Manny Pacquiao and billionaire Jack Ma post 'Message to Mayweather'

'Floyd Mayweather, if you want a real fight, fight me. If you want an exhibition, my guy, my friend Jack Ma will take care of you

Manny Pacquiao sent a message to Floyd Mayweather Jr trying to tempt his long-term rival out of retirement. AFP
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A playful jab or a genuine bid to tempt an old rival into battle?

Manny Pacquiao has appeared to call out Floyd Mayweather Jr in a strange video on social media, offering the American an intriguing proposition.

Talk of a rematch to their much-hyped 2015 encounter, which Mayweather won on points, has swirled for some time, with the UAE even mooted as a possible destination.

On Sunday, Pacquiao posted a video on his official Twitter account alongside Chinese business magnate and billionaire Jack Ma. It was entitled “Message to Mayweather”.

The eight-division world champion, fresh from July’s comprehensive victory against Keith Thurman, held the pads for his pal, while Ma, sporting bright red boxing gloves, threw some punches.

Pacquiao then turns to the camera to declare: “Floyd Mayweather, if you want a real fight, fight me. If you want an exhibition, my guy, my friend Jack Ma will take care of you. The Real Manny team.”

Ma chimes in: “Yeah, I’m ready. Any time, any place. Manny team is ready.”

Whether or not that will coerce Mayweather out of retirement remains to be seen. The undefeated boxer retired in 2017 with an impressive 50-0 record. Pacquiao, meanwhile, is expected to fight again in March or April, months after his 41st birthday.

The WBA welterweight champion's opponent is yet to be confirmed.