Floyd Mayweather passed on a $120-million opportunity to fight Manny Pacquiao.
Boxing Scene reported that an Abu Dhabi group, represented by M. Akbar Muhammad, a boxing executive, previously made an offer in November 2014 to Mayweather for $120 million to make a mega-bout happen against eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao in Abu Dhabi in the Middle East. Late in December, Muhammad said that he notified Mayweather that the offer will only be available until the first week of January 2015.
Mayweather apparently was not convinced with their offer, causing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) group to rescind it.
Muhammad said in the same Boxing Scene report, "We want to deal with serious individuals, individuals who have the ability to make a decision. Regretfully, that is not the case with Mr. Mayweather."
He continued, "The Abu Dhabi group is serious, and I will not allow them to dangle an inordinate amount of time. Now that time has come and the offer is gone."
He came up with two conclusions from the failed proposal.
"One, if Mr. Mayweather wishes to pass on, in essence, $120 million net dollars and, instead, fight for hot dog money, all I can say is that 'The Money Team' might consider rethinking its nickname," said Muhammad in the same report by Boxing Scene.
"Two, the very best of all time are just that because they overcame adversity; they met and beat their nemeses. That's (Muhammad) Ali meeting and beating (Joe) Frazier; that's (Ray) Leonard meeting and beating (Thomas) Hearns."
He continued in a report by ABS-CBN News, "To rise to the challenge, first, you must accept the challenge, and that means fighting the very best you can when the opportunity arises. Unfortunately, it appears someone on 'The Money Team' has no regard nor respect for the tradition and history of boxing, nor, even more unfortunately, the wishes and desires of the fans of our sport."
Philstar wrote that the group will continue with business as usual, albeit without Mayweather. Muhammad added, "That aside, we're moving forward with absolutely no hesitation, no reservations and no Mayweather."
Muhammad said in the same Boxing Scene report, "A world championship card, concerts and tributes will take place in Abu Dhabi during the spring of 2015, and in keeping with the vision and determination of our investment group, it will be a boxing spectacle unrivaled in the history of the sport. The boxers and artists who participate in this unprecedented event will be recognized and rewarded for their foresight in working with the newest powerhouse in boxing."