The media is partially to blame for all this, as it dredges up the potential mega-fight any time either man is about to fight someone else. Since Manny Pacquiao is preparing for a third go-round with Juan Manuel Marquez on November 12, he’s had to shoulder most of the burden of answering those (same) questions in recent weeks.
That changed a few days ago when longtime Floyd Mayweather adviser Leonard Ellerbe told ESPN’s Dan Rafael that Floyd would return to the ring on May 5 of next year. Not only that, but Ellerbe specifically mentioned Mayweather seeking “the biggest fight possible” and that it would likely involve “the little fella,” which isn’t something I would personally call Pac-Man. Oh, and that sound you heard was the hype train getting revved back up.
Since I don’t have the energy or inclination to go back over everything we’ve seen and heard discussed over the past few years, let’s stick to things we actually know: Mayweather is going to fight someone next spring
Floyd is certainly timing this announcement for dramatic effect, but it wasn’t solely a publicity stunt or negotiating tactic. He’s not getting any younger, and he’s plenty smart enough to maximize his earning power while he has the chance.
Mayweather’s most recent bout sold around 1.25 million pay-per-view buys despite the fact that opponent Victor Ortiz wasn’t a well known commodity except to hardcore boxing fans. He’ll make money even if he can’t or won’t make the Pacquiao fight happen.
So while I’d never even bet one cent of my own dough that Pacquiao-Mayweather is actually going to take place, I’d wager quite a bit that we’ll be watching Floyd trade leather with someone come May 5.
