Pacquiao said:, external "I am very happy that Floyd Mayweather and I can give the fans the fight they have wanted for so many years.

"They have waited long enough and they deserve it. It is an honour to be part of this historic event.

"I dedicate this fight to all the fans who willed this fight to happen and, as always, to bring glory to the Philippines and my fellow Filipinos around the world."

Mayweather said "giving the fans what they want is always my main focus".

He added: "I am the best ever and this fight will be another opportunity to showcase my skills and do what I do best, which is win.

"Manny is going to try to do what 47 before him failed to do, but he won't be successful. He will be number 48."

Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach, said: "Floyd should enjoy being the A-side while he can. Because on May 2, Manny is going to put him on his backside."

Mayweather and Pacquiao met for the first time at a basketball game in Miami in January, when they exchanged telephone numbers.

Mayweather is regarded by many as the finest technician and tactician in boxing, while Pacquiao has built his career on a more aggressive style.

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