In boxing, there are rivalries that end when the fighters settle their differences in the ring, whether it is one, two or even three times, and others that, even after years go by, still maintain high tension between those who become outright detractors of each other or even enemies.
Everything seems to indicate that this is the case with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, who a decade ago had the opportunity to settle their substantial differences with their fists created in the framework of the sport that both dominated and in which both are legends, now that they are retired from action in the ring.
Unfinished business after the ‘Fight of the Century’
The problem is that between the two of them there were unresolved issues after that night on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, after ‘Money’ was the winner by unanimous decision after a rocky, dull fight in which Floyd defended himself with pure counter-punching and Manny was more combative. Mayweather excused himself for his strategy because of a supposed shoulder injury, and Pacquiao claimed that he had won the fight.
Years earlier, when the fight was being talked about, Money had made racist attacks on Pacquiao, calling him a “yellow fool” or saying to the media: “Once I beat up the dwarf, I’ll ask the bastard to make me a sushi roll and cook me rice,” however, days later he apologized and said that he was just having fun and that he was not racist
Although the event was successful in business terms, with $4.6 million in pay-per-view and more than $600 million in various revenues, in boxing terms the conclusion dragged on until these days, after Pacquiao was left waiting for a rematch even if it was in an exhibition fight, after his retirement in 2021
Two words as bait…
It’s such an old and insurmountable issue that Pacquiao can’t get over it, not even now that he should be focused on Mario Barrios for his championship fight in the WBC welterweight division on July 19 in Las Vegas. The General Santos native did not miss the opportunity given by the media to continue talking about Money and that long-awaited rematch, knowing that he will find an answer: And he left a suggestive, forceful phrase, two words that remain dancing waiting to find its recipient: “He’s scared.”
The story will undoubtedly continue.
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