The boxing world was thrown into absolute chaos this morning following a blistering exchange between two legends. Floyd Mayweather broke his silence, launching a personal attack on his old rival, Manny Pacquiao, labeling the Filipino icon a “coward” in public.

Mayweather’s frustration stems from recent advisory discussions regarding his next exhibition opponent. He questioned why the advice given was to fight heavyweight legend Mike Tyson, rather than finalizing the highly anticipated rematch with Pacquiao that fans have wanted for years.

“Why did you advise Floyd to fight Mike Tyson but don’t dare let me have a rematch?” Mayweather asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He suggested that Pacquiao’s camp is intentionally steering him toward impossible fights to avoid facing him again.

The mention of Mike Tyson has confused many analysts, given the massive size difference between the fighters. However, Mayweather views this suggestion as a diversionary tactic, a way for Pacquiao’s team to keep him occupied without risking another loss to him.

Manny Pacquiao, never one to back down from a verbal spar, responded almost immediately. He did not mince words, directing his fire at “Jeff”—presumably Jeff Mayweather—and exposing what he believes is the cowardly strategy behind the Tyson proposal.

“Jeff knows very well that Floyd is afraid of losing a second time,” Pacquiao stated bluntly to reporters. He argued that the inner circle of the Mayweather team is terrified that a rematch would tarnish Floyd’s perfect, undefeated professional record.

According to Pacquiao, the idea of a “super fight with Tyson” was pushed specifically to avoid the rematch. It serves as a spectacle large enough to distract the public, allowing Floyd to claim he is taking big risks while actually hiding.

“They pushed the idea just to avoid me,” Pacquiao continued, his tone serious and accusatory. He believes that Floyd knows his legs are gone and that he can no longer outrun the pressure that Pacquiao would bring to the ring today.

The tension between the two camps has reached its absolute peak this week. For years, they have traded subtle jabs on social media, but this direct confrontation marks a significant escalation in their decade-long rivalry that defines this boxing era.

Pacquiao’s declaration that Floyd is “afraid” strikes at the heart of Mayweather’s “TBE” (The Best Ever) persona. To be called fearful by his greatest rival is an insult that Mayweather likely cannot let slide without a significant retaliation or a fight.

“I am ready to finish off Floyd anytime, anywhere,” Pacquiao declared, issuing a formal challenge. He emphasized that he does not need exhibitions or gimmicks against heavyweights; he simply wants the chance to rectify the result of their 2015 encounter.

The 2015 “Fight of the Century” was a financial success but a critical disappointment for many fans. Pacquiao fought with an injured shoulder, and Mayweather won a tactical decision, leaving a sense of unfinished business that has lingered for a decade.

Now, with both men officially retired from professional competition but active in exhibitions, the barriers to a rematch should be lower. Yet, the negotiations seem to be more toxic than ever, fueled by these new accusations of cowardice and avoidance.

Jeff Mayweather’s alleged role in “protecting” Floyd adds a new layer of family drama. If Pacquiao’s claims are true, it suggests that Floyd’s own family does not believe he can beat the Filipino senator at this stage of their lives.

Fans are already taking sides on social media, with “Mayweather vs. Tyson” trending alongside “#PacquiaoRematch.” The absurdity of Floyd fighting Tyson is being mocked, while the demand for a legitimate sequel to May-Pac is growing louder by the hour.

Boxing purists are hoping this war of words is the final step before contracts are signed. Controversy sells fights, and there is no bigger controversy in the sport than the unresolved hatred between the defensive wizard and the eight-division champion.

Mayweather has often claimed he is the “A-side” and dictates all terms. However, Pacquiao’s aggressive posturing flips the script, painting Floyd as the one running away. It forces Mayweather to either accept the fight or look weak in the public eye.

The financial potential of a rematch remains astronomical, potentially exceeding hundreds of millions. Yet, Pacquiao is framing this as a matter of honor and legacy, insisting that money is not the reason Floyd is looking toward Mike Tyson instead.

“He can run, but he cannot hide from the truth,” Pacquiao added. He stands ready in the gym, maintaining elite shape, waiting for the phone call that will prove whether Floyd is truly the best or just the best at managing risk.

As the world waits for Mayweather’s response, the air in the boxing community is electric. The “Coward” label has been affixed, the challenge has been issued, and the excuse of a Mike Tyson fight has been brutally exposed by the Pacman.