• Manny Pacquiao v Floyd Mayweather Jnr

Pacquiao 'praying' for Mayweather showdown

It's on? The saga of Manny Pacquiao v Floyd Mayweather Jnr is poised to run and run © Getty Images

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Pacquao v Marquez preview: Manny primed - but Money matters

WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao is hoping for divine intervention as he bids to secure a fight against long-time rival Floyd Mayweather Jnr.

Since Mayweather's camp revealed he is keen to face the Filipino on May 5, there have been conflicting reports from Pacquiao's entourage: the man himself said he was ready to go, but promoter Bob Arum felt Mayweather was just looking to generate publicity, and not seriously issuing a challenge.

Pacquiao has reiterated that he does want the fight, having been forced to answer questions on the saga for over a year. The most recent round of talks collapsed over a blood-testing dispute; that issue has been resolved, but now there is a defamation lawsuit - launched by Pacquiao against Mayweather - complicating matters. The indications are that the case will have to be closed before negotiations can begin.

A promotional dispute also threatens to derail matters, as Arum's Top Rank company rarely see eye-to-eye with Golden Boy Promotions, who look after Mayweather. Yet despite all the potential pitfalls, Pacquiao remains hopeful.

"I don't have an idea right now, but hopefully the fight will push through next year. We're going to pray that and hopefully there's no problems with the promoter," Pacquiao said. "It's going to be a good fight if that fight happens. I'm sure that millions of people are going to love to watch that fight."

Pacquiao defends his title against Juan Manuel Marquez on November 12 in what will be the third meeting between the fighters. The first was a draw, then Pacquiao won the second on a split points decision.

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