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11/22/2024 01:36:08 am

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Mayweather-Pacquiao Fight Finally Coming in Early 2015?

Mayweather vs Pacquiao

(Photo : Bleacher Report)

One of the most highly anticipated fights in boxing history, involving a showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, may finally be coming in early 2015, according to Bob Arum, CEO of professional boxing promotion company "Top Rank."

Bob Arum recently told The San Francisco Chronicle that he's confident a fight will happen within the first six months of next year. He also mentioned high-level executives from Mayweather's Showtime network and Pacquiao's HBO network have been discussing and want to put on the fight.

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"Both networks want this fight to happen," Arum said. "All signs seem to point to the fight happening early next year."

Mayweather is set to fight Maidana again on Sept. 13, and Pacquiao will be fighting Chris Algieri on Nov. 22. If both fighters were to win their bouts, then what's stopping the super fight estimated to make over $300 million from happening?

Legal technicalities play a huge part in postponing their long-awaited fight. The fight was very close to being finalized in 2010, but the plan fell through when Mayweather complained about Pacquiao's drug testing procedures.

Mayweather won't be able to use that excuse this time, as Pacquiao now participates in drug testing for every one of his fights.

The fact the fight hasn't happened yet is just ludicrous. This is no longer in an era of boxing where fighters want to fight the best to determine who truly is the best pound for pound fighter in the world. Instead, this is in an era where Mayweather controls the industry and is able to nitpick who his opponents are in an effort to protect his undefeated 46-0 record. 

"Of course, I want this fight," Pacquiao said on Thursday when promoting his upcoming November fight. "I am ready to fight Floyd anytime."

Pacquiao and his camp are ready. Both Showtime and HBO networks are ready. Now it's all up to Floyd willing to put his perfect record at risk and actually start negotiating terms, giving the fans what they've been anticipating for years.

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