rivalry, saying: "He got famous because they said that this could be the guy to possibly dethrone the king. Did it happen? Absolutely not. Was it easy? Absolutely."
The American also revealed that Pacquiao mentioning his name for a potential rematch earned him "a cheque for four million [dollars]."
Mayweather has remained active on the exhibition circuit since retirement, facing limited opposition including influencers Logan Paul and Deji Olatunji, with his last exhibition being a rematch against John Gotti III last year.
A professional return would risk his undefeated record, which has been vital for his brand.
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GETTY | Floyd Mayweather beat Manny Pacquiao in their famous bout in 2015
Pacquiao criticised their previous encounter, saying: "Floyd Mayweather is running the whole 12 rounds, and he won the fight.
"How is that amazing? I feel sorry for the fans because the fight was boring."
He added: "Rematch, with Floyd? I'm still active. It's up to him if he's going to fight."
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