The road to the Pacquiao-Mayweather ‘Fight of the Century’
2009: Rumors of megabuck fight begin
Talks of a potential megabuck bout between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. surface late in 2009 when both boxers are at the peak of their careers.
Floyd Mayweather (2nd L) of the US talks with Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico (2nd R) and his team after defeating him in their Welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON
Mayweather comes out of 21-month retirement to fight counter-puncher Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Mayweather bags his 40th win via unanimous decision.
MAY 02: (R-L) Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines stands over Ricky Hatton of England after Pacquiao knocked him out in the second round during their junior welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena May 2, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Al Bello/Getty Images/AFP
Pacquiao, who ascends to the throne as top pound-for-pound fighter, adds British knockout artist Ricky Hatton and Puerto Rican star Miguel Cotto to his list of victims which already included Marquez, David Diaz, and heavy-favorite Oscar Dela Hoya. Pacquiao knocked out Hatton in the second round of their May fight before he stopped Cotto in the 12th round six months after.
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Manny Pacquiao (R) of the Philippines fights Miguel Angel Cotto of Puerto Rico (L) before winning their WBO Welterweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 14, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON
By then, the timing is finally right for two fighters to meet in the ring with Pacquiao ranked no.1 in the pound-for-pound list after winning his seventh world title while Mayweather in close second.
But negotiations between both camps don’t materialize after Mayweather demanded a blood test within 30 days before the fight.
Pacquiao later on files a defamation lawsuit against Mayweather for suggesting Pacquiao uses performance-enhancing drugs.
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