Manny Pacquiao vs Adrien Broner: Pacquiao challenges Floyd Mayweather to rematch in post-fight interview
‘I’m willing to fight if he’s willing to come back in boxing’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.WBA welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao challenged Floyd Mayweather to return to boxing and give him a rematch following his victory over Adrien Broner on Saturday night.
Mayweather, the retired and undefeated US legend, attended the big fight in Las Vegas, fuelling speculation of a second bout against Pacquiao.
“Tell him to come back to the ring and we will fight,” said the Filipino champion in a post-fight interview with Showtime’s Jim Gray.
Mayweather, whose last outing was a farcical exhibition bout against a Japanese kickboxer, refused the questions of a ringside TV reporter about whether he would be willing to fight Pacquiao again.
Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe tried to cool speculation over a potential rematch: “Floyd’s living his best life. I’m very happy for him.”
The Filipino, who lost to Mayweather in 2015, was less reticent. “I’m willing to fight if he’s willing to come back in boxing.”
Pacquiao is enjoying a career turnaround after uninspiring efforts that left many believing his career was nearing an end.
“I don’t believe my career is over,” said the 40-year-old. “I proved it in my last fight against (Lucas Matthysse) and now proved it again. The Manny Pacquiao journey still continues.”
He was quicker and more accurate than Broner as he controlled each round and cruised to the triumph to take his career record to 61-7-2.
“I’m so happy,” said Pacquiao. “God gave me this blessing (of good health). At the age of 40 I can still give my best.”
About the only person in attendance who disagreed with the outcome was Broner, who protested the result emphatically in his post-fight interview.
“I beat him. Everyone out there knows I beat him,” Broner said. “I controlled the fight, he was missing and I hit him clean more times.”
It was difficult to take Broner's claims seriously on a night when he was relegated to the role of defensive fighter.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments