Pacquiao fuels talks on rematch

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao yesterday said negotiations are still on for a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The Filipino superstar, who said he might quit boxing if he wins in the senatorial race of the May 2016 Philippine elections, posted his latest statements on Facebook.

“I don’t know who’s my (next) opponent but we’re still negotiating about a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, so hoping for that,” said Pacquiao.

A couple of weeks ago, the eight-division world champion created a similar stir when he said that negotiations are on for a Mayweather rematch.

Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, fanned the fire when he told Pinoy scribes who visited him at his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood that he’s heard of such negotiations.

“I heard they’ve been talking,” said Roach.

The American trainer said that part of what he heard is that if a rematch does take place, the deal would involve only three parties.

“Mayweather, Pacquiao and HBO,” said Roach.

Mayweather retired after beating Andre Berto last month, at the same time ending his lucrative contract with Showtime.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, said he wants to do one or two more fights before he retires. His contract with Top Rank expires at the end of 2016.

How Pacquiao could seal a deal with Mayweather for a 2016 rematch without the involvement of Top Rank is the big question.

It’s just impossible.

But according to Roach, based on what he’s heard, that’s what Mayweather wants.

The only way that would happen is if Pacquiao doesn’t renew his contract with Top Rank, and then he and Mayweather will figure in a rematch in 2017.

Top Rank chief Bob Arum is looking at April 9 as the date of Pacquiao’s comeback fight in Las Vegas, and has mentioned a few names.

They include Amir Khan, Terence Crawford, Tim Bradley or Kell Brook with no mention of Mayweather, whom Arum considers “retired.”

Mayweather is indeed retired, and American sports figure Stephen Smith said the flamboyant American boxer said there are no talks of a rematch.

“Totally false. There is no negotiation. I’m not fighting anymore. Period,” said Smith as he read a text message from Mayweather.

The message, Smith said, was dated Oct. 9, and aired over ESPN.