Manny Pacquiao versus Floyd Mayweather Jr. is no longer just about punches thrown in the ring but business power plays, according to recent reports.
Manny Pacquiao reclaimed a symbolic victory in Hollywood as he rebranded a former Mayweather-linked gym into Pacquiao Prime Boxing while preparing for a Sept. 19 rematch at Sphere that is already stirring debate over its legitimacy. At one point, there was a large image of Mayweather looming inside the facility. At the time of this writing, that image was slated to be removed as part of the overhaul. The gym is set to officially open this summer. The move arrives as anticipation builds for the fighters’ return bout, more than a decade after their record-setting 2015 clash. That fight remains one of the most lucrative events in boxing history. Now both men are stepping back into the spotlight under dramatically different circumstances.
Pacquiao, 47, ended a four-year retirement last year and has framed the upcoming bout as a matter of principle. Mayweather, 49, who retired undefeated nine years ago, has sought to re-categorize the contest as an exhibition. According to reports, this characterization is disputed by the paperwork and Pac Man as well.
