Manny Pacquiao will only consider a rematch with Floyd Mayweather if it is a sanctioned professional fight.
The Filipino icon returns to the paid ranks on Saturday night in a WBC welterweight title clash against Mario Barrios in Las Vegas.
If Pacquiao, now aged 46, can overcome the odds to become the second-oldest world champion in boxing history, then his first defence could come against his old foe ‘Money’ Mayweather.
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A text message from Team Mayweather to esteemed boxing journalist Lance Pugmire reveals that both parties have already touched base over a money-spinning sequel.
“Conversations are already happening,” read the text. “If Manny wins, this rematch could be worth billions.”
The fierce rivals were in talks to meet in an exhibition bout last year, but it never came to fruition.
Part of the reason they were unable to get past the negotiation table was that Pacquiao only wanted to face Mayweather in a ‘real fight’.
“I don’t know if it will happen by the end of the year, but he will see,” Pacquiao told the Ariel Helwani Show when quizzed on a second fight with Mayweather.
“One at a time. Of course [I would be interested in fighting Mayweather].
“He has been ducking me. I don’t want an exhibition, I want a real fight.
“It’s been a long time that I have wanted to give the fans a good fight between me and him.
“But he has been ducking and avoiding me. Let’s focus on this Saturday, I have business to take care of.”
Mayweather famously defeated Pacquiao via unanimous decision in 2015 to unify the WBC, WBA and WBO welterweight titles.
The much-anticipated showdown shattered multiple all-time records, including pay-per-view buys, pay-per-view revenue and live gate.
Mayweather vs Pacquiao eclipsed 4.6million pay-per-view buys and grossed over $600million to become the richest fight in boxing history.
It seems unlikely a second fight would generate the same commercial success, given the ever-changing market and both men’s advanced age.
But there appears to be interest from both sides.
It remains to be seen whether Mayweather would be willing to risk his perfect 50-0 record in a pro bout, although the first ballot Hall of Famer may be forced to if he wants to run it back with Pacquiao.
