Boxing News 2015: Roach claims Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch will happen because 'too much money' is involved
World-renowned trainer Freddie Roach believes that his ward, Manny Pacquiao won’t be fighting his last bout in April 2016 as previously stated by Top Rank Promotions chief Bob Arum. The veteran trainer also added that he thinks a rematch between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is still under consideration mainly to the big money involved in the probable return bout between the two rivals.
Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times updated the possible Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch revealing statements from Roach, who is currently training Miguel Cotto in preparation for his own big fight in November against Canelo Alvarez.
Freddie Roach said today he doesn't think Pacquiao's next fight will be his last.
— Lance Pugmire (@latimespugmire) November 4, 2015"If Manny fights a good fighter, looks good, has no shoulder injury, I think @FloydMayweather and him will go one more time. Too much money.
— Lance Pugmire (@latimespugmire) November 4, 2015Roach’s mention of Pacquiao’s shoulder injury should add fire to the controversial fight between Mayweather Jr.(49-0-0, 26 knockouts) and Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 knockouts) last May 2, when the undefeated American won via a 12-round unanimous decision victory to the tune of 118-110, 116-112 and 116-112 in the judges’ scorecards.
According to the post-fight reports, Pacquiao went into the fight with a shoulder injury, which was eventually operated on days after the “Fight of the Century”, which broke the all-time records both in the pay-per-view (PPV) numbers and gate ticket sales, among others.
Mayweather Jr., who announced his retirement from boxing after his fight against Andre Berto last September, earned over $230 million (AU $322.3 million) in the Pacquiao fight. Mayweather previously retired from the sport in 2008 but returned to the top of the squared rings months later and reclaimed his spot as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
Meanwhile, the Filipino took home about $150 million (AU $210.2 million) and will reportedly be fighting his last bout in April 2016 to concentrate in his political career in the Philippines. Pacquiao, currently an elected congressman in his country, is running for senator in the Philippine elections set in May.
While the first bout between Pacquiao and Mayweather drew criticisms from fans and analysts, a rematch would most likely draw big numbers again both on PPV and the venue.
Pacquiao has yet to announce his next opponent next year but names like Amir Khan, Terence Crawford and Danny Garcia are among the fighters that have been discussed as probable opponent for Pacquiao in 2016.
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