By Gabriel Princewill
Unbeaten champion, Floyd Mayweather, and Manny Pacquao exchanged numbers at a basketball match yesterday, a move seen as one in the right direction to stage a long awaited clash between the pair. The outstanding fighters sat next to each other court side as Miami took on Milwankee Bucks on Tuesday night.
During the half way stage, Maywaether went and spoke to Pacquio, in full view of the enthused crowd. They exchanged numbers shortly after. Pacquio told eye of media in a phone call chat ” we had a meaningful chat and exchanged numbers after. We will be speaking in greater detail soon. Our team have been in regular contact and we definitely want to try and make the fight happen. I feel positive about this, but can’t reveal too much just yet”.
Basketball fans snapped photos of the pair and put on their video screens with the caption ‘coming in 2015’?. Mayweather-an eight division champion- and Pacquao, who is a champion in five different weights are considered the two best the best fighters of their generation. However, there has been much agitation for the pair to meet for years, with the brash American seen as the one who has been avoiding the fight all this while. There bout is now earmarked for the 2nd of May this year, though it is yet o be officially signed.
Mayweather had initially highlighted the need for Pacquio to have a drugs test because of the phenomenal nature of the Phillipino’s his exploits in the ring. Given the proliferation of drug use in many sports, such request was not really unreasonable. It has been a while now since Pacquio has agreed to that test, though he has said it puts him in bad light as one being a suspected drug cheat. Notwithstanding those reservations, being suspected as being a drug cheat is not conclusive with regards any material fact pointing to a reality that such infringement of the rules has ever been committed by Pacquio who has played several roles in films may actually be the star attraction for the prospect of a mega money spinning showdown between the pair, tipped to break box office records, has showcased extraordinary ability in his very captivating career. His wide ranging qualities as a human being has made him one of the most revered sportsmen today in the eyes of the general public.
And whilst there is no doubt that Mayweather has beaten top opposition in an illustrious career that has seen him amass an undefeated record in 47 outings, his legacy will always be tainted by any manifest evasion of quality opposition. Most hard core fans will agree that the fight should have occurred immediately after Pacquio sensationally knocked out popular Brit, Ricky Hatton, whose air of invincibility was first burst following the comprehensive schooling he suffered in the wizardry hands of Floyd Mayweather. Pacquio’s demolition of Hatton was six rounds quicker than Mayweather had disposed of the previously unbeaten warrior who hails from Manchester and is now a trainer and promoter of a handful o boxers. His outstanding prowess in the ring raised the clamor for one of the best spectacles boxing fans could envision for a championship piece of entertainment.
Pacquio’s publicist, Fred Stenberg told eye of media ” the pubic has waited a long time for this, and we are ready to give the world the fight they want to see. We are doing all in a power to make this fight happen this year, but there is still a long way to go. Things are currently moving in the right direction, and we intend to keep things pushing forward”.
Britain’s own Amir Khan has also been pushing for a clash with the American genius,but it seems Mayweather would rather go for a bigger pay day against Pacquio whom he may see as deteriorating in skills with his age, despite the potency Pacquio still has. Khan would bring phenomenal speed to the table, one that eclipses anything Mayweather has encountered in his career so far.
Eye of Media wants to see the overdue clash between Mayweather and Pacquio take place this year without excuse. It will be an intriguing clash which I think Mayweather would win, though could easily lose too. In any event of the latter, we would want to see the American face Amir Khan after and stop this game of being evasive. The American ought to take courage from the glory days o the 70’s featuring Mohammed Ali, George Foreman, Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and Ken Norton. This guys never avoided each other, but faced the best. They all suffered loses- Ali becoming widely acclaimed for winning the title 3 times. Trying to protect an unbeaten record does little favors in the eyes of knowledgeable fans and boxing observers.
Whilst Khan is chasing MayWeather, Kell Brook is chasing Khan. Should Khan face Brooks in a fascinating Battle of Britain first and pursue Mayweather after risking his position?
