By: Waylon Galvez
More than 10 years after facing unbeaten Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas, Filipino boxing legend and senator Manny Pacquiao is still eyeing a rematch with his former rival.
Pacquiao said his camp is in talks with several potential opponents, including Mayweather.
The two boxing icons previously clashed on May 2, 2015, with Mayweather winning via unanimous decision.
“Right now we have negotiations for my next fight,” said the 46-year-old Pacquiao, a former eight-division world champion, during a press conference for the International Boxing Association (IBA) on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Novotel Manila in Quezon City.
“There is a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather. When the final decision on what fight, I’d love to have a fight, rematch with Floyd. I hope that during the negotiations, we can understand each other and we can negotiate,” he added.
Netflix, the giant streaming company, had earlier reported on the potential rematch.
Pacquiao, who also heads his own Manny Pacquiao Promotions, mentioned retired Ukrainian boxer Vasiliy Lomachenko, a former three-division champion, as another possible opponent.
Pacquiao has recently been appointed vice president of the IBA, which is led by president Umar Kremlev.
“Manny Pacquiao is the face of boxing. He’s a true role model to us and to those who love boxing. We’re thankful to Manny Pacquiao in joining our efforts,” said Kremlev, adding that there are plans to open a sports academy under Pacquiao’s name in the Philippines and other parts of the world.
For his part, Pacquiao said he accepted the vice presidency to support grassroots development aimed at improving amateur boxers and guiding them toward professional careers.
The IBA will hold its World Championships from December 2 to 13 in Dubai, featuring 13 weight-class categories.
