Floyd Mayweather has been forced into a fight he would rather avoid and may not even turn up for his welterweight showdown with Manny Pacquiao, claims the Filipino’s trainer Freddie Roach.
Undefeated Mayweather and Pacquiao will finally meet after years of haggling in the early hours of Sunday morning with the WBC, WBA and WBO belts up for grabs and bragging rights as the greatest boxer of his generation.
The build-up to the richest fight in history has been notable for the lack of trash talking from Mayweather and Roach, Pacquiao's master trainer, views that as a symptom of his uncertainty.
Roach believes the 38-year-old's television paymasters Showtime, who have a six-fight contract with the American, ordered the clash the boxing world has craved for the last five years.
"I don't know why Floyd's been so quiet. I'm wondering if he's going to show up, I really am," Roach said.
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"At the first press conference I said we were going to kick his ass, but there was no response. His speech was very low-key and subdued. I'm not sure he is going to show up.
"I think Floyd was forced into this fight and it's not a fight he wants. He always gets to pick and choose his opponents, but he wasn't able to pick and choose this one because Showtime wanted this fight.
"I don't think he wants this fight. Sometimes we do things we have to do to please companies and to make money. He was forced into a fight he didn't want."
Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum, who was sat alongside boxer and trainer at Wednesday's press briefing, jumped in quickly to reassure the public the fight is not in danger of collapsing.
"What Freddie means is, will Floyd show up when he gets in the ring. Of course he's going to show up. Keep buying the pay-per-views," said Arum.
Mayweather, who has often courted controversy and flaunted his wealth, said he no longer needs to indulge in trash talk.
"Me speaking loud and having personality, I did that in the past," said the 38-year-old. "I'm a lot older and wiser, this fight sells itself. I don't have to do it."
Book Mayweather v Pacquiao, Sky Sports Box Office, May 2, via your Sky remote, phone or online now. If you want to record the event, book via your Sky remote. skysports.com/maypac
