Boxing fans have salivated at the possibility of a Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao fight in the past, only to be let down.
 
But Mayweather’s camp hinted Wednesday night to ESPN.com they are targeting May 5 as the date and the MGM Grant in Las Vegas as the scene for the most anticipated fight in the boxing game right now. But if we have learned nothing from the past, it’s not to get too hyped until both fighters have signed on the dotted line.
 
There is no doubt a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight for the welterweight championship would break pay-per-view records, mainly because of the talent and skill of the two fighters but also because of the anticipation that has built up over the years.
 
"Floyd made it very clear that he wants to give the fans the biggest fights that are out there. He wants to stay active," Mayweather adviser Leonard Ellerbe said. "We're going to do everything in our power to make the biggest fight out there for the fans and we all know what the fight is, the little fella."
 
It’s probably the only major money fight out there for Mayweather, who hasn’t been the busiest of fighters in the last four years. The five-division 34-year-old champ has fought just five times since 2007, with his bout ending a knockout win over Victor Ortiz on Sept. 17. Prior to that, Mayweather had been on the sidelines since outclassing Shane Mosley in May 2010.
 
Apparently Mayweather (42-0, 26 Kos) isn’t looking for another long layoff — and what could be a better motivation than a bout against the only man who many believe has a chance to beat him?
Pacquiao is currently training to fight an overmatched Juan Manuel Marquez for the third time on Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand.
"We had a discussion, Floyd, me and Al," Ellerbe said. "Floyd made it very clear to us what he wanted to do. He told us he is looking to make the biggest fight that is out there and to make it in May."
 
Contact Terrance Harris at terrancefharris@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @Terranceharris

(Photos from left:  Ethan Miller/Getty Images, Eliot J. Schechter/Allsport)