Manny Pacquiao: Mayweather Jr. ‘needs me to bolster his career’

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It appears Manny Pacquiao is done with trying to get a fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

While Pacquiao says he’s still open to fighting Mayweather, the 31-year-old told reporters in the Philippines on Monday his career will not be compromised if he doesn’t fight Mayweather.

‘I came this far in my boxing career without Mayweather, so I see no need to call him out,’ Pacquiao said. ‘He needs me to bolster his career. I am open to him fighting me anytime he wants to.’

Pacquiao was back in his native country to celebrate his March 13 victory over Joshua Clottey. He’s also there to campaign for a seat in the Philippines’ House of Representatives. National elections take place May 10.

Pacquiao said he was undecided as to whether he would retire from boxing if he wins the seat.

‘My own mother asked me to stop boxing,’ Pacquiao said. ‘We’ll talk about it.’

As for boxing, Pacquiao said Mayweather should win his scheduled fight against Shane Mosley on May 1 in Las Vegas. If not, Pacquiao said ‘Mosley and I will fight.’

-- Austin Knoblauch

The Associated Press contributed to this report.