Floyd Mayweather Jr. is willing to give Manny Pacquiao a rematch and Pacman is willing to take it.
After learning that Pacquiao needs surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, Mayweather text-messaged ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, "I will fight him in a year after his surgery."
Upon hearing that, Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, jumped at the chance to say that Pacman would be willing to accept the undefeated champion's offer — adding that he doesn't think the negotiations will be that difficult the second time around.
"I think we now know what the pitfalls were," Arum told ESPN. "And, ultimately, with all the aggravation and trouble, look at the pot of gold that we both produced. I think there will probably be less aggravation in a rematch. We understand each other better now. There's a real possibility it could work even better."
After defeating Pacquiao by unanimous decision on the evening of May 2, Mayweather vowed that he'd make a September fight his last.
However, Arum thinks that if Mayweather is serious about the Pacquiao rematch, he'll vacate that September plan and instead wait to fight Pacman again in April of 2016. Arum – ever the promoter – also said the timing would be perfect, considering MGM will be opening up its new 20,000-seat stadium at that time.
Saturday night's "Fight of the Century" just didn't live up to the hype — but the overall interest level for a rematch remains to be seen. Before a possible rematch can even be negotiated, Pacquiao must undergo shoulder surgery, which will keep him out of action from nine months to a year.
He also faces a possible fine or suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission for reportedly hiding his shoulder injury before Saturday night's fight. Given the chance during a Friday questionnaire, Pacquiao didn't document his shoulder injury — leading many to believe he hid it to ensure his reported $120 million earnings for the fight.
Gamblers don't like it one bit. Pacquiao has been hit with two class-action lawsuits by fans, alleging that the shady concealment of his injury misled betters heading into the fight, according to TMZ Sports.
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