Ellerbe: No rematch with Pacquiao

LAS VEGAS – The CEO of Mayweather Promotions doused cold water on boxing’s most awaited rematch.

“No, he’s retired,” Leonard Ellerbe told the packed main press center of the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday evening.

Everybody inside the giant ballroom hoped to hear him say that yes, the rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao is going to happen sooner than later.

But Ellerbe, with the authority to speak, said it won’t.

“He has no interest doing that,” Ellerbe said of Mayweather, who sat at ringside as Pacquiao unveiled his new self.

Pacquiao, at 40, is a world champion.

Ellerbe was reminded of the incredible amount of money a rematch would surely generate.

In 2015, revenues reached a record $600 million. Anything half of that would still be an enormous amount.

“But it’s not always about the money,” said Ellerbe.

Ellerbe said Mayweather is so happy with his life as a retired boxer, making millions in endorsement deals and other businesses, and seeing the world in his Gulfstream jet.

“He (Mayweather) no longer has the motivation, the desire. He’s living his best life travelling, running his multiple business and spending his hard-earned money,” he said.

Someone suggested that Mayweather may get bored with luxurious life outside the ring.

“He’ll be 42 come Feb. 24. Enough is enough. He’s had a phenomenal career. He has broken all records. He has nothing more to prove,” Ellerbe said.

For now, on this cold night in Vegas, the rematch is off.