• Boxing

Mayweather 'preparing for our battle' - Pacquiao

ESPN staff
September 7, 2011
Watch Manny Pacquiao sing at press conference

Manny Pacquiao has confirmed his manager's claim that there are now "no issues" stopping him taking to the ring against Floyd Mayweather Jnr during 2012.

Negotiations between the pair broke down last year over the timing of sampling, with Pacquiao claiming that Mayweather's demands - Olympic-style testing up until fight night - would dampen his ferocious punching power.

"No more issues, everything is fine," Pacquiao said. "What needs to be done is the profit sharing and also the guaranteed purse of both of us. If it happens, it's good for me - but if not, I am happy because I have already accomplished in boxing."

Mayweather returns to the ring for the first time in 16 months when he fights Victor Ortiz on September 17 - and Pacquiao reckons Mayweather opted to face Ortiz because he, like the Filipino, is a southpaw.

"There's a possibility to force through that fight because Mayweather, in this fight [with Ortiz], he chooses a southpaw opponent and I'm thinking he is preparing for our battle next year," Pacquiao said.

At the press conference promoting Pacquiao's November bout with Juan Manuel Marquez, which will be the third time he has fought the Mexican, he showed off his singing voice to those in attendance, dueting with Dan Hill.

"I love to sing and I love to listen to music every day," Pacquiao said. "I think that's my vitamins. Every time I hear the music, I feel strong and happy."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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