Will there be a Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao rematch?
For now, the stigma of that disappointing bout is still in the air and has sharply divided opinion. There are many who believe a rematch is needed due to the injury Pacquiao was carrying in the last fight, and also as the rematch would still be head and shoulders above any other fight available out there involving any other fighters.
Both fighters faced criticism following the first fight; Mayweather was condemned for what many felt were boring tactics where he simply always backed away and caught Pacquiao with his jab, never really engaging in any extended exchange of shots. Pacquiao meanwhile was criticised for throwing far less punches throughout the fight than most fans are used to seeing from him over the years, and also for going into the fight hiding what turned out to be quite a severe injury. Even if he had a clean bill of health and was at his absolute best, Mayweather would have been a tough prospect, but factor in his injury, and many feel the fight amounted to a bout that meant next to nothing.
However, a rematch would raise various questions - even the original fight took years to finalise details and that May 2 fight was worth an estimated $600 million in revenue. The way the original fight went, many are sceptical over whether a rematch would attract anywhere near as much attention and revenue. However, others counter that a rematch would still massively trump any alternative bouts for either fighter.
Mayweather is set to fight again this September against a fighter that has yet to be named. If rumors stay the course, that opponent could likely be Amir Khan. But as everyone knows, Khan has to overcome Chris Algieri first before even considering it.
Pacquiao on the other hand is still recuperating from a right shoulder injury, though a report from Tempo Sports Nick Giongco reveals that there is a slim chance he could be up and about as early as November 2015.
A rematch could be possible despite the fact that Mayweather has said he would be retiring after September. One major factor is the pay-day it would bring for Mayweather. He has never been shy of stating the fact that he's in boxing for the money, and another $100 million-plus pay-day may be too much of a temptation for him to reject.
Not only that, but one more fight after September may serve as the perfect chance to break the 49-0 record by Rocky Marciano, which would be one more thing to help put the exclamation mark on Mayweather's colourful career.
If it does happen, the fight could take place in April 2016 and at the Las Vegas Arena, which can accommodate up to 20,000 fans.
Could it be possible? Showtime is open to the idea but stressed it will eventually be driven by the demand from their viewers. Even though boxing fans have reacted with dissatisfaction to the first fight, it is hard to see people staying away from a rematch - especially when the alternatives in the current landscape of boxing bouts is so baron when it comes to fights that could capture the imagination of the public.
