• Boxing

Pacquiao-Floyd fight in tatters with Margarito deal close

ESPN staff
July 25, 2010
Manny Pacquiao could become the first man to hold titles in eight different weight divisions © Getty Images
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The proposed super-fight between Floyd Mayweather Jnr and Manny Pacquiao continues to look a distant prospect, with the Filipino on the brink of agreeing a deal to face off against Antonio Margarito.

The fight is expected to take place at light-middleweight, presenting Pacquiao with the opportunity to rewrite the history books by becoming the first man to have held titles in eight different divisions.

Any bout would, as things stand, be forced to take place outside of American soil - Margarito is not licenced to fight in the US at present after being banned for the use of illegal hand wraps during a contest against Shane Mosley.

"We'll finalise everything this week," Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, who deals for both fighters, said. "Antonio is so much bigger than he is [that] it's a very attractive fight."

Elsewhere, Ricky Hatton has continued to defy speculation that he will not make a return to the ring by renewing his boxing licence. "I haven't announced my retirement," he said. "Floyd Mayweather Jnr was retired for nearly two years not long ago and he made a successful comeback.

"It is only 14 months for me. I have renewed my boxing licence again with the British Boxing Board of Control in case I decide to box on."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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