If ever a rematch happens, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will most likely knock Floyd Mayweather Jr. out and be able to settle the score with his American rival.
This is the belief of former world heavyweight champion James ‘Buster’ Douglas in an exclusive interview with The Bulletin/Tempo.
The 56-year-old Douglas said he saw the first fight as a close call for Mayweather but he’s giving Pacquiao the edge should the two combatants duke it out for a second time.
“I like to see Manny fight Mayweather (again). Their first fight was close but I think in his next fight he’ll be more dominant. I think he will come out victorious,” said Douglas. “Manny is incredible, he’s got great handspeed, footwork. If he catches him at the right time he definitely could put his lights out.”
Douglas shocked the sports community when he, as a 42-1 underdog, dominated and eventually knocked out a seemingly invincible Mike Tyson in the 10th of their 12-round world heavyweight title match last February 1990 in Tokyo, Japan.
To date, both Pacquiao and Mayweather are trying to work on deals that will see them make their respective ring returns opposite separate foes within the year.
Unbeaten in 49 fights, Mayweather announced through his social media account his willingness to come out of retirement and seek win number 50 against his preferred foe, mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor.
The 38-year-old Pacquiao on the other hand was set to fight local boy Jeff Horn in Australia this April which his handlers eventually turned down in favor of a reported $38-million offer in Dubai where he was supposed to face British star Amir Khan in May.
Talks in Dubai bogged down after local promoters reportedly failed to assure they would be able to produce their promised offer.
With Pacquiao now searching for an opponent and Mayweather stating his readiness to fight at least one more time, fight fans are again drooling about a possible return encounter between the two.
Mayweather, 40, scored a close but unanimous decision win against Pacquiao last May 2015 in Las Vegas in a bout that raked in more than $600 million in record revenues.
Douglas meanwhile said Pacquiao has what it takes to continue his remarkable boxing career despite his age.
“He’s had a great career and is still doing well. Future still looks bright. He can go as long as he wants to go if he still has that burning desire to be the world ‘s best,” said Douglas. “He’s a remarkable individual and I have a lot of respect for what he’s been doing in and out of the ring.” (DENNIS PRINCIPE)