Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Rematch In Jeopardy, Philippine Boxer Suffers Eye Injury

Manny Pacquiao’s potential rematch with Floyd Mayweather has been put in jeopardy after the Philippine boxer suffered an injury during his 12-round decision win over Adrien Broner on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao retained his WBA world welterweight title with the win where he dominated his opponent during the entire bout. The Philippine boxer connected more than double the amount of punches the American managed to land with the judges scoring the bout 117-111, 116-112, 116-112.

In the immediate aftermath of the match against Broner, Pacquiao made it clear he is willing to step into the ring again to face Mayweather – their first meeting was in 2015, which the latter won by unanimous decision – who is currently retired from boxing. He came out of retirement on two occasions after his bout with the WBA welterweight champion in 2015 – once was to face Conor McGregor and the second was an exhibition match against Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa.

"Tell him to come back to the ring and we will fight," Pacquiao said, as quoted on BBC Sport. "I am willing to fight with Floyd Mayweather if he is willing to come back to box."

A rematch between the two was proposed to take place in July this year, but according to New York Daily News, the fight has been put in jeopardy after it became clear that he had suffered an injury to his left eye during his fight against Broner.

The report, quoting a source close to the boxer, claims Pacquiao complained about loss of vision in his left eye, stating: “He told me it was like covering one eye with his hand.”

It remains unclear as to the extent of the injury with the New York Daily News getting contradicting information from within Pacquiao’s camp. While one believes it could be a detached retina, which is a serious injury, another informed the publication that it was merely a scratched cornea, which is an injury the Philippines boxer has sustained previously with no serious harm.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s luck outside the ring was seemed down, as reports came in about the Philippine boxer’s house being burglarized while the fighter was in Las Vegas for his bout against Broner. The police were said to be on a routine patrol when they found the door to his house open.

Pacquiao has not yet made his way back to Los Angeles, but a member of his security team is said to be talking to investigators on the scene to ascertain the amount of loss incurred. The area is said have been since roped off investigators go through the house.