Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao (L) and Brandon Rios of the U.S. pose after a news conference at the Venetian Macao hotel in Macau November 20, 2013. Pacquiao will fight against American Brandon Rios in a 12-round welterweight clash on November 24.
Manny Pacquiao (L) and Brandon Rios REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

The super fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao has be potentially set on May 2, 2014 after the undefeated American fighter challenged Pacquiao to step on the ring with him on the said date. Due to the proposed fight date's nearness to Cinco de Mayo, it has received a number of disapproval and negative feedbacks, saying it would be disrespectful to the Mexicans. Recently, former World Boxing Association, or WBA, lightweight champion Brandon Rios and Mexican-American trainer Robert Garcia said that Cinco de Mayo is not just for Mexicans.

Speaking to Luis Sandoval of Fight Hype, Rios said that Mayweather has owned the Cinco De Mayo fight date for many years and that Mexicans will still watch Mayweather's fight even if it is against Manny Pacquiao. Since turning professional in 1996, Mayweather has had a total of seven fights done on Cinco de Mayo weekend.

According to Rios, it doesn't mean that only Mexicans can fight on Cinco de Mayo. He said that Mexicans will still watch the fight and buy the card as long as it is a good fight.

"They see a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight," Rios said. "Of course, Mexicans are going to buy it because it is the fight that they want to see."

Garcia, on the other hand, has the same mind and opinion as Rios'. Garcia thinks that only Mexican fighters should fight on Cinco de Mayo weekend just because it is a Mexican holiday. He said Mexicans are boxing fans and they would still watch the Mayweather fight regardless if he fights Pacquiao or not.

After Mayweather challenged Pacquiao for May 2 fight, Top Rank President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Arum has said in an interview with The Telegraph that it would be disrespectful for the Mexican people for Mayweather to fight Pacquiao on Cinco de Mayo weekend.

Regarding the chances of the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight taking place, Arum has revealed that they are making progress. However, he is still a little skeptical, whether the fight will happen. Until both fighters have met a common middle ground and the contracts signed, the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight will still be in limbo.

To reach the author of this article, email r.corpuz@IBTimes.com.au.

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