FLOYD MAYWEATHER and Manny Pacquiao could be set for a rematch – but with a twist on their original money spinner.
Mayweather beat Pacquiao in 2015 to end boxing’s most drawn out saga in a blockbuster worth over £500MILLION.
But even in retirement the pair remain linked with a rematch as they continue to box on in exhibition bouts.
And Japanese MMA promotion Rizin could be the unlikely source to hold the key to a deal between the ring icons.
Pacquiao, 45, returns this weekend in Tokyo against ex-kickboxing champion Rukiya Anpo, 28.
Mayweather, 47, meanwhile has scored two knockout victories against martial arts opponents under the Rizin banner.
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Promoter Nobuyuki Sakakibara revealed a rematch with Pacquiao remains a possibility – so long as professional records are not at stake.
Sakakibara told SunSport: “I wouldn’t be surprised if anything happens these days so the possibility is still there.
“We still have a good relationship with Floyd but he’s not thinking of coming back to real competitive fights.
“I understand that there isn’t no interest from his side on the rematch in non official bout, and Manny is interested.
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“So it all comes down to the timing. And when everything aligns perfectly, I’m sure that rematch will happen.”
Last year, Pacquiao and Sakakibara announced that a rematch with Mayweather was in the works for 2024.
But the American great instead returns on August 24 in Mexico against John Gotti III.
Mayweather officially retired in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor, 36, but has boxed in exhibitions since.
His last was against the grandson of notorious crime boss Gotti – ending in a brawl in the ring to lead to the rematch.
Pacquiao meanwhile hung up his gloves following defeat to Yordenis Ugas in 2021 – but he has teased a comeback ever since.
And the WBC even controversially opened the door to PacMan challenging welterweight champion Mario Barrios, 29, for the title.
Pacquiao is using his exhibition with Anpo to ease back but Rizin are open to future fights with the Filipino.
Sakakibara said: “Depending on the result and his performance in his upcoming fight on July 28th, we need to assess the market to see if his return would make sense.
“This is a single bout agreement so if we were to have him back, we need to make sure there is a demand in the market.
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“If we can create momentum and anticipation together – since Manny himself is still wanting to have competitive fights – he’s not thinking that this is his last fight.
“So if things turn out right, there is a good possibility where there could be more Manny Pacquiao fights in Rizin.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
