Pacquiao and Mayweather could be set for sensational showdown at last

An eagerly awaited welterweight super-fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather has long been talked about, with both fighters hoping to finally agree to a bout later this year.

Mayweather, odds-on 1/3 favourite with Coral to win if the pair do clash, is the current WBC and WBA champion and most recently defeated Argentina’s Marcos Maidana in two 2014 encounters, securing points victories on both occasions.

A super showdown with Philippine puncher Pacquiao has been subject of immense speculation since 2008, when Pacman overcame legendary American fighter Oscar De La Hoya with an eight round TKO.

Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion, came into the New Year on the back of a unanimous points decision triumph over Chris Algieri in November, and is now aiming to finally meet Money Mayweather in the ring this year.

The 36-year-old, 5/2 to topple Mayweather, is the current WBO belt holder and, along with his possible opponent, is considered to be one of the best fighters of his generation.

A similar status can be given to undefeated American Mayweather, who has been a world champion at five different weight classes, as both potent punchers target an overdue May meeting.

Recent reports suggested that both fighters had agreed to a bout in Las Vegas on May 2nd, but boxing fans have been let down in the past, with the pair previously failing to finalise an anticipated encounter.

One stumbling block has been on Mayweather’s insistence on a strict blood-testing programme during training, but Pacquiao refused to cooperate, stating that those demands cast him in a negative light and as a suspected cheat.

However, both welterweights caused a recent frenzy at a US basketball game as they met in person for the first time ever. The two champions were sat directly opposite each other in Miami before sharing a brief half time chat and an exchange of details.