Pacquiao-Mayweather is almost done, says Manny

MANILA, Philippines – What could be sweeter than Valentine’s Day chocolates? The long overdue fight announcement between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., that’s what.

Pacquiao is once again voicing confirmation that the fight is on, telling GMA News that the only thing remaining is his American rival’s signature. 

“Oo, positive na,” Pacquiao said on Friday, February 13 about the chances that the fight takes place this time around. “Pirma na lang.”

(Just the signature)

The fight has been discussed for over five years now, with many feeling that the time has finally come for the two best fighters of their generation to face one another. Strong rumors have circulated that a fight announcement could come during this weekend’s NBA All-Star break. 

Mayweather (47-0, 26 knockouts) and Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) have both agreed that their fight would take place on May 2. 

Veteran reporter Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times reported on Saturday afternoon Manila time that the negotiations will likely “stretch into next week” after discussions went into recess on Friday. 

Top welterweight contender Keith Thurman, speaking with OnTheRopesBoxing.com, said he is picking Mayweather to beat Pacquiao if the fight gets made, but sees room for Pacquiao to edge him on the cards with help from a 10-8 round.

“Outside of that, Pacquiao needs to be the Pacquiao that made him famous. He needs to throw the punches, the combinations.

“We know that Pacquiao is better than [Miguel] Cotto and Cotto gave Mayweather one hell of a fight. Maidana was able to land several good punches on Mayweather. I do see Pacquiao having a great chance of winning the fight, but I do believe that to truly win the fight he’s gonna have to at least create one to two knockdown — a minimum of one knockdown to get that 10-8 round.” – Rappler.com