What Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather could do
This is not likely to happen given the large throngs of people that surround them. But here’s an option that eight-time world champion Manny Pacquiao and undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. could do to get that fight we all want to see happen.
Since Pacquiao announced in the postfight press conference—after he masterfully out boxed Timothy Bradley—that his phone line is open 24/7, Mayweather makes the call and sets up a meeting.
Manny and Floyd agree to meet in a quiet, undisclosed restaurant of their choice.
Their loyal retinues are nowhere in sight because Pacquiao and Mayweather decide to go to the venue alone.
There’s no press in sight, no traditional media or online wordsmiths, and unless the meeting’s details leak out, the paparazzi doesn’t pick up the scent.
It’s almost like in the movie Heat when Robert De Niro and Al Pacino’s characters meet in a restaurant and discuss how Pacino the cop would bring down De Niro, the thief.
It’s a crowded eatery but it’s still a great movie moment because before that the two icons were together separately in Godfather II.
De Niro played the young Vito Corleone, while Pacino was Michael, his son who became the Godfather.
It’s about time, the fighters talk to each other as the doors of a private suite are shut.
Mayweather and Pacquiao order nothing because they’ve been at odds outside the ring for too long that for now, no amount of food will improve their relationship.
Pacquiao may share a meal with the Mexican greats he has beaten and who have trounced him as well like Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera.
Too much has been said in and out of context that food will just be a nuisance in this meeting.
Mayweather is not his usual cantankerous public persona but takes on a more business-like mien for the usually laid-back Filipino champion.
He lays out his demands, both the astronomical and the realistic regarding prize money, promotions and pay-per-view sharing.
Even sharing TV income won’t be an easy topic given the two fighters’ different cable alliances. As expected, Bob Arum is discussed but Pacquiao says nothing to undercut the veteran promoter.
Pacquiao gives his terms and, having learned a thing or two about political maneuvering as a congressman, agrees on a few of Mayweather’s demands but remains unfazed about issues he firmly believes must be settled in his favor before they get into the ring.
The two greatest fighters of their generation agree, shake hands nonchalantly and concur to inform their respective management teams on how to punch out the details.
The boxing world finds out on what they agreed on and is in shock.
Both sides’ management squads can’t believe what the two decided but the fight is scheduled and later announced.
Boxing fans rejoice. Hard to believe, right? Punching out this piece on a fine Easter morning makes one hopeful.
There might be too much baggage for a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight to really happen (even the billing will be a bone of contention for sure) but again, why not? Come on, Floyd. Make the call.
