Rematch still possible for Pacquiao, Mayweather

Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight night at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather wins by unanimous decision. PHOTO BY REM ZAMORA/INQUIRER/See more at FRAME

IF Floyd Mayweather Jr. changes his mind again and agrees to a rematch with Manny Pacquiao, chances are it will be held in April next year, also in Las Vegas.

The venue will no longer be the 16,800-seat MGM Grand Garden Arena, but the rising Las Vegas Arena, which can accommodate up to 20,000 fans.

The media accredited for the Mayweather-Pacquiao were given a prefight tour of the $350-million indoor stadium, a project of AEG and MGM Resorts International, on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada.

Though Mayweather, who beat Pacquiao by unanimous decision on May 2, has said that he’ll be hanging his gloves after another fight in September, the lure of money may be too tempting for “Money” to ignore.

Mayweather can demand an even higher purse than the 60- to 40-percent split he gave Pacquiao and can earn up to $200 million if the demand for a rematch remains high.

Showtime, which still holds a one-fight contract with Mayweather, is open to a follow-up to the fight that shattered all boxing revenue records with total gross of over $600 million.

In contrast, Mayweather’s two previous fights against Marcos Maidana did not even reach $200 million.

With Pacquiao still recuperating from a right shoulder rotator cuff injury, Pacquiao’s adviser, Michael Koncz, and promoter, Bob Arum, have ruled out a fight for the Filipino ring icon this year.

Koncz, however, is certain Pacquiao will be ready to fight early next year.  Roy Luarca