TOKYO: WBO welterweight world champion Manny Pacquiao on Friday kept alive hopes for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, saying the epic clash was “possible” but only if his arch rival returns to the ring.
The Filipino icon, 37, made a winning comeback from his brief retirement in November following his defeat to Mayweather last year in the richest fight in boxing history.
“If he will come back in boxing, there is a possible that there is a rematch, but right now we don’t talk or discuss about it,” Pacquiao told reporters in Tokyo, where he will open his first overseas boxing gym next year.
Asked if he is confident about winning a rematch, Pacquiao said only: “Yes, of course.”
Pacquiao originally retired in May after beating American Timothy Bradley in a non-title fight before standing for and winning a seat in the Philippines Senate.
“I feel lonely and sad because I (was) no longer active in the sport that I love,” Pacquiao said.
