Door ajar for Floyd Mayweather rematch as Manny Pacquiao hints at final fight before retirement

Pacquiao, 36, revealed in a television interview that he intended to retire from boxing in 2016 to further his career in politics – but is hoping to fight one last time before he steps away from the ring.

An intriguing meeting with former training partner Amir Khan has previously been mooted but a rematch with Mayweather, who beat Pacquiao on points in May, would be the more obvious (and money-spinning) conclusion to the Filipino’s career.

The unbeaten Mayweather has already announced his retirement, but many informed observers believe he will fight once more in a bid to surpass Rocky Marciano’s record of retiring with a record of 49-0.

“I think I’m ready [to retire],” Pacquiao said. “I’ve been in boxing for more than 20 years.

“I prayed to God for guidance and I am happy about it.”

Pacquiao added that he hopes to fight once more before entering politics – a career change that he believes will become his focus.

“I will have to give up the other things that require my attention,” he added.

“If you are a senator, your focus should only be your job and your family.

“I will not be absent because the whole country would be my responsibility.”