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UAE group withdraws offer of hosting Pacquiao-Mayweather fight

Mark Terrill/AP (file photo)
By Dugout Philippines

A UAE-based group led by Akbar Muhammad withdrew its offer to Floyd Mayweather to have his much-anticipated fight against Manny Pacquiao in the nation's capital of Abu Dhabi.

According to a report by Boxing Scene, Muhammad, who previously worked with renowned boxing promoter Don King, said that he and his group made the offer, priced at $120 million, to Mayweather late in November and reminded him a week before the offer was about to be rescinded.

"We want to deal with serious individuals, individuals who have the ability to make a decision. Regretfully, that is not the case with Mr. Mayweather," Muhammad told Boxing Scene.

"The Abu Dhabi group is serious [with the offer]," he added.

Muhammad then ranted to Mayweather saying, "...if Mr. Mayweather wishes to pass on, in essence, $120 million net dollars and instead fight for hot dog money, all I can say is that 'The Money Team' might consider rethinking its nickname.... Unfortunately, it appears someone on 'The Money Team' has no regard nor respect for the tradition and history of boxing nor, even more unfortunately, the wishes and desires of the fans of our sport."

Despite Mayweather ignoring the offer, Muhammad said that a fight card in Abu Dhabi will push through by spring of 2015.

"...we're moving forward with absolutely no hesitation, no reservation, and no Mayweather. A world championship card, concerts, and tributes will take place during the spring of 2015... it will be a boxing spectacle unrivaled in the history of the sport," he said.

Negotiations are still ongoing for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight set for May 3.