MANILA, Philippines—Just moments after undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced that he would finally fight Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, the men in the latter’s inner circles have expressed confidence that the eight-division world champion “will emerge victorious.”
Screengrab from Top Rank’s Twitter account
In a statement posted on Top Rank’s Twitter account, CEO Bob Arum said, “It’s going to be a great fight. We are confident our fighter @MannyPacquiao will emerge victorious.”
Pacquiao’s coach, Freddie Roach, immediately warned Mayweather that his ostentatious ways wouldn’t last long.
Screengrab from Top Rank’s Twitter account
“Floyd should enjoy being the A-side while he can because on May 2, Manny is going to put him on his backside,” a post on Top Rank’s Twitter account said, quoting Roach.
While the two fighters are recognized as the two greatest boxers of their time, Mayweather arguable enjoys more attention having been considered as the best pound for pound fighter and being the world’s highest-paid athlete.
It has been widely reported that Mayweather had the advantage in dictating the terms of the deal for the fight. Reports also said that he demanded he be the one to announce that the fight would finally push through.
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