The proposed super fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao is reportedly close to being finalized as the negotiation made progress over the past several days, the Los Angeles Times reported.
A source close to the negotiation said that the discussions for the super fight have been making progress as the two camps agreed to several stipulations for the fight, which is expected to set boxing records in terms of revenue.
According to the report, both camps agreed to name MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas as the venue of the possible fight. The fight date remains unsettle at this point, but it will likely be staged on Cinco de Mayo weekend on May or in June, which would give both camps more time to promote the fight.
The source also added that both sides have reached an agreement in terms of drug testing, which was the main reason why the fight failed to happen four years ago. Mayweather reportedly demanded for a 60-40 split in his favor, and Pacquiao's camp agreed to the financial terms proposed by the opposing camp.
According to the unnamed source, the fight could be finalized in seven to 10 days from now as there are still terms that are being ironed out, including the broadcast plans.
Mayweather is in contract with Showtime, while Pacquiao is under HBO. Sources said, though, that two networks are willing to work together similar to what they did in 2002 when they agreed to devise a joint plan to make the fight between heavyweight superstars Mike Tyson and Lenox Lewis happen.
Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer, also told The Sweet Science on Friday that the fight is "very close" to being finalized based on his recent conversation with Top Rank Promotions CEO Bob Arum.
Like any other boxing fans, Roach told Tha Boxing Voice that he will not consider the fight a done deal until Mayweather signs the fight contract, but the Hall of Fame trainer said that the ongoing exchange of proposal between the two camps is a good sign.
"Mayweather right now it's looking pretty good but it's still up in the air," Roach said. "I think it maybe has a long way to get through all the negotiations. I do hear there has been some communication so that's a good sign."
Mayweather, who won twice against Marcos Maidana last year, said last month that he is willing to take on Pacquiao on May 2 after the Filipino boxing icon scored an impressive unanimous decision win against Chris Algieri in November.
