There was a time when all boxing fans would talk about was a bout between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Now, that has seemed to lose its luster.
According to Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports, the two almost agreed to a fight that was set to take place in 2010.
A contract sent on Dec. 11, 2009, by Golden Boy Promotions on behalf of Mayweather to Top Rank on behalf of Pacquiao proposed a 50-50 financial split between the sides for a fight that would have been held March 13, 2010.
The eight-page agreement is so detailed that it indicates which of the two fighters would step onto the scale first at the weigh-in (Pacquiao), who would walk to the ring first (Pacquiao), who would be introduced first (Mayweather) and who had first choice of the locker room (Mayweather).
Iole goes onto say that although the match could generate around $300 million, disagreements over drug testing prevented the deal from being finalized.
It is unfortunate because these two would have gotten almost every boxing fan in the world to watch this "can't-miss event." It could have also brought a new generation of fans into the sport.
However, things have changed dramatically since then. Mayweather spent two months in jail for domestic battery and Pacquiao recently lost his WBO title to Timothy Bradley.
Although there was much debate about Pacquiao's loss via decision, that has not stopped fighters from questioning the Filipino's ability.
Bradley told Ring TV (via ESPN) that he would rather fight Mayweather. He said: "Once Floyd flattens Manny Pacquiao, which is going to happen if they ever fight, then me and Floyd can get it on. That's easy work for Floyd."
Former rival Juan Manuel Marquez also had some questionable words for the man he has lost to twice and finished a third time with a draw. According to Boxingscene.com, he told reporters:
Many people saw and know what happened. We won those three fights, but what I want is to have my hand raised, so the people can clearly see who the winner is and I can be cataloged as the best pound for pound.
Trash-talking is nothing new in the sport of boxing, but there seems to be a one-sided theme against Pacquiao. The common belief is that Mayweather is much better than his potential opponent and the fight would not be worth it.
While both are still extremely talented, both fighters are entering the tail end of their careers. A fight would have been great a few years ago, but every month it does not happen it loses excitement.
There might be good news on the horizon. Jenna Jay of On The Ropes Radio had an interview with Floyd Mayweather Sr. and he said that Pacquiao wanted to visit his son in jail.
While it is unknown if that meeting occurred, the idea of it shows that there might be some chance at negotiations.
If they do somehow finally get this fight together, it will no doubt make each of them a lot of money. Unfortunately, fans have already begun to lose interest.
Petty difference might have cost these men a chance to change the boxing world for the better.
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