Manny Pacquiao has called out Floyd Mayweather Jr and teased his old foe regarding a rematch, following the American’s recent outburst on social media.
The Filipino, 40, put in a punishing performance against Keith Thurman in Las Vegas on Saturday night, defeating the previously unbeaten 30-year-old American by split decision to claim the premier WBA world welterweight title.
Afterwards, some suggested Pacquiao should attempt to tempt Mayweather out of retirement and finally gain revenge for his 2015 defeat. Back then, the two met in a much-hyped clash in Las Vegas - the richest fight of all-time - however Mayweather won a hugely disappointing contest unanimously on points.
Mayweather, now 42, was in attendance at Pacquiao-Thurman on Saturday, appearing in the ring before the bout and then sitting ringside for the duration. He later took to Instagram to seemingly criticise Pacquiao and his supporters, claiming: "This man's entire legacy and career has been built off its association with my name and it's about time you all stop using my brand for clout chasing and clickbait and let that man's name hold weight of its own.
"For years, all you heard was that 'Floyd is afraid of Manny Pacquiao'. But what's funny is, when we finally fought, I won so easily that everyone had to eat their words!”
Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division champion, responded on his official Twitter account on Wednesday morning, posting: ".@FloydMayweather You come to my fight and then use my name in a post but I’m the one that is trying to stay relevant? If you want to be relevant again... #MayPac2."
Mayweather last fought professionally against Conor McGregor in August 2017. He retired with a 50-0 unbeaten record. Pacquiao, meanwhile, said directly after his bruising encounter with Thurman that he did not plan to return to the ring until next year. His record stands at 62-7-2.
