Dream rematch

Manny Pacquiao remains obsessed with a Floyd Mayweather rematch that he floated the idea of having it done with the International Boxing Association (IBA) title on the line.

“I can fight for the IBA title,” Pacquiao said on Wednesday during a press conference formally announcing his entry into the boxing body as its vice president.

“There is an ongoing negotiation for a rematch with Floyd,” added boxing’s only eight-division world champion.

Pacquiao’s remarks about a second meeting with Mayweather came a day after a report from the US said that streaming platform Netflix is eyeing to bankroll the fight.

IBA president Umar Kremlev was on the dais and he also threw his all-out support behind the plan to pit the two together anew.

More than a decade ago, Pacquiao faced Mayweather in what has gone down as the richest fight in history.

Mayweather beat Pacquiao on points in their 12-round bout at the MGM Grand that didn’t live up to expectations as the unbeaten American rode on his bicycle most of the time.

Currently, Pacquiao is on the prowl for a marquee match next year and among those being mentioned is reigning World Boxing Association welterweight champion Rolly Romero.

American dealmaker Sean Gibbons is batting for Romero since the Las Vegas native holds a title and his style suits Pacquiao fine.

Gibbons was instrumental in giving Pacquiao his last four fights stretching back to 2019 against Adrien Broner and is in neck-deep in negotiations to get a deal in place for a Romero clash.

Turning 47 in December, Pacquiao has logged a win-loss-draw record of 62-9-2 with 39 knockouts in a Hall of Fame career that kicked off in 1995.

But if Pacquiao will have his way, he wants to face Mayweather after taking care of Romero.

“I would love to have a rematch with Floyd Mayweather,” he said, thrilled by the possibility of repeating the fight that reportedly generated around $600 million in total revenue, including ticket sales and pay-per-view buys.

“I hope we could understand each other.”