Floyd Mayweather Hints that the war with Manny Pacquiao is over

Manny Pacquio said Tuesday in New York City that he did not need the fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. “It’s the fight fans want,” he said, elaborating also that he is content with his status and what he has accomplished. The emphasis is on Juan Manuel Marquez on HBO Pay-Per-View come November 12th so of course Mayweather for now is not the fight he wants. Or the question is again, a recurring theme, will Pacquiao and Mayweather ever meet to finally settle the war of words? There is Mayweather, who could be playing mind games, or is he still avoiding Pacquiao as he prepares for his upcoming welterweight title bout against Victor Ortiz a week from Saturday. “He could have had the fight if he wanted it,” said Mayweather in a media conference call Wednesday. “As long as he is attached to my name, he’ll make great paydays and as long as he fights my leftovers.” There is no telling where this will go. Ortiz could stop all the Mayweather mayhem if he defeats and defends the WBC title on September 17th. And it is so true what Pacquiao said. It is not a fight for him at this juncture of his career. It is a fight for the fans. The boxing public has anticipated this fight for almost two years. It means a lot for the sport, two of the premiere names in the sport and Pacquiao the face of boxing. Mayweather may be avoiding his adversary, Pacquiao, and perhaps this was the last war of the words because if he prevails over Ortiz, surely the question will come up and Mayweather will speak. But will he avoid the question and say Pacquiao is always associated with him? You see Manny Pacquiao has been the active fighter, and as much as Mayweather has accomplished we will see him for the first time in 16-months when he steps in the ring with Ortiz. No matter how much Mayweather gets respect, he loses it more and more each time he opens his mouth when the Pacquiao question is addressed. There should be no need for comparison of opponents and Pacquiao indeed deserves the paydays. Mayweather is slowly losing a fan base, and he has to be aware of that as legal issues also continue to be his biggest match, perhaps more significant than a mega bout with Manny Pacquiao. But when you listen to Mayweather, he continues to assert how dominant he has been in the sport. And, that dominance won’t come to fruition until he gets in the ring with Pacquiao, that is, if Victor Ortiz temporarily or completely puts an end to the question with a win. Mayweather does not see Ortiz as a threat. He is looking ahead, but is it Pacquiao he really wants? “I think I’m still very sharp and still strong,” says Mayweather. “The reason why is because I haven’t been in any toe to toe wars. A lot of wars in the ring is wear and tear on my body. I thank God for blessing me with great defense.” Mayweather knows Ortiz is young and strong. The defense for Ortiz could be an issue, as Mayweather has proved to use that strategy to his advantage as is chronicled in his last three fights with Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Shane Mosley. “I get knockouts when guys come to put it all on the line,” says Mayweather. Was that a message also to Pacquiao with that comment? We may never know until they get in the ring, but to Pacquiao’s credit, knockouts also come his way because he also puts it all on the line. But Mayweather is unpredictable. It seems the steroid controversy that put a dent in the fight almost two years ago has come to pass. Now, Mayweather talks about himself and what he has achieved and Pacquiao may have to provide an answer. Because as much as it appears Mayweather may have given up the war, he says, “I prefer to hold court inside the squared circle. I’m all about being fair. If you’re the best take the test.” That is a comment to be read between the lines. The obvious reference that Pacquiao should take the steroid test and then the fight can happen. But there is something in common with Mayweather and Pacquiao, and Victor Ortiz is also aware of this. They fight for the fans and appreciate their support. So when Mayweather hints that the war with Pacquio is over, one that never started in the ring, can we believe him? The fans still buzz about the fight, as does the boxing media. “I know that the word champion” would always be attached to my name,” says Mayweather. He may very well have that attachment again after September 17th, and then that temporary truce with Manny Pacquiao could very well be over.