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NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

Manny Pacquiao blasts Floyd Mayweather and admits he cannot tempt foe out of retirement for rematch as rival ‘can no longer fight at elite level’

MANNY PACQUIAO has given up on his plans for a blockbuster re-match with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The Filipino, 40, is only interested in “active fighters” and claims Money “can no longer fight at the elite level”.

 Manny Pacquiao has been sparring with his Parkinson's-stricken trainer Freddie Roach
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Manny Pacquiao has been sparring with his Parkinson's-stricken trainer Freddie RoachCredit: AFP or licensors
 Pacquiao is getting ready to fight a man ten years his junior in Keith Thurman
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Pacquiao is getting ready to fight a man ten years his junior in Keith ThurmanCredit: EPA

Mayweather beat Pacquiao in 2015 in what is still the most lucrative boxing match in history, creating £470million in pay-per-view and gate receipts.

The 42-year-old American was able to get the win via a unanimous decision in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao told : “Floyd is retired. If he can no longer fight at the elite level I am fighting at, he should stay retired.

“I am only looking at active fighters. Floyd is not active any more.”

Asked if he believes Mayweather could make a return to the ring, Pacquiao replied: "That is a question only Floyd Mayweather can answer."

Pacquiao’s son Jimmel is just starting his career and the Pac Man is determined to make him into a champion fighter.

PAC JR IS FUTURE

The 18-year-old has been sparring in Los Angeles at the Freddie Roach-run camp.

But Pacquiao is not getting distracted by family matters though as he aims to take care of American Keith Turman, 30.

He added: “Right now, I can only see this fight and I already wish it was July 20.

“Keith Thurman is going to be surprised by what he sees from me in the ring in Las Vegas.”

Pacquiao takes on the WBA (super) welterweight world champion  Thurman at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas next Saturday looking to defend his WBA welterweight world title.

 Floyd Mayweather retired with a 50-0 record
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Floyd Mayweather retired with a 50-0 recordCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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