US TV networks pressure Mayweather to fight Pacman

COTABATO CITY – Big TV networks in the United States are pressuring Floyd Mayweather to
fight 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, the Filipino boxing icon’s
close friend today said.

Now, it is
not only the fight fans who are clamoring for the most awaited boxing match up
of the century - undefeated American champion Mayweather versus
8-division world champion Pacquiao,” Former North Cotabato Gov. Emmanuel
Pinol said.

He said two of
America's biggest TV sports network, HBO and Showtime, are initiating talks on
how to bring Mayweather and Pacquiao in the ring for the staging of the biggest
boxing event with the biggest boxing payday for both fighters
estimated at least 50 million US dollars each.

Pinol said he
talked to Pacquiao, Saranggani lone district representative to the House, who hinted
that his meeting with Mayweather may happen next year adding that there are
on-going talks between HBO and Showtime.

HBO carries
Pacquiao's fights while Showtime has the exclusive rights over Mayweather's
fights following a 100 million US dollars TV deal with the flamboyant but
oftentimes abrasive and trouble-prone American boxing champion.

It could
happen next year, Pacquiao told Pinol during a one-on-one meeting where both
briefly discussed Pacquiao’s forthcoming fight with another undefeated American
champion Chris Algieri scheduled next month in Macau and lengthily talked about
his political and boxing plans.

Pacquiao said
he was informed by sources that Showtime would like Mayweather to take the
fight against him because it could be the TV network's opportunity to recover
its huge investments on Mayweather.

Whether the
Mayweather fight eventually happens or not, Pacquiao said he is really keen on
staging one of his world title fights in the Philippines before he hangs up his
gloves.

But
right now, I would like to focus on the Algieri fight, said Pacquiao who
instructed his business adviser Michael Koncz to advise people asking for an
audience or appointment with him that he wants to concentrate on his training
and that he could not entertain them yet.

Please
tell them to please understand that I want to train hard and focus on this fight
against Algieri, Pinol quoted Pacquiao as telling Koncz after the
Canadian adviser informed him that a friend wanted to ask for an appointment
with him.

While largely
unknown, the undefeated Algieri is considered a dangerous opponent because of
his resilience inside the ring and his ability to absorb punches and survive.

The undefeated
American is also taller and younger than Pacquiao.

In the field of
politics, Pacquiao said he has not made up his mind yet on whether to finish
his third and last term as Saranggani representative or accept the draft to run
for the Senate.