Manny Pacquiao teases fight vs. Floyd Mayweather in 2024

Manny Pacquiao and Rizin Fighting Federation executive Nobuyuki Sakakibara teased a fight between the Filipino boxing icon and old rival Floyd Mayweather during the Rizin 45 event held on Sunday, December 31, at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan.

Pacquiao addressed the crowd during the event and spoke about a potential bout between him and Mayweather.

CEO Sakakibara: "Could you please fight against Floyd Mayweather?"

Manny Pacquiao: "I'm ready."

???? Watch on @FITEtv !????https://t.co/eEpfmslhPp pic.twitter.com/gwod6x8wKm

— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2023

“Thank you so much for inviting me here again. I’m sorry for the last time that we promised that I’m going to fight this year. But as Sakakibara-san explained… next year. I hope to see you in japan again in a big fight,” Pacquiao said.

When Sakakibara said Mayweather’s name, Pacquiao continued: “I thought you didn’t want me to say that. But I’m excited for that. Thank you for always supporting Rizin and all his promotions.”

In December of 2022, Pacquiao announced that he had signed a deal to fight for the Japanese MMA promotion in 2023. In February of 2023, it was reported that pro wrestler Kota Ibushi would be a possible opponent for Pacquiao at Rzin, though that fight did not materialize.

He has also been announced to fight Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek in a boxing event outside of Rizin.

Pacquiao and Mayweather fought in an official bout in 2015 with the American boxing legend winning by unanimous decision.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News