Mayweather would fight Pacquiao again "in a year"

The Clash for Cash. Return of the Money. Daddy needs a new Jet.

We're just getting our oar in early on naming the biggest boxing match of 2016 - "Fight of the Century: Part Two" just doesn't have the right sense of theatre about it.

Days after defeating Manny Pacquiao in an unanimous points victory, Floyd Mayweather has apparently spoken of his interest in a rematch. 

Speaking to ESPN's Stephen A Smith via text message, Mayweather is quoted as saying, "I will fight him in a year after his surgery"- reference to the patchup Pacquiao requires on a tear in his rotary cuff that apparently hindered the Filipino in the build up to the Las Vegas bout, and impeded movement in his right arm during the fight.

The notion of a rematch makes sense on two fronts: Mayweather has one fight remaining on a lucrative contract with Showtime Championship Boxing, and has suggested that he'll retire upon its completion (though coming from a man who has already retired and returned, he could well pop back up for the right money).

Another bout with Pacquiao could also be the most lucrative way for Mayweather to end his career, with the Las Vegas fight bringing in an estimated $300m for the boxers ($180m for Mayweather, $120m for Pacquiao).

There are other names for Mayweather to mull over though. Should Pacquiao not make an adequate recovery from surgery, or be ineligible to fight (having failed to announce the injury in the proper fashion to Nevada boxing officials, Pacquiao could well face a fine or suspension - with some fans already filing a lawsuit against the fighter for failing to deliver the fight they were promised), it could boost Britain's Amir Khan chances of a fight.

The former Olympian has already stated an interest in. Whoever is chosen to draw the curtain on Mayweather's career, you can expect another hyperbolic battle by the end of 2016.

[Via: ESPN]

(Images: Rex)