Tag Archives: manny

Floyd Mayweather reveals $40m offer to fight Manny Pacquiao

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'Who wouldn't want to lose for $40m' Mayweather reveals his offer to Pacquiao

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UPDATED:

11:07 GMT, 18 December 2012

Floyd Mayweather has reiterated claims that he
offered Manny Pacquiao the biggest payday of his career to face him in a
$100million superfight.

Pacquiao's defeat by Juan Manuel Marquez earlier this month cast further doubt on a potential mega-fight with Mayweather materialising anytime soon.

Mayweather has two dates set for next year – in May and September – and is yet to reveal his opponents.

But he has revealed that he did make Pacquiao a lucrative offer to fight him, raising hopes that the pair could eventually go toe-to-toe in the ring.

Big money: Floyd Mayweather has reiterated claims that he offered Manny Pacquiao $40million to fight him

Big money: Floyd Mayweather has reiterated claims that he offered Manny Pacquiao $40million to fight him

'I have footage of Manny Pacquiao
talking about what I offered him. I offered him $40m and I told him to
accept that and we could talk about the rest,' said Mayweather.

'The proof is in the pudding. He
received $6m against Timothy Bradley and $8m in this one [against Juan
Manuel Marquez]. What guy wouldn't want to be in a position to take a
loss for $40m He could have made a lot more fighting me.

'I'm very, very comfortable
[financially]. I have great business outside of boxing and all I want to
do is to continue to help the young fighters who are up-and-coming so
the sport of boxing can live on.'

Mayweather returns to the
ring in Las Vegas on May 4 for his first fight since his release from
prison and he admitted that the stretch inside was difficult.

Good to talk: Mayweather claims he has already discussed a potential fight with Pacquiao

Good to talk: Mayweather claims he has already discussed a potential fight with Pacquiao

'I did my time in the hole. I was
locked up for 23 hours a day in a small box and only coming out for one
hour, and at weekends not at all,' he said.

'Not being able to see nothing, not having any contact with anyone can hurt anybody.

'That was a crucial moment for me but
I'm strong and I'm happy to be home. I've got something to live for; my
four children, I want to give them the best education.'

Rising American star Adrien Broner, meanwhile, has been hailed as the successor to pound-for-pound No 1 Mayweather – and has already taught him a lesson on the basketball court.

Broner, 23, the WBC lightweight world champion, has stopped 21 of his 25 opponents and could meet Scotland's Ricky Burns next spring in a mouthwatering unification clash.

On the ball: Mayweather takes on Adrien Broner in a charity basketball game

On the ball: Mayweather takes on Adrien Broner in a charity basketball game

But he showed he can also hold his own outside the ring with a starring role in a charity basketball game in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Nicknamed 'The Problem', Broner went head-to-head with Mayweather, mesmerising the 35-year-old with his close control before leaving him for dead and scoring a basket.

He then performed a spectacular flip in celebration during a match which also featured Amir Khan's conqueror Danny Garcia.

Ricky Hatton is back in the gym

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I must be mental! Hatton returns to gym two days into second retirement

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UPDATED:

17:53 GMT, 26 November 2012

Ricky Hatton was back in his gym today after his comeback was cut abruptly short by Vyacheslav Senchenko on Saturday night in Manchester.

The Hitman was knocked out in the penultimate round by the Ukrainian and announced his retirement an hour later.

But Hatton, 34, has vowed not to return to the vicious cycle of drink and depression which blighted him after his brutal defeat to Manny Pacquiao in 2009.

Battered and bruised: Ricky Hatton was beaten by Vyacheslav Senchenko

Battered and bruised: Ricky Hatton was beaten by Vyacheslav Senchenko

And he tweeted a photo of himself in his gym with the tagline: 'If I'm not sick of this place, ha ha. I must be mental.'

Hatton will now focus on his responsibilities as trainer and promoter as he guides the careers of the likes of Martin Murray and Scott Quigg.

'A fighter knows when it's not there, and it's not there,' he said on Saturday. 'I've had too many fights and burnt the candles at both ends.

End of the road: Hatton was knocked out (above) before retiring (below)

End of the road: Hatton was knocked out (above) before retiring (below)

Ricky Hatton

'I've lost four and half stone for this and my sparring was great but I'm not going to put myself through that torture again.

'I got the answers. I was crying in the ring and no doubt I'll be crying tonight but I'm happy. I had to go in there and find out and I did.

'I've no complaints. It's been three and a half years and you all know the story. I needed to put a few demons to rest and I said before the fight I felt I'd already won and that hasn't changed.'

Manny Pacquiao: Ricky Hatton comeback is a mistake

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Pacquiao on Hatton's return: I respect Ricky but he's making a big mistake

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UPDATED:

13:42 GMT, 21 November 2012

Ricky Hatton is making a big mistake returning to the ring this Saturday. That is the verdict of Manny Pacquiao, the man whose knockout blow consigned the two-weight world champion into retirement three years ago.

The Hitman makes his big comeback this Saturday against Ukraine's former WBA welterweight king Vyacheslav Senchenko in front of a sell-out crowd at Manchester Arena.

But Pacquaio, who brutally defeated Hatton inside two rounds at the MGM Grand in May 2009, thinks the 34-year-old should have stayed away from the ring for good and insisted it is not something he will ever do once he walks away.

Comeback: Ricky Hatton undergoes his final preparations with his trainer Bob Shannon before Saturday's big return

Comeback: Ricky Hatton undergoes his final preparations with his trainer Bob Shannon before Saturday's big return

'I do not think it is a good idea to come back once a fighter has retired. It’s not something I plan on doing,' said Pacquaio, quoted in the Daily Express.

'I know how hard it is to get back into good boxing shape after being out of the training camp for only three or four months.'

Pacquiao is preparing for his first fight since controversially losing his WBO welterweight title to Timothy Bradley last June with a fourth fight against rival Juan Manuel Marquez next month in Las Vegas.

Blow: Manny Pacquiao destroyed Hatton inside two rounds in May 2009

Down and out: Manny Pacquiao destroyed Hatton inside two rounds in May 2009 (celebrating, below)

Down and out: Pacquiao celebrates his win over Hatton in May 2009

Despite voicing his concerns over Hatton's return, the Filipino legend insisted he respects the Manchester fighter's decision.

'I cannot imagine what it is like after a number of years,' Pacquaio added.

'It’s not just the conditioning, it’s the reflexes, legs, mental conditioning, and so much more.

'But this is Ricky’s decision to make and I respect him for it.'

Crunch test: Hatton will collide with Vyacheslav Senchenko at the Manchester Arena

Crunch test: Hatton will collide with Vyacheslav Senchenko at the Manchester Arena

Ricky Hatton reveals how close he came to suicide

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Hatton: I came so close to suicide that my girlfriend prised a knife from my hand

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UPDATED:

12:30 GMT, 28 October 2012

Ricky Hatton has revealed just how close he came to committing suicide following during his three-year retirement from boxing.

The 34-year-old said his girlfriend often had to prise a knife from his hand as depression took its toll on his life.

Hatton, who has had had well-publicised battles with drink, drugs and depression after his loss to Manny Pacquiao in his last fight since May 2009, will return to the ring against Ukraine's Vyacheslav Senchenko next month.

Back again: Ricky Hatton will return to the ring on November 24 in Manchester

Back again: Ricky Hatton will return to the ring on November 24 in Manchester

He told Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: 'I was near to a nervous breakdown, depression, suicidal. Most mornings my girlfriend would have to come downstairs and take a knife out of my hand. I had a knife at my wrists, I was in a really bad way, just hysterically crying for no reason.

'I've always liked a little bit of a drink, but my drinking had gone way off the Richter scale, I was having blackouts.

'And even if I was stone cold sober I was trying to kill myself. The real lowest point was when my little girl came along, who is one-year-old now. [Hatton's son] Campbell had the misfortune to see his dad in such a bad way, I am not going to do it any more to my kids and I'm not going to put my family though it any more.'

Hatton claims his life now is 'really rosy', but admitted in his eyes he was returning to the ring 'ashamed' and as a 'failure'.

Old days: Hatton enjoyed a drink or two

Old days: Hatton enjoyed a drink or two

'I feel sad because I feel ashamed of
myself,' he said. 'It doesn't matter how many people say, “Ricky,
everyone has problems and you got beaten my (Floyd) Mayweather (Jr) and
Pacquiao who are the two best fighters of our generation, you did the
country proud”.

'That's very kind of people to say, but they don't have to deal with this little fella who sits on my shoulder every day telling me that I'm a failure and I've let my family and my fans down and British sport, British boxing down.

'I feel a failure and it doesn't matter how many people say, “Don't be too hard on yourself”, that's how I feel and that's how I'm coming back. I feel I've got to redeem myself.

'It's more than a boxing match for me. For me everything I've done in my career, all the world titles and great wins have all been for nothing. That's how I feel.

'I feel I have to come back and redeem myself as a man to my fans, my family, my friends, loved ones, just the whole of British sport to be honest. Because it doesn't mater how many people say it to me, I feel like I've let everyone own. I've got to put the demon and those ghosts to rest.'

Hatton said he had thought about how he would handle a defeat against Senchenko on November 24, saying: 'I would rather get flattened again so I could look at myself in the mirror and say, “You know what Ricky, you gave it your best shot”. Whether I win, lose or draw, I've already won from where I came in.”

'I want people to look at me as a
four-time world champion, man of the people and not look at me as this
joke I feel I've become.'

Knocked out: Hatton was last in action when losing to Manny Pacquiao

Knocked out: Hatton was last in action when losing to Manny Pacquiao

Hatton said his current weight of 11 stone two pounds was 'music to his ears” one month out from a fight at which he must be 10st 7lbs.

He revealed during retirement he ballooned to 14st 10lbs.

'For 5ft 6in in height that's nothing short of heart attack material,' he said.

Hatton also claimed he would surprise the doubters in the ring.

'The way I'm performing in the gym I think everyone is going to be shocked at the Ricky Hatton that comes back,' he said.

Amir Khan reveals Virgil Hunter training plan ahead of Carlos Molina fight

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I'm going back to basics: Khan reveals plan under new trainer for Molina fight

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UPDATED:

14:42 GMT, 9 October 2012

Amir Khan is looking to return to the basics under new trainer Virgil Hunter ahead of his first fight since splitting from Freddie Roach.

Khan, who will meet Carlos Molina in Los Angeles on December 15, severed his ties with Roach following back-to-back defeats and will now be aiming to return to winning ways against the unbeaten American.

Former WBA and IBF light-welterweight champion Khan cited a lack of training time with Roach as one of the major reasons behind his decision to change trainer and is hoping things will be different under Hunter.

Back to basics: Amir Khan is getting ready for his return to the rung against Carlos Molina

Back to basics: Amir Khan is getting ready for his return to the rung against Carlos Molina

He said: 'We have changed a lot of stuff for this upcoming fight, first of all the trainer which I think is a massive part of the camp.

'The reason I had to change trainer is because when you are always winning a fight you never look at the bad points but when you lose a fight you sit down with your team and you go through the whole camp and where you think you went wrong.

'Freddie is a great trainer but I wasn't getting everything I wanted.

'Freddie is a very busy guy and one of the best trainers in the world, I personally the one who called Freddie on the phone and told him I would no longer be training with him.'

The 25-year-old also confirmed he had spoken to several trainers, including Floyd Mayweather Snr, but was comfortable with Hunter and felt he was the right man to progress his career.

Talking up his chance: Khan spoke to the media at The Mayfair Hotel

Talking up his chance: Khan spoke to the media at The Mayfair Hotel

'I spoke to Virgil and the first thing I said to him was that you have Andre Ward and I hope you are not going to be busy like Freddie was with Manny Pacquiao and I do get 100 per cent of your time,' he said.

'He made it clear he is going to be with me 100 per cent and whenever I need him he is going to be there – he wants a fighter/trainer relationship where we speak together and get on well together.'

Following defeats to Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia Khan is all-too-aware that he is far from the finished article inside the ring and is ready to utilise the knowledge of his new coach.

He said: 'I'm still not 100 per cent, I've still got room for improvement and it is maybe going back to the basics and looking at where I make mistakes and improving them.

'I'm an offensive fighter and I need my trainer to teach me the defensive part of training whilst at the same time remaining as offensively good.

'So that is what we are going to be working on, we know exactly what we have to do. We have never really had a defence if you think about it.'

Khan feels that Hunter can also get him behaving like a true boxer again as opposed to letting the red mist descend if a bout is not going in his favour.

'My main style was a boxer, using my brains and stuff, and then when you start winning fights so comfortably you can forget about the meaning of being a boxer,' he said.

'What Virgil wants me to do is go back to the boxing again but be a smart boxer and understand what I have to do.

'That is a big part on Virgil too because he has to teach me what he wants me to do and it is about sticking to a gameplan because sometimes when I see red I forget about the gameplan and go all out.'

Fight night: Khan hopes to bounce back from his defeat to Danny Garcia when he takes on Molina in December

Fight night: Khan hopes to bounce back from his defeat to Danny Garcia when he takes on Molina in December

Olympic silver medallist Khan is confident he can reclaim a world title within the next 12 months and is hopeful his legions of fans will continue to support him.

He said: 'It is an ideal fight for us, we have to win this fight to come back and be right at the top.

'I can promise you next year we will fight for a world title and win a world title and become a world champion again.

'I hope the UK fans turn up, I'm sure Molina is going to bring a big fanbase and I'm sure my UK fans plus my American fans are going to turn up and we will make sure we finish the year with a bang.'

Ricky Hatton faces Vyacheslav Senchenko test in Manchester on November 24

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Hatton straight in at the deep end against ex-world champion Senchenko in comeback fight

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UPDATED:

22:00 GMT, 28 September 2012

So determined is Ricky Hatton to be remembered as a brilliant boxer – not a busted flush – that is taking tougher opponents than he needed to for his comeback fight in Manchester on November 24.

The Hitman, 33, had two images in his mind as he insisted on meeting Vyacheslav Senchenko – a two-time World champion who has lost only once.

The first was of his partner Jennifer coming downstairs one morning to find him throwing a knife onto the kitchen floor after another failed attempt at suicide.

Banging his own drum: Ricky Hatton returns to the ring on November 24 in Manchester

Banging his own drum: Ricky Hatton returns to the ring on November 24 in Manchester

Spoiling for a fight: Hatton is ready to go

Spoiling for a fight: Hatton is ready to go

The second was a glimpse of the future – that of his new baby daughter Millie growing up ‘and thinking of me as a great fighter who blew it on drink’.

Although Hatton is focussed on coming all the way back to challenge for the World title he once held, it is this legacy which has driven him back into fighting condition…and into the ring shortly.

As he unveiled Senchenko as his first test in the three years since Manny Pacquiao knocked him senseless in Las Vegas, Hatton said: ‘Other names (Katsidis and N’dou were mentioned) would have been tough enough but I wanted to put myself to a real challenge.
Double act: Hatton with his trainer Bob Shannon

Double act: Hatton with his trainer Bob Shannon

Night to remember: Hatton with some of the fighters who will be on the undercard in November

Night to remember: Hatton with some of the fighters who will be on the undercard in November

'This is typical Ricky Hatton…me diving right in at the deep end.’

The Ukrainian is 35 but had not been beaten in 32 fights prior to his World title loss to Paulie Malignaggi recently.

Hatton says: ‘If I’m going to make
everybody proud of me again, then I know I’ve got to take on the tough
opponents. I want my family, boxing, my great fans and Britain remember
me as the hit man who came back to redeem himself as a grand fighter,
not the guy who did great but then threw it all away after a couple of
tough defeats.

Hatton arrives for his photo call

Back in business

I love to box: Hatton says he is driven by his passion for the sport

'I got so depressed when I drank
myself up to 15 stone that I kept thinking about suicide. It’s all very
well saying that people in that position keep threatening to do it but
don’t. With many the day comes when they do kill themselves and the
closest I came was that day when Jennifer came down to the kitchen.’

Those memories – and the thought of
what little Millie might think of him in the years ahead, feed into
Hatton’s justification for a return to the ring, the wisdom of which has
divided boxing opinion. ‘I’m leading a healthier life now,’ he says.
‘I’m not going to let anyone down. I’m going to make everyone proud of
me again.’

Last time out: Manny Pacquiao looked to have ended Hatton's career when he knocked him out in 2009

Last time out: Manny Pacquiao looked to have ended Hatton's career when he knocked him out in 2009

He looks in phenomenal shape already
after months of dieting, while the appetite for fighting is ravenous
once again. He says: ‘Redemption is the main thing but I missed it like
crazy. To tell you the truth I never wanted to retire in the first place
but after being knocked out by Pacquiao and all the personal problems
with drink and drugs, everyone thought it was for the best.

'Now I want to right the wrongs. I was so embarrassed. I was the man of the people and I let the people down.’

The rekindling of his passion goes so
far as to envisage fresh World title shots against even the likes of
Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, probably taking out British stars Amir
Khan and Kell Brook en route.

He says: ‘Of course that’s in my mind. Tell ‘em all the Hitman’s back and I’m coming for them.’

The way he looked on Friday, they would be unwise not to take him seriously.

EXCLUSIVE: Amir Khan appoints Virgil Hunter as trainer

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EXCLUSIVE: Khan appoints Ward's trainer Hunter as replacement for Roach

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UPDATED:

13:13 GMT, 27 September 2012

Virgil Hunter, the American who guided Andre Ward to his Super Six Final conquest of Carl Froch, is set to be appointed as Amir Khan’s new trainer.

Ward, who unified two of the world super-middleweight titles with his victory over Froch the Nottingham Cobra, has been developed by Hunter into one of the top five pound-for-pound boxers on the planet.

Team Khan have chosen Hunter to replace Freddie Roach, the Hall of Famer regarded by many as the best trainer in the world, following two consecutive defeats.

Replaced: Amir Khan (right) has swapped Freddie Roach (left) with Virgil Hunter

Replaced: Amir Khan (right) has swapped Freddie Roach (left) with Virgil Hunter

Khan’s chief concern was that he was a second priority to Manny Pacuiao for Roach, who is also involved with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

But the knock-out defeat inflicted by Danny Garcia in his most recent bout raised some alarm about the need for more focus on his defensive skills.

Under Hunter’s tutelage, Ward has become almost as difficult to hit as Floyd Mayweather Jnr. Khan is turning to him in the realisation that he cannot afford another set-back after being first robbed of his world light-welterweight championshp by drugs cheat Lamont Peterson, then stopped by Garcia in his first attempt to regain a title.

Kahn was known to have been in talks with several leading trainers, including Hunter, and the decision has now been taken.

Before they came to a deal, Hunter said: ‘Amir is very talented and an exceptional offensive boxer.

Not again: Khan lost to Danny Garcia under Roach's tutelage

Not again: Khan lost to Danny Garcia under Roach's tutelage

Not again: Khan lost to Danny Garcia under Roach's tutelage

But there are some aspects that need correcting.Personally I don’t think that would be too difficult to achieved and then he should be able to regain his position as a world champion.’

When asked if the old doubts about Khan’s chin had re-surfaced against Garcia, Hunter said: ’One thing they do need to is keep him away from big punchers for the moment.’

Having trained predominantly of late at Roach’s fabled Wild Card gym in Los Angeles, it should be a simple transition for Khan to relocate at Ward’s home town of Oakland in northern California.

He is scheduled to being rebuilding his career on December 15. A home-coming fight at Manchester’s MEN Arena has been mooted for that date but the union with Hunter makes it more likely to take place in America.

Khan is presumably satisfied that Hunter’s commitments with Ward – who recently defeated world light-heavyweight champion Chad Dawson – will not limit his own training time.

Orchestrator: Under Virgil Hunter, Andre Ward (above) has become one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet

Orchestrator: Under Virgil Hunter, Andre Ward (above) has become one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet

Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jnr settle court case

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Court settlement clears path for $200m Mayweather v Pacquiao superfight

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UPDATED:

09:11 GMT, 26 September 2012

The hotly anticipated superfight between Floyd Mayweather Jnr and Manny Pacquiao could be taking a step closer as the two fighters are close to settling a long-standing defamation case in Las Vegas.

Fight fans around the world now hope this will pave the way for the $200million showdown in Sin City to be confirmed.

Pacquiao filed the lawsuit in
December 2009 seeking unspecified damages based on allegations that
Floyd Mayweather Jnr defamed him by suggesting he used
performance-enhancing substances.

Who's next Pacquiao will face Marquez in December... but will Mayweather come after that

Who's next Pacquiao will face Marquez in December… but will Mayweather come after that

Terms of the agreement cited in
documents filed in the US District Court in Las Vegas are confidential,
said Malcolm LaVergne, a lawyer representing Floyd Mayweather Jnr's
father in the case.

LaVergne said documents filed under
seal ask US District Judge Larry R. Hicks to dismiss the lawsuit, and
that others involved in the case were preparing a public statement.
Documents filed publicly said each side would bear its own attorney fees
and costs.

In a statement the Mayweathers said: 'We wish to
make it clear that they never intended to claim that Manny Pacquiao has
used or is using any performance-enhancing drugs, nor are they aware of
any evidence that Manny Pacquiao has used performance-enhancing drugs.'

'The matter has been resolved,' LaVergne said. 'Any alleged terms of the resolution would be strictly confidential. Floyd Mayweather Snr is very happy that this lengthy case has finally come to a conclusion.'

Money matters: Mayweather won his last bout in May against Miguel Cotto

Money matters: Mayweather won his last bout in May against Miguel Cotto

The direction of the case took a turn against Floyd Mayweather Jnr last week, when the judge issued a ruling ordering him to pay 70,000 in legal fees and costs for avoiding questioning under oath from Pacquiao's lawyers.

Hicks faulted Mayweather for failure to comply with a court order. But he earlier rejected a bid by Pacquiao's lawyers to end the lawsuit with a more severe sanction – a default judgment for Pacquiao.

Nevada State Athletic Commission chief Keith Kizer said he wasn't aware of any talks between the two camps about scheduling a fight. But Kizer said such a fight could set records for the highest purse, gate and number of cable television paid viewers.

A Mayweather-Pacquiao fight might eclipse the Mayweather super welterweight fight against Oscar De La Hoya that drew 17,078 fans to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in May 2007, Kizer said. Paid attendance was 11.3m.

'Based on my dealings with the boxing public and boxing insiders, the proposed Mayweather-Pacquiao fight has as much interest as any fight I can remember in the last 20 years,' Kizer said. 'I think this would be our first gate over 12.3m.'

Kell Brook targets Ricky Hatton showdown

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Brook eyes British blockbuster against Hatton after snubbing Bradley showdown

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UPDATED:

14:03 GMT, 25 September 2012

Kell Brook has paved the way for an all-British world title showdown with Ricky Hatton next year.

The Sheffield welterweight, who
faces Hector Saldivia in Sheffield on October 20 in the final eliminator
for the IBF world title, comprehensively outpointed Ricky's brother
Matthew in March.

Impressive: Kell Brook is unbeaten in 28 fights

Impressive: Kell Brook outpointed Ricky Hatton's brother Matthew

And with the senior Hatton making his comeback in Manchester in November, Brook admits he would jump at the chance to complete the double.

'I will be watching Ricky Hatton's comeback with great interest as a fight against him next year would be an absolute blockbuster for British boxing,' he said.

'When I fought his brother Matthew you could see that the Hatton name still means a lot in boxing and we would fill a big stadium fighting for a world title.'

Brook, who is unbeaten in 28 fights, also revealed he turned down the chance to fight Timothy Bradley for the American's WBO title.

Blockbuster: Brook wants Ricky Hatton showdown

Blockbuster: Brook wants Ricky Hatton showdown

Bradley won a contentious decision against Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas in June and was prepared to defend the belt against the Brit.

But the 26-year-old opted to continue his journey towards the IBF strap.

'The Bradley fight was put in front of me but I believe the mandatory position in the IBF is the right move,' Brook added.

'Eddie [Hearn] has worked hard to get me into this position and providing I beat Saldivia, I'll be fighting for a world title at the start of 2013 and it will be on my terms.

'I would love that to be in Sheffield too and I know Eddie would do his best to get it here as it would be an amazing event.'

Manny Pacquiao clears way for Floyd Mayweather fight with pay offer

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Over to you Floyd… Pacquiao clears way for $100m superfight with open offer on pay

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UPDATED:

08:18 GMT, 21 September 2012

Manny Pacquiao has openly told Floyd Mayweather jnr he will take a smaller purse than his rival in a bid to get their $100million superfight finally inked in.

Mayweather has long insisted that he deserves a larger payday than Pacquiao should the world's two best pound-for-pound boxers ever meet in the ring.

That has proved one of the many stumbling blocks to a deal in the past but now the Filipino superstar has gone public in saying he would take 45 per cent of the purse to allow Mayweather to pocket 55 per cent of the money.

Plenty to say: Manny Pacquiao is promoting his fourth fight with Juan Marquez

Plenty to say: Manny Pacquiao is promoting his fourth fight with Juan Marquez

Plenty to say: Manny Pacquiao is promoting his fourth fight with Juan Marquez

Pacquiao, a world champion in eight weight divisions and a congressman in his native Philippines, faces Juan Marquez for the fourth time on December 8 but already has one eye on the long-awaited bout with the unbeaten Mayweather, and is prepared to pander to his American rival's string of demands to make it happen.

'I’m waiting for that fight to happen,' Pacquiao told ESPN. 'I don’t know what’s the reason why that fight has not happened.

'It’s OK for me if he gets a higher percentage than me.'

Pacquiao spoke to Mayweather on the phone in January and was offered a flat $40m fee with no share of the revenue, which he refused.

String of demands: Floyd Mayweather

String of demands: Floyd Mayweather

'I spoke to Floyd… and he offered me an amount,' Pacquiao added. 'He didn’t talk about the pay-per-views here and that’s it. I can’t agree with that. I told him I agree with 55 and 45 (split).'

Pacquiao also insisted he would have no problem undergoing random blood and urine tests in the build-up to the fight, something Mayweather has always insisted on and which had previously been one of the near countless stumbling blocks delaying a deal.

Mayweather had accused his rival of taking performance-enhancing drugs, which led to Pacquiao taking legal action for defamation in December 2009.

Earlier this week a Las Vegas judge ordered Mayweather to pay 70,000 because he has refused to appear for a deposition with Pacquiao’s lawyers.

'No problem,' Pacquiao said when asked about whether he would undergo testing. 'Whatever he wants to do.

'Even the night of the fight. No problem.'

Pacquiao must overcome Marquez to have any hope of facing Mayweather. The Filipino has won two and drawn one of their three previous fights, but many observers – and Marquez – have contested that the Mexican deserved to win.