The Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao super-fight that the boxing world has been clamoring for has become a priority for Top Rank CEO Bob Arum.
The promoter, who became a bona fide octogenarian just two days ago, told the Manila Standard that when he visits the Philippines in January, he expects to have a clearer picture of things.
“Hopefully, at that point, we’ll have some serious dialogue with Mayweather,” Arum said.
That said, with Mayweather’s pending court cases looming in the background and with no idea of what might transpire at the end, Arum is treading carefully.
“I’m not sure, although I remain optimistic,” said Arum. “Mayweather really can’t commit anything now, because next week, he’s before the courts. So if the trial is going to happen, he can’t do the fight.”
Mayweather (42-0) is facing four counts of both felony and misdemeanor charges concerning his ex and mother of his three children Josie Harris.
A preliminary hearing is expected on Dec. 21.
And if for some reason Mayweather does go to trial as Arum alluded to, the latter said that there were other potential fights in the offing for his prized asset, WBO welterweight champion Pacquiao.
The fights they could be looking to make include a matchup with 28-year-old WBO light welterweight champion Timothy Bradley, a possible fourth bout with Juan Manuel Márquez and a rematch with current WBA super light middleweight titlist Miguel Cotto.
Apropos of negotiations with Golden Boy Promotions for the fight of the century, Arum suggested that it’s down to Mayweather as to whether he wants GBP in his corner or to negotiate with Top Rank without a third party.
Still, to the media and to the majority of boxing fans, Arum has been the main obstacle in precluding this mega-fight from taking place.
Arum, however, has a different take on the matter.
“You have to understand that this isn’t the kind of fight you make in 15 minutes. It doesn’t work that way. It takes time, and my obligation is to get Manny the best deal possible,” Arum said.
He also spoke about the issue with boxing writer Steve Carp of the Las Vegas Review Journal.
“Why would I not want that fight to happen? Manny wants it. Boxing fans want it. The media wants it.”
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