Pac-Man’s quest for revenge doomed by Mayweather’s lack of desire

Pac-Man’s quest for revenge doomed by Mayweather’s lack of desire

By Peter Gilbert

Manny Pacquiao’s hopes of gaining revenge over Floyd Mayweather appear to be doomed as the former pound-for-pound king lacks “the desire” to return to the ring.

Pacquiao threw down the challenge to the American after dominating Adrien Broner to retain his world welterweight title in Las Vegas on Saturday.

The 40-year-old Filipino legend has previously said he “cannot retire with peace of mind” without a rematch with Mayweather after losing to him on points in 2015.

Mayweather retired after defeating Andre Berto later that year before returning in 2017 for a money-spinning showdown with UFC star Conor McGregor to take his record to 50-0.

“Money” then laced up his gloves again in a farcical exhibition bout with Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa on New Year’s Eve.

“Get back to the ring and we will fight again if he wants,” Pacquiao said during a post-fight interview with Showtime’s Jim Gray after claiming a convincing unanimous decision over Broner in his 70th fight.

“If he wants to come out of retirement, then announce it and challenge me. I’m a champion and I don’t pick any opponent.

“My message is I’m still active and if he goes back to the ring and wants to challenge me, I’m a champion.”

Mayweather, who told his Instagram followers in September he was returning to fight the Filipino, remained motionless on camera ringside after being asked by Gray to “shake or nod” in response to the Filipino’s challenge.

The talking was left to Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather Promotions CEO, who later dismissed talk of a rematch.

“He’s retired, he has no interest in doing that,” said Ellerbe. “It’s not always about the money, believe it or not. What more can the man do?

“He doesn’t have the motivation, the desire. He’s living the best life, travelling, running his multiple businesses, spending his well-hard earnings that he spent blood and tears on for years.

“He’ll be 42 come February 24 and enough is enough. What good does it do to earn all that money but you can’t stick around and spend it.

“He has had a phenomenal career, he has broken all the records and he has nothing to prove.”