'Floyd Demanding More Than 50% Cut May Kill Deal'

MANILA, Philippines – Chances of a super fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. getting done in May is getting dimmer as the days go by.

ESPN’s Dan Rafael said Mayweather’s insistence to get a bigger share of the mega fight’s revenue may kill any chance of making the fight this May.

“Arguing about the date of a potential fight with Pacquiao is one thing. But Mayweather's apparent demand for more than 50 percent of the pie is ridiculous and a clear deal killer,” said Rafael in his latest ESPN pound-for-pound ranking list.

Rafael said Mayweather’s refusal to budge from his stand signifies the American boxer’s refusal to fight Pacquiao.

Ironically, Rafael ranked Mayweather as ESPN’s top pound-for-pound boxer.

Pacquiao, Ring Magazine's pound-for-pound king, is ranked 2nd by ESPN.

“If Mayweather is truly demanding the lion's share of the money, he knows the fight will never get made and it is akin to his saying he doesn't really want to face Pacquiao,” he said.

Rafael said Pacquiao’s demand for a 50-50 split in revenues is rational because both boxers are certified pay-per-view stars.

“Demanding more than half the money from this bout, when both fighters bring enormous money to the table, is patently absurd. If ever there was a 50-50 fight, this is it,” he said.

If the Pacquiao and Mayweather fail to reach an agreement this weekend, the Filipino champion might end up fighting Miguel Cotto in June.

Cotto is the leading candidate among Pacquiao’s alternatives to Mayweather, which include Timothy Bradley, Juan Manuel Marquez and Lamont Peterson.

However, Cotto said he won’t fight Pacquiao at a weight below 150 pounds.

Cotto, the reigning WBA junior middleweight champion, lost to Pacquiao in 2009 during their WBO welterweight title fight that took place at a 145-pound catchweight.

“The rematch, I’m going to do it at my weight. I will not sacrifice my body again for the benefit of another boxer,” said the Puerto Rican champion.