Fresh from winning his 11th world title, Manny Pacquiao has called out former world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The duo fought an epic battle in 2015 in a clash billed as the “Fight of the Century” which was also the richest boxing bout.
Mayweather won that contest by unanimous decision with two judges scoring it 116–112 and the other 118–110
Mayweather retired August 2017 after defeating mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor to end his career with a perfect 50-0 record.
“If Floyd wants to make a comeback tell him I’m ready,” said Pacquiao after his stunning seventh-round technical knockout of champion Lucas Matthysse to claim the World Boxing Association welterweight title.
“There are lots of good opponents but that (Mayweather fight) will be interesting. You can tell him I have the belts now and if he wants, let’s talk.”
Pacquiao’s stunning victory over Matthysse turned the clock back for the 39-year-old Filipino who proved he is not over the hill.
“Do I look like a 39-year-old boxer? No man, I feel like I’m 27, 28 or 29,” joked Pacquiao.
“I want more and I think my performance showed my critics what I’m capable of.”
Pacquiao’s lightning fast reflexes and punching power proved too much for his Argentine opponent who was floored by a right-left-right combination in the third round.
Although he got up, he was knocked down again two rounds later before “Pacman” finished him off 2:43s into the seventh round.
“Part of fighting is psychological. I showed him I wasn’t afraid of punches and that I could take them,” said Pacquiao.
“I knew I would win from the first round itself.
“I’m addicted to boxing, this is my passion. I will continue after this. Maybe Mayweather, maybe someone else. We shall see.”
Asked why he chose to fight in Malaysia, Pacquiao said it was to spread the love of boxing.
“Boxing is not so popular in Asia and that is why I hope to fight more in this region. I would like to thank the Malaysian government for supporting this fight.
“Axiata Arena was an awesome venue.”
The pugilist also revealed there are plans to set up a boxing academy in Malaysia and all the gear used during his training camp in Malaysia would be donated to the government.
