Report: Kin says retired champ Mayweather wants Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines - A retired, undefeated fighter has reportedly expressed interest to fight Manny Pacquiao.

The name of Floyd Mayweather Jr., one of two high-profile fighters being groomed to take on Manny Pacquiao, has cropped up after a Michigan-based web site reported Mayweather Jr. informing a cousin that he "wanted to fight Pacquiao".

Floyd Mayweather Sr. talked to Michigan-based web site MLive.com and admitted that his son allegedly opened up to Bernice Mayweather, one Floyd Jr.'s cousins.

"My niece said my son told her he wanted to fight Pacquiao next, and that he wants me to train him for the fight," Mayweather Sr. said.

A Pacquiao-Mayweather Jr. bout will ignite interest in the boxing community. Mayweather Jr. retired in June as the sport's best pound-for-pound fighter, a distinction Pacquiao assumed afterward.

Mayweather Jr. finished his career undefeated in 39 matches. His last bout was against Ricky Hatton in December 2007.

In May 2007, Mayweather Jr. won a split decision over Oscar de la Hoya.

Pacquiao, who had an easier time dealing with de la Hoya, is also being considered to fight the power-punching Hatton.

Mayweather Jr. appeared to have been keenly watching the Pacquiao-de la Hoya contest in the weekend, another cousin Latisha Starling revealed.

"Right after the fight ended and I hung up, Janelle said her phone rang again and she thought it was me. But it was little Floyd saying he wanted to fight Pacquiao and he had to get in touch with his father," Starling said.

Mayweather Sr., a former professional boxer, worked as his son's trainer until 2001 when he parted ways with his son. - GMANews.TV