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.