Long-desired fight may have short window

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK -- The new president of HBO Sports says the long-desired Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather bout has a "sell-by date" of later this year or early next year.

Ken Hershman said Tuesday that after then, it becomes "less and less relevant."

Mayweather and Pacquiao are boxing's top two stars, and they have circled each other warily for more than two years. Both have said they're eager to fight, yet they still haven't reached a deal for what's likely to be the most lucrative bout in boxing history.

Hershman says if the two sides asked HBO to mediate, he'd be happy to, but doesn't expect that request. Otherwise, he says the network will stay out of the discussions.

Hershman says "I don't think the sport needs to be saved or believe all that hyperbole."