Floyd Mayweather has told Manny Pacquiao he shouldn’t have spoken about a potential rematch between the pair in public last year.
Pacquiao spoke at a New Year’s Eve event in Japan when he stated he was “excited” to face Mayweather again in 2024.
“Next year, I hope to see you in Japan again with a big fight against Floyd Mayweather,” the Filipino said. “I’m excited for that.”
“Was it easy to beat Pacquiao? Absolutely”
Mayweather, however, has voiced his annoyance with his rival. “Manny Pacquiao spoke about that – he shouldn’t have,” Mayweather said.
“There’s a time and a place for everything. I’m not going to say he’s right and I’m not going to say he’s wrong. I don’t have to say anything. Just by you saying my name they gave me a cheque for $4million.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Esports, Gaming and more.
“He said my name when he wasn’t supposed to. I want you guys to check out Pacquiao [in 2019] when he got upset a few times and he said, ‘Floyd you’re using my name (to stay relevant), Floyd you’re using my name.’
“He got famous because people said this could be the guy who could possibly dethrone the king. Did it happen? Absolutely not. Was it easy? Absolutely.”
Floyd Mayweather is NOT happy with Manny Pacquiao announcing the rematch 😳 pic.twitter.com/aDHqGWb2qd
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) February 20, 2024
After years of anticipation Mayweather and Pacquiao faced off in 2015, with the former scoring a unanimous points victory after an underwhelming contest in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao was seen as the one fighter who could potentially end Mayweather’s unbeaten streak but was unable to truly challenge the American, losing convincingly on each of the judges’ scorecards.