by David P. Greisman

Manny Pacquiao’s defamation lawsuit against Floyd Mayweather Jr. could soon be settled out of court, according to a report Tuesday evening by the Associated Press.

The article cites Malcolm LaVergne, the attorney representing Floyd Mayweather Sr., who has been involved in the case.

“LaVergne said the various parties to the case have signed documents to be filed under seal asking U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks to dismiss the case,” the article said. “He said others involved in the case were preparing a public statement.”

Pacquiao sued Mayweather in late 2009, arguing that Mayweather had defamed him by accusing Pacquiao of using performance-enhancing drugs.

The terms of the settlement would be kept confidential.

Pacquiao had also sued Richard Schaefer and Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions. That litigation was settled confidentially and out of court in May 2011.

David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter @fightingwords2 or send questions/comments via email at fightingwords1@gmail.com