By Edward Chaykovsky

WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao is still very confident that a fight will happen on May 2nd with WBC/WBA champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. Negotiations continue between both sides.

In recent weeks there have been rumors that Mayweather could be facing WBC middleweight champion Miguel Cotto in a rematch on the May date. Mayweather had previously won a twelve round unanimous decision over Cotto in 2012. Even with the rumors, Pacquiao is still holding out for hope.

"I think it will happen, I believe that," he told Ringside. "If this doesn't happen now I don't think it will, so now is the time. If you ask me what the percentage is, it's 80-20 [that it will happen]. I think he's got pressure. He's got no alibi - blood testing is no longer a problem, Bob Arum the promoter is no longer a problem, now there are no more problems.

"The fans are pressuring him. I tell them we have agreed everything, the rules and regulations are not a problem. And if you want it higher, I am happy with that. I will take 40 [percent]  to 60. I'm OK with that - for the sake of the fans. We are just waiting for you to sign the contract."