Promoter: Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao bout likely in 2015
Though there are still some kinks that need to be worked out, it appears that Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather will meet in the ring some time next year.
Boxing promoter Bob Arum told the San Francisco Chronicle that television networks from both camps -- HBO for Pacquiao and CBS/Showtime for Mayweather -- have met and discussed setting up the bout.
"Both networks want this fight to happen," Arum said Thursday. "All signs seem to point to the fight happening early next year."
Pacquiao and his camp are in San Francisco promoting his upcoming fight with Chris Algieri in China, and he spoke to the possibility of facing Mayweather.
"Of course, I want this fight," Pacquiao said, according to the paper. "People have always been bothering me, 'When is this fight going to happen?' … 'When is this fight going to happen?' I am ready to fight Floyd anytime."
According to Arum, that time may be soon. Pacquiao's bout with Algieri is in late November, and Mayweather has a rematch with Marcos Maidana in mid-September. After that, Arum says, the clock is ticking for these two fighters who are both approaching 40.
"There is a sell-by date, where it becomes 'Who cares?' [after that]. It has to happen by the first six months of next year," Arum said. "And if it happens, there should be a provision with a different percentage for the rematch. So that the winner is rewarded for winning the fight.
"I would love to see these guys fight twice next year."
Mayweather, who is under contract for two more fights following his bout with Maidana, is a perfect 46-0 in his career.
