By Bill "Two Scoops" Emes
Based on everything going around, Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach feels a Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao mega-fight is coming closer to becoming a reality.
Promoter have been trying to close a deal since 2010. Promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, who work with Pacquiao, has been negotiating behind the scenes with CBS CEO Les Moonves. CBS is the parent company of Showtime, who have Mayweather under an exclusive multi-fight contract.
Mayweather is targeting a fight date of May 2nd at the MGM Grand and Pacquiao has no issue with the date or venue. Neither fighter has any issue with a random drug testing protocol.
"I do feel that [it's closer than ever], but I don't know because I'm a trainer and I'm not doing the negotiating. It sounds...everything sounds good out there. [Top Rank] are the inside guys, they know a lot more than me. I hope it happens as much as everyone else in the world. I love a challenge and that is a good challenge for us," Roach told BoxingScene.com.
In an earlier article on BoxingScene.com, Pacquiao disclosed that he believes "the Mayweather fight will happen" and expects some form of announcement by the "end of the month." Roach has not spoken to Pacquiao about these details.
"Me and Manny don't speak that much. We speak when we see each other. I know where he is and he knows where I am. He doesn't box [outside of training camp], he just stays in shape and so forth. We don't have a telephone relationship. If and when it happens I will be as surprised as you. I don't have any idea as to what's happening right now," Roach said.