The revenge that would not be revenge
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has just put a giant asterisk on what many expected to be the fight of the year. Amid the expectation for his announced return to the ring, the former American champion made it clear that there will be no professional fight against Manny Pacquiao.
During a meeting with fans in Las Vegas, Mayweather got straight to the point with Vegas Sports Today:
“As of today, we do not know exactly where the fight will take place. We do not know the location of the fight. The Sphere is one of the places that was mentioned, therefore, we are not absolutely certain that it will take place there. Furthermore, this is not a fight itself, but an exhibition.”
Two different visions of the ring
Here’s the problem: While Mayweather talks about “exhibition,” Pacquiao’s team had already warned ESPN that the Filipino would only accept an officially sanctioned duel. The man who tied with Mario Barrios last summer maintains his position: professional conditions or nothing.
Mayweather, ever the pragmatist, added:
“It’s an exhibition, so we both win. Really, all we want is to go out in the ring, entertain the crowd and put on a good show.”
What seemed like the definitive return of professional boxing now becomes an uncertain outlook. The same fight that generated millions in 2015 now faces questions about its format and viability.
And if that weren’t enough, Mayweather also mentioned his intentions to hold another exhibition against Mike Tyson – although that event also has no confirmed date or location.
Sports teach us that sometimes expectations collide with reality. And in this case, the reality is that what many dreamed of as a historic revenge could remain a controlled spectacle.
