There’s a more pressing reason why Sen. Manny Pacquiao is fighting again against Jessie Vargas on Nov. 5 in Las Vegas.
Boxing’s only eight-division world champion wants another crack at Floyd Mayweather Jr.
That is, if Mayweather decides to come out of retirement, too.
Pacquiao said Thursday he would welcome a rematch against Mayweather, who beat him by unanimous decision in their megabuck showdown last year.
Speaking at a press conference to drum up his World Boxing Organization welterweight title bout against Vargas, Pacquiao said his decision to fight Mayweather will also depend on whether there’s a clamor for fans to see them battle each other again.
“If the fans want it, and he wants it, then I’m open to it,” Pacquiao told AFP.
Pacquiao feels only the lure of money can make the unbeaten American return to the ring.
“You know in his heart, he doesn’t have concern for the fans,” Pacquiao said. “His only concern is to make money.”
Though he admits that money was also a key factor in his decision to make a comeback after beating Tim Bradley Jr. last April, Pacquiao said there are other factors that motivate him.
“My concern is not only to make money but how I entertain the people, how I entertain the fans,” he added. Roy Luarca