Manny Pacquiao is open to taking a smaller purse in a dream match-up with undefeated American Floyd Mayweather, the Filipino boxing hero’s business manager has revealed. “The talks are already going on,” Eric Pineda said. “It’s more of what the fans want. It’s not about the pay. That’s the least of his concerns.”
Pineda declined to discuss the sums, but in 2012 there was speculation that a fight between the two could lead to the first US$200 million (HK$1.5 billion) purse in boxing history.
Pacquiao, pictured, defeated American Chris Algieri in Macau on Sunday in defending his WBO welterweight crown before throwing down the gauntlet to Mayweather, saying “it has to happen.” ADVERTISEMENT
Pacquiao, 36 next month and one of the richest sportsmen, knocked down Algieri six times, convincing fans he is in shape to face the 37-year- old Mayweather.
Mayweather potentially has more to lose in a fight against Pacquiao. He has a perfect 47-0 record and has won world titles at five weights, so a loss to the Filipino would blot that streak.
Mayweather, the world light middleweight champion, previously demanded a bigger share of the fight purse as a condition for facing Pacquiao.
In the meantime, Pacquiao intends to resume his other sporting interest as playing coach for the Kia team in the Philippines’ professional basketball league, though he made a dismal debut last month.
And he will juggle sporting duties with being a member of the country’s House of Representatives.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
