Errol Spence Jr. recently delivered a blunt insider verdict on a potential Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao rematch, saying the bout only works as a “fair fight” because both men are now in their late 40s, while pointedly suggesting Mayweather’s financial situation may be the real reason he is returning.
Spence, a former unified welterweight champion and a past Mayweather sparring partner, weighed in on the long-rumored sequel as an agreement appears to be edging closer.
Mayweather, 49, is expected to end nine years of professional inactivity and put his 50-0 record back on the line against Pacquiao, 47.
Speaking on The Art of Ward podcast, Spence admitted he does not personally “care for the fight,” but saw little wrong with two men of similar age sharing a ring at 147 pounds.
I don’t really care for it, at 50 [years old], but he is looking good,” Spence said. “I guess it’s two 50-year-old’s fighting, at 147lbs, it is a fair fight.
He then turned to the motivation behind the comeback, tying it to Mayweather’s money matters.
I wouldn’t want to see him fighting someone that is 30 years old or fighting a young buck, he is fighting somebody his age and I don’t know how true it is with his [financial] situation but it is something that he has probably got to do.
Spence’s insinuation lands against an already-reported backdrop. Mayweather was recently charged with theft and fraud over an alleged bad check, lending weight to the idea that the rematch may be as much a business necessity as a competitive itch.
Where The Rematch Stands
After months of back-and-forth, talks appear to be progressing. There had been rumors the bout could be staged as an exhibition, but a professional encounter now looks more likely for a date of Friday, September 25, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
That timeline matches reporting that the fight is set for the T-Mobile Arena on September 25, while Mayweather himself has offered a timeline update on the Pacquiao deal in recent weeks.
Before Mayweather-Pacquiao II can be finalized, Mayweather first faces Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis in an exhibition in Athens, a bout set for next Saturday.