Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao ARE in talks over rematch next year, reveals head of Showtime

SHOWTIME have confirmed Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are in talks for a mega-money rematch.

The first clash between the two ring legends back in 2015 was the most lucrative fight in the history of combat sports creating £470million in pay-per-view and gate receipts.

Mayweather won “The Fight of the Century” via a unanimous decision in Las Vegas and went on to retire with a perfect 50-0 record.

Now Showtime’s president Stephen Espinoza believes he is “very serious” about stepping back into the ring against his old foe.

He said: “Floyd Mayweather is very serious about the fight, from everything I’ve seen and heard Manny Pacquiao is serious about it as well.

“There is a lot that needs to be done, this year would be a big challenge. Not that we haven’t pulled off stuff in a short time. Like we did with Mayweather – McGregor.”

Mayweather announced last month that he is coming back again as he declared his desire to win gold again.

He said: “I’m coming back to fight Manny Pacquiao this year, another nine-figure pay day on the way.”

And Espinoza firmly believes the American will stick to his word and fight the Filipino again.

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He added: “I do think we will be seeing the rematch, Mayweather – Pacquiao in short order. I understand people doubted it because of the way it was announced, so to speak, in a viral video but I think that was just Floyd taking advantage of an opportunity in marketing and the way he markets things.

“2019 sounds perfect. That way I get a little sleep after this event then we go at Mayweather –Pacquiao 2 right away.”