Eight division champion Manny Pacquiao was present at the MMA event RIZIN 45, which took place at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan.
The Filipino star entered the ring and indicated to the crowd that he was would be facing Floyd Mayweather in a rematch, as part of a RIZIN card in 2024.
“I hope to see you in Japan in a big fight against… Floyd Mayweather,” Pacquiao said to the thousands in attendance.
“I thought you wouldn’t want me to say that. I am excited. Thank you for always supporting RIZIN promotions.”
Nobuyuki Sakakibara, the president of RIZIN, confirmed that a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao rematch is being worked out for one of their cards in the coming year, but no details were revealed.
The fight, which is sure to be an exhibition, has not been confirmed by Mayweather or his handlers.
The two boxers collided, after several years of negotiations, in 2015.
In what became the most financially lucrative combat sports event in history, Mayweather won a twelve round unanimous decision. The pay-per-view – a joint effort by HBO and Showtime – brought in 4.6 million purchases, which shattered all revenue and PPV records.
Pacquiao retired from the sport in 2021, with Mayweather retiring from boxing in 2017. Both fighters have continued to enter the ring in exhibition contests. Mayweather has taken part in two exhibition fights in Japan, as part of RIZIN events.