Manny Pacquiao took centerstage just before New Year's Day and teased the Japanese fight fans and the whole world about a matchup with Floyd Mayweather.

Pacquiao went up the ring during an event staged by RIZIN in Tokyo and assured the audience that he will return to Japan to fight again.

It was not clear if the Filipino legend is talking about a real fight or just an exhibition but efforts are under way to have him and Floyd Mayweather face off in a rematch this year.

The first time they fought in May 2015 in Las Vegas, Mayweather ran away with a unanimous decision win.

"I will see you here in Japan again, for a big fight. Floyd Mayweather, I thought you wouldn't want me to say that. I am excited for that. Thank you for always supporting RIZIN Promotions," Pacquiao said, mentioning Mayweather's name after RIZIN chief Noboyuki Sakakibara blurted the American fighter's name in the background.

Last year, plans to bring Pacquiao for a fight didn't push through, leaving the eight-division legend on the lookout for an appearance after doing an exhibition in Korea in December 2022.

Still, it could not be confirmed if Mayweather would agree to face Pacquiao even in an exhibition.

In his interviews, Mayweather always insists that his business with Pacquiao is done.

But that's exactly what Pacquiao would like to happen this year so he could get a chance to exact some sort of a payback with Mayweather.

This year, it has been reported that Pacquiao and Thai kickboxing icon Buakaw Banchamek are tangling in a six-round exhibition on 20 April at the IMPACT Arena in Bangkok.

Last time Pacquiao fought professionally was in August 2021 in Las Vegas when the eight-division champion was upset by Yordenis Ugas of Cuba.

Pacquiao, who turned 45 last 17 December, is still in Japan vacationing with his wife Jinkee and children.

Mayweather, just like Pacquiao, is retired from the fight game but is active engaging in exhibitions as part of his physical fitness routine.