MANILA, Philippines – A close associate of Floyd Mayweather Jr. has confirmed that their camp is making progress in arranging a deal to fight Manny Pacquiao.
Sam Watson, a member of Mayweather’s inner circle, is optimistic the fight the whole world wants to see will be finalized soon.
“They’re putting it together now,” Watson said in a report by The Guardian.
It was reported Wednesday that Pacquiao has agreed to the terms to meet Mayweather in a megabuck showdown. All that’s needed now is for Mayweather to give his nod.
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Watson said even the networks holding the rights to televise each of the fighters’ bouts are already on the same page. Pacquiao’s fights are aired by HBO while rival network Showtime broadcasts Mayweather’s shows.
“They’re going to do a Showtime-HBO [joint pay-per-view] like they did last time with Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson. They’re working on the monies now and everything they’ve got to work on to make it happen,” Watson added.
The purse split is reportedly set at 60-40 in favor of the undefeated Mayweather, who can earn as much as $120 million against Pacquiao. That’s the highest payday he will ever get.
And that’s why the showdown must happen.
“I can’t wait. It’s going to be huge,” Watson continued.
“I believe it’s going to happen. I believe that everybody involved wants it to happen. I know Floyd wants it.” – Dino Maragay