Former pound-for-pound champion Manny Pacquiao confirmed that he has already approved on the proposed $60M guaranteed fight purse, should the fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. happen next year, the fighting Congressman said in a recent interview with AsianFightScene.com.
Pacquiao, who remains the WBO Welterweight title-holder after he obliterated Chris Algieri via 12-round unanimous decision last week in Macau, said that he agrees to accept the lesser share of the 60/40 split in order for the fight with Money May finally happen.
"I agree with the $100 million guarantee to Floyd Mayweather, and have accepted only $60 million for me," Pacquiao said in an interview with senior reporter Eddie Alinea of AsianFightScene.com while onboard Philippines Airlines flight from General Santos City to Manila last week.
The 35-year old Pacquiao previously wanted a different stipulation, with the winner of the fight getting the 60 percent share while the loser settling with 40 percent of the fight purse.
Then again, the Saranggani Congressman believed Mayweather would never accept such terms, so he then decided to take a lesser paycheck for the sake of millions of boxing fans around the world who are eager to see the two best pound-for-pound fighter in the world duke it out inside the ring.
"I took this challenge because of the demand from boxing fans, which became stronger after I beat Chris Algieri. I've accepted every demand up to this point, including his earlier demands on drug-testing. But instead of accepting, here he comes again making statements insulting me using social media."
CBS top executive Les Moonves and Top-Rank promoter Bob Arum has already made the initial talk in finally getting both Pacquiao and Mayweather's camp on the same page for the fight to finally happen.
Early estimate for the fight's earning is projected to reach between $700 million to as high $1 billion, especially if the fight is held in Macau, which helps the promotion draw China's multi-million market.
Still, Pacquiao stressed that he has other options if Mayweather continues to reject their offer, adding that he might fight in the jr. welterweight division where an enticing showdown with Danny Garcia could take place.
"If the fight with Floyd Mayweather happens, it's good for the fans and boxing as a sport. If not, I will continue to fight in the Junior Welterweight division."
