Floyd Mayweather claims he has recovered financially thanks to a costly mistake by rival Manny Pacquiao.

Mayweather and Pacquiao met in one of the most lucrative fights of all time in 2015, and the event became the best-selling pay-per-view attraction in boxing history, with 4.6 million people tuning in.

The pair eventually settled their iconic rivalry, albeit later than boxing fans had expected, with Mayweather outpointing his arch-rival on the scorecards in a clash that did not pan out as many had hoped.

Both superstars earned staggering prize money for the fight, with Mayweather pocketing an estimated $180 million and Pacquiao receiving $120 million.

But the payments didn’t stop completely years later, as the pair reportedly held talks about an exhibition-level rematch.

Reports emerged confirming the news, but the most important announcement came from Pacquiao himself.

He talked about a sequel being in the works, and even jumped into the ring at an event hosted by Japanese promotion RIZIN to suggest it was close to completion.

Both were in Tokyo last year, when Mayweather traveled to Japan to watch his opponent in an exhibition against DK Yoo.

Pacquiao’s public comments made things tense, given that the rematch negotiations were not known until his revelation.

And ‘Money’ later revealed that he had been awarded a $4 million payout, due to Pacquiao leaking the conversations and speaking out about his fight status.

“When Manny Pacquiao talked about it [a rematch], he shouldn’t have done it,” Mayweather told the Pivot Podcast.

“I’m not going to say that I’m right or wrong. Just for saying my name, I got a check for $4 million.

“He said my name when he shouldn’t have. I told him there’s a time and a place for everything.

“But remember: he became famous because they said he was the man who could dethrone the king.

“Did it happen? Absolutely not. Was it easy? Absolutely.”

Despite Pacquiao leaking the talks, the rematch never materialized and the plan was apparently abandoned.

Mayweather, on the other hand, has continued to fight in exhibitions, including against John Gotti III, whom he has faced twice in the ring since then.

‘Pac Man’ also returned in a disastrous exhibition fight against Rukiya Anpo, in which he had serious difficulties in a tough fight.

And the Filipino had been considering a full professional comeback before the event, with a world title shot against Mario Barrios.

Now it seems that the couple has put their rivalry behind them and has focused on other projects outside the ring.

But Japanese promoter Nobuyuki Sakakibara had suggested he could still be in contention, provided his professional records are not affected.

He told The Sun: “I wouldn’t be surprised if something happens in the next few days, so the possibility remains.

“We still have a good relationship with Floyd, but he is not thinking about fighting again in a real competition.

“I understand there is no interest on his part in a rematch in an unofficial fight, and Manny is interested.

“So it all comes down to timing. And when everything lines up perfectly, I’m sure the rematch will happen.”