Boxing fans around the world were ecstatic yesterday when it was reported that the fight of the century between Mayweather and Pacquiao had been finalised. This was a fight that not only boxing fans around the world wanted, but was also much awaited by former boxers, who were already giving their predictions about the fight, despite negotiations not been concluded.
Ever since the fight had been tentatively announced for 2 May at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, expectations of people and fans have only increased, as it could be one of the richest bouts in boxing history.
It had been stated by a source close to Pacquiao that the deal has been agreed to the contractual terms and the American was expected to sign before the tip-off the NBA All Star game between Eastern Conference and the Western Conference.
As expected the American was in attendance at the Madison square garden, and people gathered for the NBA All Star game were expecting an official announcement, which was thought to be only a matter of time.
But boxing fans around the world were once again left in the dark, as the unbeaten champion said the agreed deal, which has been doing the rounds is just a rumour.
Not only did the American say that he had not signed the deal, he also noted that Pacquiao too hadn't signed the dotted line. However, Mayweather is positive about the outcome and expects the fight to happen soon.
"That's not true. I haven't signed yet and he hasn't signed yet. It's just been speculations and rumors. But hopefully we can make the fight happen," Mayweather told the TNT crew.
This is not the first time that the deal has been broken in this manner as Pacquiao's promoter had also stated once that both the networks, HBO and Showtime had agreed to the deal for the fight, but was deemed false by the Showtime boss, Stephen Espinoza.
There have been numerous times when Pacquiao challenged the American making people believe that the Filipino wants the fight to take place more than the American. But when a face to face meeting between the two was leaked by Mayweather, people understood that even Mayweather wanted to fight.
So, where has the fight being stalled?
Several media reports suggest that it is the contract -- HBO with Pacquiao and Mayweather with Showtime, which has failed to come to a common agreement over terms for the delayed broadcast of the joint pay-per-view.
