The super fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather remains hanging in the balance because of the long negotiation for the fight. But in case talks go down again, Mayweather already has backup plans for his next fight.
Showtime executive Stephen Espinoza, whose network holds an exclusive contract with Mayweather, revealed that the reigning pound-for-pound king will indeed fight on Cinco de Mayo weekend on May 2.
Espinoza said Pacquiao is on top of their list of possible opponents for the unbeaten world champion, but the Showtime boxing chief also revealed that they are also considering Miguel Cotto and Amir Khan for Mayweather's next fight.
"He's definitely fighting on May 2," Espinoza told the New York Daily News. "His first choice by far is Manny Pacquiao. If it becomes clear that that fight is not achievable, then he would move on to either Amir Khan or Miguel Cotto. He's made it clear to us that Pacquiao is still his No. 1 priority, and that's where all our energy is focused."
Espinoza said, though, that they are focused on finalizing the super fight between the Pacquiao and Mayweather. He said that there is a sense of urgency to get the fight done, but they will not rush things because there is still time to promote the fight in case it is finalized.
The Showtime exec added that there are several issues that the two camps are trying to iron out, but Espinoza is convinced that those issues will be settled soon because both Pacquiao and Mayweather are really determined to face each other on May 2.
"I would say I'm optimistic that it can get done," Espinoza said. "We have work to do to bridge the gap on important issues, but the most important thing is that Floyd genuinely wants it and wants it badly, and from everything I've heard and seen, Manny wants the fight as well."
Pacquiao, who is coming off victories against Timothy Bradley and Chris Algieri last year, will likely defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight in the presumed May 2 fight against Mayweather, who is also the reigning World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association welterweight champion.
But for WBO president Francisco Valcarcel, boxing fans should take all news about the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight with a grain of salt because he is unsure if it will really happen in May.
"When I see the [contracts] signed, then I'll believe this fight will happen," Valcarcel told BoxingScene. "I do not see it for May, perhaps for September, but only when they sign and have the press conference with both of them, then it is done. Until then I will say that the fight won't happen."
