The interest on a Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight has admittedly decreased over the years as both fighters cannot come into terms. However, it would still remain boxing's top draw when it happens. Both fighters may no longer be at their peak but it's all about cementing their legacies-which is just as important for a fighter.
Floyd Mayweather, at least the father, seems to have seen the light on that. While they have scheduled his next fight for September 13, 2014-a rematch against Marcos Maidana of Argentina, the next fight schedule on May (his Cinco De Mayo fight) is up for grabs. Floyd Sr is suggesting the bout with the Filipino boxing icon.
From Boxing Insider:
"The source, who's both a manager and trainer and quite knowledgeable, said Floyd Senior made the remark about Pacquiao as they discussed other matters. He wasn't absolutely sure that Daddy Floyd wanted his comments repeated so he asked me not to identify him. He's known the father for many years. Floyd Senior, he said, wants the fight to cement his son's legacy and bring in what would certainly be the biggest haul in boxing history. The source wasn't absolutely certain when they spoke two weeks ago that the entire team was in agreement on a Pacquiao fight.
'I thought at the time that maybe the dad was just saying that because he was trying to motivate the fight.' Just the fact that the father is pushing for the fight is significant, but the source said that since then he's seen other indications that the rest of the team is on board."
Of course, the "Money Team" is anticipating a victory against Marcos Maidana. They talk as if it's a given.
Financial figures may finally force the hand of both fighters to finally make it happen. Pay per View numbers have been dipping as Pacquiao and Mayweather have scoured the welterweight class for quality opponents. The gap between Golden Boy and Top Rank also limited their options. Boxing in general has suffered in favor of mixed-martial arts.
One epic battle may lift the sport beyond their fight. For both Mayweather and Pacquiao, who have their own promotions outfit for other up and coming boxers, they should see the long-term benefit of their fight in that context.