FLOYD MAYWEATHER and Manny Pacquiao could be set for a rematch – but with a twist on their original moneymaker.
Mayweather beat Pacquiao in 2015 to end boxing’s most protracted saga in a blockbuster worth more than £500 MILLION.
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But even in retirement, the pair remain linked to a rematch, as they continue to box in exhibition matches.
And Japanese MMA promotion Rizin could be the unlikely source to hold the key to a deal between the ring icons.
Pacquiao, 45, returns this weekend in Tokyo against former kickboxing champion Rukiya Anpo, 28.
Meanwhile, Mayweather, 47, has scored two knockout victories against martial arts opponents under the Rizin banner.
Promoter Nobuyuki Sakakibara has revealed that a rematch with Pacquiao remains a possibility – as long as professional records are not at stake.
Sakakibara told SunSport: “I wouldn’t be surprised if something happened nowadays, so the possibility is still there.
“We still have a good relationship with Floyd, but he has no plans to return to real competitive fights.
“I understand that there is no interest on his part in a rematch in an unofficial fight, and Manny is interested.
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“So it all comes down to the moment. And when everything is perfectly aligned, I’m sure the rematch will happen.”
Last year, Pacquiao and Sakakibara announced that a rematch with Mayweather was being planned for 2024.
But the great American returns on August 24, in Mexico, against John Gotti III.
Mayweather officially retired in 2017 after defeating UFC star Conor McGregor, 36, but has since boxed in exhibitions.
The last one was against the grandson of notorious crime boss Gotti – ending in a brawl in the ring that led to a rematch.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao hung up his gloves following his loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021 – but he has been teasing a comeback ever since.
And the WBC even controversially opened the door for PacMan to challenge welterweight champion Mario Barrios, 29, for the title.
Pacquiao takes advantage of the exhibition with Anpo to relax, but Rizin is open to future fights with the Filipino.
Sakakibara said: “Depending on the result and his performance in the next fight on July 28th, we need to evaluate the market to see if his return would make sense.
“This is a one-fight deal, so if we want to get it back, we need to make sure there is demand in the market.
“If we can build momentum and anticipation together – as Manny himself still wants to have competitive fights – he’s not thinking this will be his last fight.
“So if things work out, there’s a good possibility there will be more fights with Manny Pacquiao in Rizin.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
