Money Matters may Hinder Pacquiao-Mayweather Gig

MANILA, Philippines – Business considerations might hinder the blockbuster fight that every boxing aficionado longs for.

In a report posted by The Sweet Science Sunday, trainer Freddie Roach revealed that while Manny Pacquiao versus comebacking Floyd Mayweather Jr remains on high demand, financial arrangements could spoil the possible megafight between the two pound-for-pound superstars.

“Both fighters have egos," Roach told the Sweet Science’s David Avila. “Mayweather wants a 60-40 split. He’s not going to get that with Manny. I know for sure Manny won’t accept anything like that."

The same problem initially stalled Pacquiao’s recent showdown with Ricky “Hitman" Hatton, wherein the Pacman refused a 50-50 split on the pay per view shares. It was later slashed to 52-48 for Pacquiao but there were reports it was reverted back to an even split after a separate financial arrangement with promoter Top Rank.

Now the biggest draw in boxing, Pacquiao would not even consider a 50-50 share with Mayweather, Jr., said Roach.

“Fans like the way Manny fights," Roach said. As to Mayweather, Roach sort of let it drift in the air, wrote Avila.

But before everyone could think about a Pacquiao-Mayweather Jr shindig, the un-retiring fighter should first hurdle the challenge of lightweight champ Juan Manuel Marquez in their July 18 bout.

Roach admitted Marquez, who had fought Pacquiao in two close encounters which resulted to a draw and a win for the Pacman, would be one tough customer for Mayweather.

The Hall of Fame trainer told the boxing site that he expects Marquez to “jump ahead at first because of his more aggressive attitude" but eventually Maywather would “grind him down with his size and strength."

While Mayweather may be “bigger," Roach also said “Marquez seems to be hitting a lot harder as he moves up in weight. He was probably fighting at featherweight too long. He’s knocking guys out. Good guys."

Most fight fans prefer Pacquiao to take on Mayweather Jr or if he prevails, Marquez, for his next fight in October although the names of Sugar Shane Mosley and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr are also being floated as possible foe should they agree to go down in weight. A duel with unbeaten KO artist Edwin Valero is likewise said to be another possibility.

Source: gmanews.tv