Getty/APIt seems that the talk of a potential rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquaio may never die down, as the Filipino boxing superstar has once again called for a second bout between the two in 2016.
Their highly anticipated showdown in May – dubbed ‘The Fight of the Century’ – failed to live up to the hype. Mayweather earned the unanimous decision win that night, but it’s a judges’ call which Pacquaio continues to dispute, believing his aggressive style should have earned him the victory.
Speaking to Fight News, Pacquaio said:
He was running away all the time. I was making the fight by stalking him and believe that I deserved a victory.
The 36-year-old is now hoping for another fight against pound-for-pound king Mayweather next year, and added that he has now fully recovered from a shoulder injury which impacted his performance in the first fight when he re-injured it during the fourth round.
HBOPacquaio added:
I’d like to concentrate my efforts on working as a politician this year, and want to fight Mayweather in a rematch. I’ll be ready for that mentally and physically next year. I’ll show a better performance against him than in the first encounter.
Whether the rematch comes to fruition is another matter, however. The undefeated Mayweather (48-0) takes on Andre Berto next, in Las Vegas on September 12, and has hinted at retirement after that bout.
Also, although he initially said he’d be open to a rematch with Pacquaio, Floyd later changed his mind because Pac-Man was a “sore loser” and a “coward”.
If Mayweather vs Pacquaio II does go down in 2016, let’s just hope that it’s more exciting and competitive than it was the first time round!
