Mayweather extinguishes talks on Pacquiao rematch in Saudi

CEBU, Philippines — Retired undefeated boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr. swiftly thumbed down rumors that he is flying to Saudi Arabia to initiate talks with interested parties about holding a potential return bout with Manny Pacquiao.

A video that made rounds in social media yesterday showed Mayweather confirming his trip to the Middle Eastern country, which is also being eyed as the venue of the heavyweight rematch between reigning champion Andy Ruiz and Britain’s Anthony Joshua.

“It’s an honor to come to Saudi Arabia to sit down with you guys to talk about the Mayweather vs Pacquiao rematch. Saudi Arabia — Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather — I’m on my way,” said Mayweather.

But Mayweather himself flatly denied he is on his way to Saudi, saying that it was an old video and that there will never be a second showdown Pacquiao.

“The video that y’all been seeing is false because I’ve been went to Saudi Arabia. I went there a long time ago,” said Mayweather in a report by Ben Thompson of fighthype.com.

Even Pacquiao’s camp is not aware of Mayweather’s most latest claim.

“Senator is not aware of anything,” MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons told Philstar.com in a text message.

In the same Fighthype report, Mayweather confirmed the video was shot nearly 9 months ago as a promo in the weeks leading up to a trip he took to Saudi Arabia back in January.

“I talked to them about me fighting there, just different fights, but they wanted me to specifically say Manny Pacquiao,” said Mayweather. “And actually, we didn’t just talk about boxing; we talked about different events; us bringing different events out there.”“And actually, we didn’t just talk about boxing; we talked about different events; us bringing different events out there.”

As for his claim of a Pacquiao rematch, Mayweather has indicated that it is better for the fans to forget about it.

“Basically, that’s an old video. At the end of the day, there’s no talks about me and Manny Pacquiao fighting a rematch. Even if we did fight, all they’re going to do is have an excuse, just like the first time,” said Mayweather. (FREEMAN)