Mayweathers send feelers for Pacquiao fight in South Africa

Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao's camp confirmed on Thursday that the side of Floyd Mayweather Jr. has sent feelers for getting back to the negotiating table to make the projected blockbuster bout between the world's top pound-for-pound boxers happen. A report came out in ESPN UK that Jeff Mayweather, the undefeated fighter's uncle, said they are taking steps to make the fight happen later this year. Pacquiao will face Shane Mosley on May 7, while Mayweather Jr. is in semi-retirement as he tries to cope with legal problems. Negotiations soured last year after both camps failed to agree on issues like the drug testing protocol and purse split. Now, the Mayweathers are again ready to open negotiations for one of the most anticipated boxing matches in history. If ever it materializes, the fight could take place in South Africa. "I know that he [Floyd Mayweather] is talking to Nelson Mandela's daughter because they are trying to put together something for his 93rd birthday," said Jeff Mayweather in an interview with fighthype.com. "In the midst of that, they're also trying to make the fight between Floyd and Manny. Right now they are working to basically get a letter of intent for the fight to possibly take place," added the older Mayweather, who comes from a family of boxers that include his brothers Floyd Sr. and Roger, and Floyd Jr. The former International Boxing Organization (IBO) super featherweight champion said that he currently acts as the bridge for both camps. "I'm negotiating with both sides and it's just a matter now of sending a letter of intent to Manny and one to Floyd through me and see where it can go." But Team Pacquiao chief of staff Jayke Joson said the fight is still far from materializing. Joson, in a telephone interview, said they would wait for word on further developments from the Mayweather camp and let Top Rank promotions big boss Bob Arum negotiate on Pacquiao's behalf. "They have their own conditions, like they want the fight to be outside the US. But who will shoulder the finances of the fight, who will host it? If it is in Las Vegas the promoters won't have a hard time looking for sponsors," said Joson in Filipino. Joson added that unless they see Mayweather's signature on the fight contract, they won't believe that they are serious in making the fight happen. "They have pulled out twice when we were negotiating for the fight. A lot of boxing fans want this fight to happen. We're just going to wait and see. The fight will happen if it is indeed fated to happen." – Jon Perez, KY, GMA News