WBA welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao has fired back at his career rival, former five division world champion Floyd Mayweather.
Mayweather took to social media on Tuesday night, and took shots at Pacquiao and the critics who want the two of them to collide in a rematch.
"I find it real ironic how every time Pacquiao's name is brought up in the media, my name is always attached to it. This man's entire legacy and career has been built off its association with my name and it's about time you all stop using my brand for clout chasing and clickbait and let that man's name hold weight of its own," Mayweather stated on social media.
"For years, all you heard was that 'Floyd is afraid of Manny Pacquiao.' But what's funny is, when we finally fought, I won so easily that everyone had to eat their words! All of the so called boxing experts, critics and jealous American 'fan base' either went mute and ran for cover or made every excuse in the world as to why I should give Manny Pacquiao a rematch.
"My take on all this bullsh*t is that y’all are just upset that I broke Rocky Marciano's record and hate the fact that a black, high school dropout outsmarted you all by beating all odds and retiring undefeated while maintaining all my faculties simply by making smart choices and even smarter investments. Ultimately, I will always have the last laugh!"
Mayweather won a twelve round unanimous decision over Pacquiao in May of 2015, in a fight that holds every shattered every financial and pay-per-view record in the sport.
Mayweather retired back in August of 2017, when he stopped UFC superstar Conor McGregor in the tenth round.
Pacquiao, 40-years-old, has continued his career - and last Saturday he turned back the clock to drop and decision unbeaten Keith Thurman for the WBA welterweight title.
Mayweather was ringside at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao was not pleased with Mayweather's statements and he fired back on social media.
"Floyd Mayweather, you come to my fight and then use my name in a post but I’m the one that is trying to stay relevant? If you want to be relevant again...May-Pac-2," Pacquiao stated.
Pacquiao also stated that the doesn't have any plans to walk away from the sport.
“At 40 years old I can still fight someone who is 10 years younger than me. I can still give a good fight and entertain the fans,” Pacquiao said to The Manila Times.
“The abilities and skills that I have earned from the Lord. My ability and my power are given by God and I believe that ability and power and responsibility has a purpose. And that purpose I believe that to inspire the people and I continue my boxing career for a purpose to inspire our people to rise above their limitations and overcome their circumstances."
