(CNN Philippines) — It took about six years of negotiations before the hotly anticipated mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao could take place.
But a rematch could happen in less than half that time.
Mayweather has officially opened up to the possibility of fighting Pacquiao again, just days after their “Fight of the Century” at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
“I will fight him in a year after his surgery,” the undefeated Maywether told ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith in a text message. The 48-0 fighter made the statement amid rumors of his retirement this September.
Oddly enough, this sets the stage for a second “Fight of the Century” this very same century, about a little over a year after the first one.
In a joint statement issued May 4, Team Pacquiao and Top Rank promotions said that Pacquiao sustained an injury in his right shoulder during training.
Related: Manny Pacquiao issues statement on shoulder injury
The Filipino is expected to under go surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz estimates the recovery time post-surgery to last four to six months.
Mayweather defeated Pacquiao by unanimous decision during their mega-fight last Sunday (April 3 PHT), which is widely billed as the richest bout in boxing history. Official pay-per-view sales have yet to be released, but it is estimated that the amount could reach $300 million.
The American’s win subsequently makes him the unified champion of the WBC, WBA, and WBO Welterweight belts. However, he has announced that he will relinquish the belts in the next few weeks.
Despite Mayweather’s willingness for a rematch, both fighters’ camps would have to deal with several hurdles before the rematch could actually take place.
Pacquiao, for instance, could face sanctions from the Nevada Athletic Commission for allegedly failing to report his shoulder injury to the organization. Likewise, Mayweather’s defensive and technical game drew the ire of fans who expected to see a more explosive mega-fight.
Read: Pacquiao faces sanctions for failure to disclose injury
