Pacquiao Vs. Mayweather 2015: Will The Fight Finally Happen? 6 Questions Surrounding Possible Megabout

After several years of back and forth between their two camps, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather are reportedly growing closer to settling their differences in the ring. Mayweather has yet to line up an opponent for 2015, and Pacquiao is coming off a thoroughly convincing victory over Chris Algieri, triggering talk of a potential $250 million mega-fight.

In his post-fight press conference on Saturday, Pacquiao addressed a possible showdown with Mayweather in perhaps the most adamant response to date. “The people deserve that fight. The fans deserve that fight,” said Pacquiao. “It’s time to make that fight happen. It’s been a long time. I want that fight. They’re always denying the fight. I think the fight has to happen.”

Pacquiao has lobbied for a bout for years, but there have been multiple barriers preventing a deal. The current major roadblock involves television. With Pacquiao under contract with HBO and Mayweather with Showtime, the two networks will have to share the pay-per-view broadcast. ESPN’s Dan Raphael reported that Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, “claims there are talks going on behind the scenes” between the two networks.

But there are other lingering questions surrounding any possible negotiations.

How Will The Purse Be Split?

Both fighters will earn an enormous sum if the fight happens. According to a report by gmanetwork.com, Mayweather is expected to take $100 million of the purse, to Pacquiao’s $60 million. Against Maidana, Mayweather reportedly took home $32 million, while Pacquiao took $23 million against Algieri.

How Important Is Weight?

Though weight likely won't factor into the fate of the fight, what weight the two camps agree to should be interesting. While Mayweather fought Marcos Maidana in September at 146.5 pounds, famed trainer Freddie Roach had Pacquiao fight Algieri at a catch weight of 144. Pacquiao looked quite sharp at 144 pounds and may stand a better chance of defeating Mayweather three pounds below the welterweight level.

Where Will The Fight Be Held?

Mayweather has fought every bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas since 2007, while Pacquiao has recently favored fighting in Macau, China, a premier gambling destination that allows him to not pay U.S. taxes. But Pacquiao fought Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand in April 2014. It’s unclear if the fight’s location could be a contentious issue.

Could There Be Two Fights?

Freddie Roach told the Daily Mail that Mayweather wants a rematch clause in the contract. Mayweather has previously stated that his fight in September 2015 will be his last. Pacquiao has also stated that he plans to retire in the near future.

Who Will Be The Favorite?

Despite an overwhelming victory over Algieri, Pacquiao would likely enter as an underdog. Mayweather is undefeated after 47 fights and had little trouble in 2009 against Pacquiao’s nemesis Juan Manuel Márquez. In 2013, Márquez stated that Mayweather was a better fighter than Pacquiao.

What About Amir Khan?

Should the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout fail to come to fruition, Khan will likely be the front-runner to fight either boxer. But the 28-year-old, who has won his last three fights, must first defeat Devon Alexander at the MGM Grand on Dec. 13 to be a serious contender. Khan and Pacquiao are good friends, and there was previous discussion about Mayweather fighting Khan, with Khan promoter Oscar De La Hoya telling ESPN this month that he “expects” a Mayweather-Khan fight.