pacquiao to fight mayweather in march

It is on, and the date is set. This is the one you've been waiting for. According to an ESPN report, boxing champ Manny Pacquiao has signed a deal to fight undefeated U.S. star Floyd Maymeather on March 13, with a 50-50 split in what could be boxing's richest fight: Pacquiao signs deal to fight Mayweather.

Mayweather, 40-0 with 25 knockouts, was regarded as the world's top pound-for-pound fighter before a 19-month layoff that ended last September.

Pacquiao, 50-3 with 38 knockouts, staked his claim on the pound-for-pound crown in Mayweather's absence by knocking out England's Ricky Hatton in the second round last May and taking down Miguel Cotto in the 12th round last month.

For a while, it looked like the mega-fight might not happen, with each fighter's side seeking a 60-40 share of proceeds, and not enough money to go around. Now, it looks like the Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown could bring record profits.

The promotion is expected to launch with a January news conference in New York. An exact venue hasn't been set yet, but two Las Vegas sites, the new Dallas Cowboys stadium in Texas and the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans are among those interested in hosting the bout. More here: Pacquiao-Mayweather likely for March.