By Lem Satterfield, FanHouseA day after allowing an imposed midnight deadline to pass requiring his signature to make a fight with seven-division champion, Manny Pacquiao, unbeaten Floyd Mayweather told The Associated Press that he's "just relaxing," and, "not really thinking about boxing right now."
"It's his prerogative. It's great that Floyd is spending time with his family. We encourage Manny to do that all of the time with his wife and kids, and if that's what Floyd chooses to do, that's his choice," said Michael Koncz, an adviser to Pacquiao, who has agreed in principle to a megabout with Mayweather that would take place on Nov. 13, including terms that involve extensive drug-testing and reportedly an equitable or 50-50 split of the purse."I'm glad that he is spending time with his family and enjoying his life. It's a dangerous sport that he and Manny are involved in, and you never know when something tragic could happen," said Koncz. "If that's what he is doing right now with his time and with his career, that's fine with us. We'll move on."
Koncz said that Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 knockouts) will go ahead with plans to pursue a record eighth crown in as many different weight classes against either WBA junior middleweight (154 pounds) champion Miguel Cotto (35-2, 28 KOs), or ex-world titlist Antonio Margarito (38-6, 27 KOs), the latter of whom is the No. 1 contender for the WBC junior middleweight crown.
Margarito and Pacquiao would fight for the WBC title vacated by Sergio Martinez.
It appears that either The Dallas Cowboys' Stadium or the MGM Grand in Las Vegas would be more suitable for a bout between Pacquiao and Cotto, while the MGM and Monterrey, Mexico, would be more appropriate for a Margarito fight, according to Top Rank Promotions' CEO, Bob Arum. Abu Dhabi could host either bout if the money is right.
Mayweather's response to the Associated Press was on Sunday while acting as a coach during at a charity basketball game hosted by Dwyane Wade and Alonzo Mourning.
"I'm not interested in rushing to do anything. I'm not really thinking about boxing right now. I'm just relaxing. I fought about 60 days ago, so I'm just enjoying myself, enjoying life, enjoying my family and enjoying my vacation," said Mayweather. "I'm supporting all basketball players because I'm a fan of basketball. Like I said, I'm just supporting my family and relaxing. That's what I'm doing right now."
Arum speculated that Mayweather could return to negotiate a potential May bout, believing that the legal troubles involving the fighter's uncle and long-time trainer, Roger Mayweather, could be among his reasons for balking at a fall match up.
Roger Mayweather goes on trial in Clark County District Court in Nevada on Aug. 2 on an assault charge stemming from his allegedly choking and assaulting female boxer Melissa St. Vil last year, and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted -- meaning that he might not be available for a November fight.
"We're not going to disrespect Floyd for spending time with his family," said Koncz. "And we're in appreciation that he's not making any sort of sarcastic comments toward us."
According to Forbes' list of richest athletes, Mayweather was the second highest-earning athlete during a recent 12-month period.
David Mayo, of the Grand Rapids' Press out of Mayweather's home state of Michigan, reported that Mayweather made $68 million over that time compared with Tiger Woods' list-toping $105 million.
The other sports figures earning in excess of $40 million were Michael Jordan ($55 million), Kobe Bryant ($48 million), David Beckham ($44 million), Roger Federer ($43 million), Pacquiao ($42 million) and Lionel Messi ($40 million).
Mayweather is coming off of a May 1, lopsided unanimous decision victory over then-WBA welterweight (147 pounds) champion Shane Mosley, for which he earned a non-heavyweight record and career-high guaranteed $22.5 millionn purse, and cleared a career-high $40 million with upside and pay per view.
Mayweather's pay-per-view average revenue -- a total of $48 million for six fights -- ranks as the highest all-time. Mayweather generated a record 2.4 million viewers for his victory over Oscar De La Hoya in 2007.
Last week, Mayweaher was named the 2010 ESPY Award winner for "Best Fighter" during ESPN's 18th annual event. The 33-year-old Mayweather (41-0, 25 knockouts) also won the award in 2007 and 2008.
In 2009, the 31-year-old Pacquiao was named the recipient of the award, whose winner is determined by online balloting from the public, and whose nominees are chosen by fans, sportswriters, broadcasters, sports executives and personalities.
For this year's honor, Mayweather surpassed Pacquiao and UFC and MMA fighter George St. Pierre.
Source: boxing.fanhouse.com
