Pacquiao warming up for final bow?

Manny Pacquiao has hinted that his fight against Floyd Mayweather could be his last.

The Filipino superstar said last  Monday he would head into the bout with retirement on his mind.

"It is coming close. We will announce it," the 36-year-old told Philippine television network ABS-CBN when he was asked about retirement. He gave no further details.

After years of failed negotiations, Pacquiao and Mayweather have hammered out a deal to face each other in Las Vegas on May 2. Pacquiao said he had agreed to take a smaller cut of the purse just so the fight could be pushed through.

"If we only thought about our pride, there would not be a fight. If we had equal pay, the fight would not have pushed through so ... I agreed to it."

It has been reported in the United States that the undefeated Mayweather, who turns 38 this week, will receive 60 per cent of the purse and stands to make $120 million with Pacquiao taking $80 million.

The match could finally show which of the two can really be called the best boxer, pound-for-pound of their generation.

Pacquiao has held “world” titles belts in an unprecedented eight divisions, and will go into the fight with a record of 57-5, including two draws and 38 knockouts.

Mayweather has won all 47 of his fights – 26 inside the distance. He is homing in on the 49-0 record of 1950s heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano.

Pacquiao, a devout Christian, said he was confident of winning because he had God on his side. "God is with me and I believe the Lord will deliver Mayweather into my hands," he said.

The veteran, who last year embarked on a professional basketball career with a playing-coaching role for a Philippine team, said last Monday he intended to play again in the local competition this week.

He expects to head to the United States late in the week to resume full training under the guidance of his long-time mentor, Freddie Roach.

Pacquiao reiterated that he actually enjoyed being rated below Mayweather by oddsmakers in Las Vegas. "I like being the underdog. I am more motivated," he said. 

— AP