Source : Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star)MANILA, Philippines - Contrary to what others may say, Top Rank chief Bob Arum yesterday said it could be just a matter of time, and a lot of money of course, before Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather could happen.
Arum, more than two weeks after Pacquiao’s close win against Juan Manuel Marquez, said they’re silently working on the super fight with the undefeated American for next year.
Pacquiao’s adviser, Michael Koncz, dropped by Mayweather’s gym a few days ago just to let it known to the newly promoted pound-for-pound champion they want the fight.
Arum spoke to Filipino radio station dzBB yesterday morning, saying efforts are being done to make the fight happen next year or on May 5 as earlier been reported.
The fight should involve more than $100 million in guaranteed purse for both boxers, and should break all the existing records in the sport, particularly in pay-per-view sales.
The standing record of 2.4 million buys was set in 2007 in a fight between Mayweather and Oscar dela Hoya. No other fight had ever come close to matching that feat.
Unless Pacquiao vs Mayweather happens.
“It’s a lot of money and we want to make the best deal possible. People are talking about putting up huge amounts of money to get involved in the fight and that’s what we’re exploring now,” said Arum.
The guru of boxing promotions was asked if indeed the fight could take place last year, and his straight answer was, “Yes.”
Arum said they’ve been in touch with investment groups that could put up the money, but did not say whether it was the same group that’s been involved in previous talks.
Mayweather was previously offered $65 million by a group from Singapore but Arum said the former turned it down because he didn’t want to fight in Pacquiao’s turf.
Arum said Mayweather thinks that all Asians are the same, and anywhere in the region is considered Pacquiao’s home turf.
“We have been working diligently talking to investment groups,” Arum told dzBB. He said there’s no date yet for the fight, but what’s important is to get the ball rolling first.
“I don’t know when. That’s to be determined. We have to see if the people talking to us (can) come up with the money and we have to see if it’s acceptable to both sides. So it’s one step at a time. But these things take time,” he said.
For the meantime, Arum said their eyes are glued on the Mayweather fight, and only if nothing comes up will Pacquiao look at other opponents.
Pacquiao will turn 33 on Dec. 16 and he normally celebrates for a month. Last night he was scheduled to host a party for his fellow congressmen at Resorts World.
His grand birthday party is set in General Santos City although insiders said there could be a change of plan, and he may hold it in his newly acquired $8.8 million home in Forbes Park.
“They’re rushing things to have the house done in time for his birthday and house blessing,” said the insider.
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