FLOYD MAYWEATHER has ruled out a rematch with Manny Pacquaio – and will only fight stars of the YouTube and MMA world.
Pacquiao was ringside in Japan to watch Mayweather’s latest exhibition bout, knocking out Mikuru Asakura in two rounds.
The Filipino’s presence in the Far East fuelled speculation of a rematch with his great rival.
But Mayweather hit back: “I retired from the sport, and I didn’t let the sport retire me.
“I’m always going to put myself in a position now to where I, just like I was doing, fighting at the highest level. I was dictating and being in control.
“I’m not going to go in there with no former fighters, former world champions, putting more abuse on my body. I retired for a reason.
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“I’m here to have fun and enjoy myself, sometimes three rounds, sometimes eight rounds, with guys that are going to help me entertain people.
“I’m not going to take punishment to the point to where I can barely walk or barely talk.
“Manny had a great career, but boxing retired Manny, Manny didn’t retire from boxing. There’s a difference.
“Of course, if I were Manny Pacquiao, would I be chasing an exhibition with Floyd Mayweather to get a payday? Absolutely I would.
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“But at this particular time, I love fighting guys that are 15-0, 8-0, guys that are older, like myself, or YouTubers or MMA guys.
“I will continue to do what I do and dictate and control.”
Pacquiao, 43, retired last year after losing to Yordenis Ugas, 36.
But following a failed presidential run in the Philippines, the eight-division champion is linked with a boxing return.
He already has two exhibitions lined up, against DK Yoo in December and then with ex-sparring partner Jaber Zayani in February.
Mayweather, 45, retired professionally in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor, 34.
But he has had four exhibitions since, most recently against MMA featherweight Asakura, 30.
He had faced kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, 24, YouTuber Logan Paul, 27, and former sparring partner Don Moore beforehand.
And Mayweather is set to return on November 13 in Dubai, against YouTuber Deji, 25, brother to KSI, 28.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
