By Keith Idec

Before performing an intentionally ridiculous rendition of “How Deep Is Your Love” with Jimmy Kimmel on his ABC talk show early Friday morning, Pacquiao answered a few of Kimmel’s questions about fighting Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Pacquiao replied, “I don’t know what’s the reason, but I’m ready to fight him.”

Mayweather brought the long-awaited showdown into the spotlight again Wednesday by having one of his advisers, Leonard Ellerbe, announce that the undefeated five-division champion plans to fight again May 5, perhaps against Pacquiao.

Kimmel suggested that if they finally fight, that “winner takes all. Winner gets all the money.”

Pacquiao responded, “I don’t think he will.”

Then Kimmel asked Pacquiao if he would agree to that condition, and Pacquiao said, “Of course.”

Earlier, Kimmel asked Pacquiao if Juan Manuel Marquez’s insistence that he won their first two fights has bothered him in the buildup toward their third fight Nov. 12 in Las Vegas.

“I’m not angry,” Pacquiao said, “but I always ask myself what I can improve in the fight.”

Before Pacquiao came on stage, actor/comedian Eddie Murphy was much more adamant about the need for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight to happen.

“I’m a huge boxing fan and I’m looking forward to Manny’s fight that’s coming up,” Murphy said. “Like everybody else, I can’t wait to see [Pacquiao] and Floyd get in the ring and do it once and for all.”

Kimmel responded, “Do you think they will?”

Murphy said, “They have to. As a fan of the sport, it’s like a … they have to do it. As long as they don’t lose a fight, it’s not too late. As long as they get in there coming off wins, I know I can’t wait to see it. I get excited just thinking about it.”

Murphy then turned to look directly into the camera and added, “Hey Manny, come on now, y’all got to do this. I can’t wait. … Manny’s ready and Floyd’s ready, too. Let’s do this!”

Keith Idec covers boxing for the Record and Herald News, of Woodland Park, N.J., and BoxingScene.com.