You know that it’s a special time for our sport when you wake up on a monday morning to find a boxing story as one of the leading headlines on CNN’s website. Thus far in this young century, boxing is seldom seen on front pages and in lead stories – unless, of course, there’s a mention of a Tyson or DeLaHoya somewhere to be found. But, my friends, the tide appears to be turning.

Less than 48 hours following Manny Pacquiao’s finest hour, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. – the one-time Pound-for-Pound King who recently ended his retirement, appears to be ready and willing to take part in the biggest payday in pro boxing history. It has been reported that Money May has told the British Sky Sports: “If he wants to fight Floyd Mayweather all he has to do is step up to the plate.”

And so it begins.

Mayweather’s willingness seems to echo trainer Freddie Roach’s previous profession that a Pac-May fight is what the fans really want. Not many (myself included) anticipated such a fight beginning to come together so quickly; especially, when you consider that a unification bout between Sugar Shane Mosely and Andre Berto is set for January. However, it appears that both the Mayweather and Pacquiao camps realize that a fight between the two will make for the most lucrative bout of all-time.

Further details regarding a potential date are sure to unfold in coming weeks. But let’s follow this story with a large degree of caution. After all, the only thing that speaks louder than ego – is money. While things are surprisingly promising at this point, expect negotiations to hit a major snag at the first mention of a 50-50 split in the purse.

SOURCE: http://www.examiner.com/x-29356-Columbus-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m11d16-Pacquiao-vs-Mayweather-Closer-than-expected