The stakes have been raised ahead of a potential rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
The modern greats could be set to face each other for the second time next year, over ten years on from their first meeting which was dubbed ‘The Fight Of The Century’.
‘Money’ Mayweather boxed his way to a comprehensive unanimous decision victory over the Filipino icon at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas back in May of 2015, unifying the WBC, WBA and WBO welterweight titles in the process.
Despite announcing his retirement from the professional ranks in 2017, Mayweather has left the door open for a return to the ring since then and has participated in a number of exhibition bouts over the years.
It has now been reported this week that Mayweather and Pacquiao are in talks over a second meeting, and now a belt could be added to the contest.
As revealed at a recent IBA Press Conference by Director Al Siesta, the rematch between Mayweather and Pacquiao could be contested for an IBA world title, as long as both fighters are able to come to a suitable agreement.
“If Mayweather will agree and Manny would like that fight, we’ll put that at IBA and we’ll put IBA world title on the line.”
Pacquiao made a return to the ring back in the summer, fighting to a majority decision draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, although many viewers felt the 46-year-old had done enough to be declared the winner.
Mayweather’s last ring appearance came in August of 2024 when he faced John Gotti III in an unscored exhibition for the second time. He recently announced another exhibition against Mike Tyson, slated for next year, though these talks with Pacquiao are expected to overtake that.
