Floyd Mayweather has poured cold water on talk of an Amir Khan fight because ‘no one has heard of him’ but once again called out welterweight rival Manny Pacquiao.
Mayweather and Pacquiao’s meeting has been five years in the making, with speculation now rife that the richest fight in boxing history is close to being made.
Khan was hopeful of getting his chance to get in the ring with the American star but the 37-year-old says ‘his name holds no weight’, making the prospective encounter extremely unlikely.
Speaking after his victory against Devon Alexander in Las Vegas, Khan, who arrived back at Manchester Airport yesterday, said: ‘The Mayweather fight I think definitely should happen. I have proven myself not once, but twice.’
However, Mayweather, the WBA, WBC and Ring champion does not seem impressed with the crowds the Bolton-born boxer draws. ‘The other night I think he did 4 000 (attendance), so, Amir Khan, his name holds no weight,’ Mayweather told reporters during the WBC convention.
‘No one knows who Amir Khan is, except for people who are involved in boxing. My focus is Manny Pacquiao. Let’s make it happen.’
Earlier this week, Pacquiao, an eight-division champion and current WBO welterweight holder, said Mayweather had ‘nowhere else to run’ as talk ramped up about a high-profile fight. As he enjoyed himself on his 36th birthday at home, Pacquiao refused to dwell on the latest rant from Mayweather.
‘I don’t want to talk and even think about him because it will only spoil my day,’ he said prior to his celebration.
Mayweather admits that talks about the fight are happening behind the scenes and he has pencilled in May 2 as the date that he will fight his next opponent.
It is estimated that a fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao will gross a minimum $300million.
Pacquiao has agreed to take the thin end of the 60-40 split, although there are suggestions that Mayweather may demand an even higher percentage if an agreement is to be finalised.
It is probable that Mayweather will insist on fighting in his adopted hometown of Las Vegas, as usual.
But Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum has been proposing the erection of a pop-up stadium in the famous Strip with a 50,000 capacity, more than double that of any existing arena in Sin City. – Daily Mail