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.

A staggering rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao could be back on the cards.

The pair famously met in the ‘Fight of The Century’ in 2015, which Mayweather won, but the event was the biggest commercial and revenue-generating success in boxing history.

Anticipation for a rematch was huge given the size of the all-time great’s profiles, but it never materialised given both were coming to the end of their respective careers.

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At the start of 2024, ‘Pac Man’ staggeringly appeared to announce a sequel would take place in 2025 after the pair met, but it failed to materialise.

But now the Filipino legend will be fighting in a full professional comeback against Mario Barrios this Saturday in Las Vegas for the WBC welterweight title.

Mayweather has previously been against making his own full comeback, given he owns a perfect 50-0 record.

Albeit in a staggering revelation, it appears that talks over a second instalment of their epic rivalry have now been brought back to the table.

In a quote obtained by renowned journalist Lance Pugmire from Mayweather’s camp, they believe it could be worth a record-breaking purse.

It read: “Conversations are already happening. If Manny wins, this rematch could be worth billions.”

Should Pacquiao taste victory in what would be an upset against a 30-year-old champion, it could set up a world title clash with Mayweather.

But it is unclear if the American would prefer to keep the second meeting within the rules of an exhibition or not.

Mayweather has fought in a series of exhibitions since retiring after a victory over Conor McGregor in 2017.

And he has only faced limited opposition including the likes of influencers Logan Paul and Deji Olatunji.

A showdown with Pacquiao would be a far meaner feat, despite the pair being far from the peak of their legendary powers.

But it remains to be seen if Pacquiao can pick up a win, given he looked a shadow of himself in his previous exhibition with kickboxing star Rukiya Anpo last year.

There are also justifiable health concerns regarding his return.

However, Pacquiao seems firmly open to the idea of renewing his rivalry with ‘Money’.

And he has already started a new war of words by criticising his famous foe in the build-up to his comeback.

He said of their previous clash: “Floyd Mayweather is running the whole 12 rounds, and he won the fight. How is that amazing?

“I feel sorry for the fans because the fight was boring. That’s not what the fans are expecting to us, as a fighter.

“As a fan, I want to see an exciting fight. Not a fashion show. Action!

“Rematch, with Floyd? I’m still active. It’s up to him if he’s going to fight.”