Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Maywearther, Jr. meet again
People's champ Manny Pacquiao has reunited with former opponent, boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Japan.
Pacquiao and Mayweather posed for cameras after a friendly exchange in Japan, ahead of the Rizin 38 fight this Sunday. Pacquiao is present to support a boxer he has trained--mixed martial arts specialist Mikuru Asakura, who is facing Mayweather in the boxing ring for a three-round exhibition.
“I'm here to support my boxer who is going to fight tomorrow -- Asakura Mikuru,” Pacquiao told the press.
He added, “I'm so thankful that he came to the Philippines, to Manila to have some techniques about boxing, and train with me there. Asakura has something to prove, He can punch also. Maybe they should watch him tomorrow, because I think he will surprise them."
Meanwhile, Mayweather said his goal for the match was to have fun.
"Now that my career is over and I'm still able to, you know, go out and do small exhibitions and entertain people and still be able to see the glimpse of the old Pretty Boy Floyd or the Floyd Money Mayweather," he told the media on Saturday.
"When I'm doing these exhibitions, my opponents take it seriously. To me, it's just a joke. I'm having fun.
"Every now and then I go to the gym. I shake out then do a little bag work, do a little pair work, do a little running every now and then.
"Most of the time, like last night, I was partying. I'm always enjoying myself, smiling, enjoying life. Because this is nothing to me. This is this everyday thing. Just like I said, boxing is like breathing. For me, it is. You have to do it to survive."
In May 2015, Mayweather--then a five-division world champion, beat eight-division world champion Pacquiao in what was dubbed as the "Fight of the Century"or the "Battle for Greatness"
While many fans clamor for a rematch, both fighters are carrying on with their own exhibitions. Pacquiao is set to face South Korean YouTuber and boxer DK Yoo this December 2022, while Mayweather is facing Asakura on September 25.
TAKE A LOOK AT PACQUIAO'S FAMILY VACATION IN EUROPE: