A spokesperson with Showtime, which has broadcasted a number of Floyd Mayweather’s fights, said that the top boxer “definitely” wants a bout with Manny Pacquiao. It added that Mayweather may want to end his Showtime deal with two fights against the Filipino boxer.
There’s been rumors of a Mayweather fight with Pacquiao--who is set to fight Saturday against Chris Algieri in Macau, China--for years, but it has never materialized. There’s been disagreements on drug testing, money, and personal grudges.
“We can confirm that Floyd Mayweather definitely wants the Pacquiao fight,” a Showtime spokesperson said, according to the Los Times Times.
“Everyone on our side – Floyd, CBS and Showtime – is advocating for the fight to happen.”
In September, Mayweather was asked about fighting the Filipino boxer. “If the Pacquiao fight materializes, let’s make it happen,” Mayweather said, via the LA Times.
Two boxing officials who are close to Mayweather also told the Times that he wants to fight Pacquaio more than ever. He has even floated an idea about ending his deal with Showtime on two Pacquiao fights.
The Times reported that CBS Chief Executive Leslie Moonves is trying to bring the two sides together to make the fight happen.
“The guy carrying the ball is Moonves,” Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum said. “He and I have talked on a number of occasions and he has suggested we see if we can reach an understanding. I assume, without knowing for a fact, that he’s talking to the Mayweather camp.”
He also told GMA News: “One of the leading television executives in the country. I have no idea if he can get [Pacquiao-Mayweather] done or not, though, because I cannot talk for Mayweather.”
“If it happens, we’re considering the Cowboys Stadium,” Arum told GMA. “It is the only venue which has the capacity to host a big show such as the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight.”
Cowboys Stadium, known as AT&T Stadium in Irving, Tex., can seat 105,000 people. Pacquiao has fought there twice.
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