First there’s the fight with Juan Manuel Marquez on December 8, but Manny Pacquiao, the team around him and pretty much most of the boxing fans out there are still thinking about whether the fight with Floyd Mayweather can happen. As part of every promotional tour, talking about the biggest fight in history (money-wise) always grabs most of the headlines.

Both Pacquiao and Marquez were on ESPN to talk about their fight, the fourth, following Pacquiao’s narrow and controversial win from last year. And while there was some focus on what both fighters are going to bring to the table in terms of keeping it exciting and probably a bit different, there was no avoiding the Mayweather issue.

I’m waiting for that fight to happen. I don’t know what’s the reason why that fight has not happened. It’s OK for me if he gets a higher percentage than me. I spoke to Floyd, and he offered me an amount. He didn’t talk about the pay-per-views here and that’s it. I can’t agree with that. I told him I agree with 55 and 45  split.”

That was before Mayweather fought Cotto and then went to prison; before Pacquiao lost to Bradley. Pacquiao will take the 55-45 split if the offer is still there, but he needs to look good against Marquez to have some leverage. Mayweather is currently waiting to see how things unfold while also having to pay Pacquiao $114,000 in the defamation case that’s been going on for a while. Let’s not forget – for this fight to happen, Mayweather needs to stay out of legal trouble.

An interesting issue is the 50 Cent angle. It’s quite unclear if 50 Cent has actually had a fallout with Mayweather and is now pursuing business with Pacquiao, or is this some part of a negotiation deal regarding the fight. Pacquiao mentioned it had nothing to do with fighting Mayweather, just business.

The pressure will now be on Mayweather to accept the deal. Pacquiao said he has no problem accepting less money; he has no problem with the random, Olympic-style drug testing. Everything that Mayweather always had a problem with is now gone. If he really wants to this fight to happen, there’s nothing in the way now.

Mayweather has hardly spoken to the media since his release from prison. His manager has told the press that he hasn’t spoken to Mayweather about boxing, not a single word. After he beat Cotto, the speculations were flying regarding whether or not he was done with the sport. It’s hard to believe he’ll be able to hold himself from talking much longer, and trying to steal a bit of spotlight from the Pacquiao – Marquez fight in two and a half months.