• Manny Pacquiao v Floyd Mayweather Jnr

Mayweather promoter 'very optimistic' of Pacquiao fight

ESPN staff
November 12, 2011
Oscar de la Hoya lost to Manny Pacquiao when the pair fought © Getty Images
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Floyd Mayweather Jnr's promoter Oscar de la Hoya, owner of Golden Boy Promotions, is confident that Manny Pacquiao can be coaxed into the ring for what could be the richest fight in boxing history.

Mayweather has told his team that he wants to make the bout happen on May 5 in Las Vegas, while Pacquiao says he is "praying" it goes ahead.

One of the biggest obstacles appeared to be Bob Arum's reluctance to do business with Golden Boy - but evidently De La Hoya feels he can work a deal out with Pacquiao's promoter.

"I am very optimistic now," De La Hoya said. "In the past there has always been something in the way. I believe if he gets past Marquez, Mayweather already has his date set for May 5 and he gave orders for the biggest fight out there.

"It is no secret that fight is Manny Pacquiao. Now we can say Floyd Mayweather wants to fight Manny Pacquiao, there is no doubt about it. And Pacquiao has given in and agreed to the drug testing so it is looking good."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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