By James Slater: Could 2011 be the year we finally get to see Manny Pacquiao Vs. Floyd Mayweather? It’s probably way too early to get excited, but there are rumblings that suggest the super-fight might, just might, go ahead this year. Firstly we read how “Money” Mayweather was looking at taking a July fight in South Africa and, assuming he has sorted out all his legal problems by then, the 34-year-old star could indeed be boxing a “tune-up” bout on Nelson Mandela’s 93rd birthday – a tune-up for Pac-Man!
According to Pacquiao advisor Michael Koncz, in speaking with ABS CBN.news.com, fresh talks between the two sides have begun. Members of Pacquiao and Mayweather’s camps have been in contact and “there’s been discussions,” according to Koncz.
“So far, it’s looking positive. [But] it looked positive last time, too. We’re always hoping to entertain a fight with Mayweather.”
The second round of talks, which took place last year, came pretty close to making the fight; as Pac-Man agreed to Mayweather’s demands that he undergo drug tests – at least Pacquiao agreed to take tests up to 14 days before the actual fight. But then negotiations crumbled again. Now, with these new talks going on, the hope resurfaces that we will get to see the mega-fight take place.
Certainly, Oscar De La Hoya is of the belief that we will get to see the fight happen.
“I believe that fight will take place,” The Golden Boy told Reuters. “I believe that Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao understand that it has to take place. I feel they both really want this fight to happen. When the time comes, people will enjoy a tremendous fight because styles make fights.”
For his part, 32-year-old Pacquiao says he is focusing solely on May 7th challenger “Sugar” Shane Mosley right now. Pac-Man will begin his training for the Mosley fight on March 13th. On April 9th, he will begin the next phase of his training, at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles.
Most fans seem to think Pacquiao will defeat Mosley, perhaps in a dominant, inside the distance fashion. But who will he fight after Mosley if he does retain his WBO welterweight crown? Everyone from Timothy Bradley to Ricardo Mayorga has expressed an interest in facing Manny, but will the man we all want to see square off with the P-4-P king make a ring return in the summer?
If, and it is a big if, Mayweather does fight and win in July, the demand that he then fight Pacquiao will be greater than ever. Let’s see how the new talks Koncz speaks of develop!