Arum confident of Pacquiao-Mayweather bout in November 2012

Top Rank head Bob Arum remains upbeat that Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather will eventually fight each other.

The date: November 2012.

Even though Mayweather is embroiled in legal troubles following his sentencing to 90 days in jail for domestic violence, the Hall of Fame promoter told InterAKTV from his Los Angeles residence that the two are going to slug it out in 2012.

Now that Mayweather will be out of commission for the first half of 2012, Pacquiao will likely fight sometime “in the spring” against an opponent to be named in January.

Arum will meet up with Pacquiao when the Filipino spends the new year in Las Vegas.

“I would like to see him fight in the spring,” said the 80-year-old Arum, who has been promoting Pacquiao for the last six years.

Probable opponents are Juan Manuel Marquez, Timothy Bradley and Miguel Cotto.

Marquez and Bradley are the favorites to land the lucrative Pacquiao payday.

Arum said that had it not been for the conviction, Mayweather and Pacquiao would have reached an agreement.

Pacquiao has given in to two of Mayweather’s major demands: Olympic-style drug testing and a smaller revenue share.

Arum said that in the event Pacquiao and Mayweather get it on, the fight will probably end up being held in a sprawling space near the end of the Las Vegas Strip.

Arum said the 45,000-capacity arena that will be built can also be leased for concerts and other big events.

source by Lee Jimenez, InterAKTV

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Floyd is out for now

MANILA, Philippines — Now that the dream fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. is out of the question at least until the first half of 2012 after the American fighter was sentenced to 90 days for his legal troubles, Manny Pacquiao said there are other attractive alternatives down the road although nothing beats the match between the two claimants to the mythical title of pound-for-pound king.

“There are other options and we will move on,” said Pacquiao adviser Mike Koncz yesterday moments after learning about Mayweather’s sentencing by a Nevada court for domestic violence and harassment.

Koncz said that while Mayweather is their priority, there is no other choice but to look elsewhere.

Heading the short list of candidates to land a lucrative Pacquiao payday are Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez, American Tim Smith and Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto.

Koncz said that a clearer picture of what’s on the horizon will be painted in the first few weeks of the coming year.

Top Rank chief Bob Arum said he will discuss with Pacquiao what to do next in January.

The target date of Pacquiao’s much-awaited ring return in 2012 is May 5 most possibly in Las Vegas.

A few days ago, Pacquiao declared that he is willing to get a smaller share of the prize money for a Mayweather fight to entice the unbeaten fighter to finally agree to face him in the ring.

Pacquiao also went the extra mile when he also agreed to be subjected to Olympic-style testing.

But Floyd’s current legal woes sent all these sacrifices down the drain.

Marquez, who narrowly lost to Pacquiao last month, appears to have the inside track now that Mayweather is out of the picture.

But Bradley likewise stands a solid chance of landing the big fight for the simple reason that he has never fought Pacquiao, making fans intrigued about what a slick fighter like him could do against the Filipino.

source by NICK GIONGCO mb.com.ph

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Giant stadium for Pacquiao fight

MANILA, Philippines — With the deluge of fans expected to come in case the fight materializes in 2012, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum revealed that a 45,000-capacity venue is being envisioned to rise on the famed Las Vegas Strip to host the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather pound-for-pound clash.

The idea of building a site for the super showdown was broached by Arum to the Los Angeles Times in a story that appeared Tuesday.

Erecting a temporary location makes a lot of sense because Las Vegas doesn’t have a massive arena that can host such a big event.

The biggest venue in Sin City is the Thomas and Mack Center inside the University of Nevada-Las Vegas campus, which can seat almost 20,000, while the MGM Grand Garden Arena has a capacity of 18,000.

The Sam Boyd football stadium can do 40,000 but the venue is located far from the heart of the action, compelling Arum to ponder about the construction of a makeshift arena.

Arum added that the likely date in case Pacquiao and Mayweather get it on is June 2012, noting that the proposed date of May is too early given the heavy tasks that are needed to be completed.

It appears that all major roadblocks have been cleared following Pacquiao’s recent announcement that he is even willing to take a smaller share in the prize money as long as the fight everyone wants to see finally becomes a reality.

Pacquiao, who turned 33 over the weekend, has also agreed to Mayweather’s demand of Olympic-style blood and urine testing.

Pacquiao is coming off a hard-earned 12-round majority decision over Mexican nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez last month, while Mayweather stopped Victor Ortiz last September.

source mb.com.ph | By NICK GIONGCO

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Pacquiao impresses Foreman

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao’s accomplishments inside the ring have impressed yet another boxing great.

“Big” George Foreman, who is known for his legendary battles against Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, said he was astonished by the successes of Pacquiao in several weight classes.

“That’s been the biggest surprise of all, Manny Pacquiao,” Foreman said in Examiner.com. “He’s just come from the bottom and now he is just the man of the sport.”

Pacquiao is the only fighter in boxing history to win titles in 8 weight divisions.

He won titles in the flyweight, super bantamweight, featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight divisions.

“He’s probably the standard bearer for boxing right now,” said Foreman, a 2-time world heavyweight champion.

Other boxing greats who have expressed admiration for Pacquiao are “Sugar” Ray Leonard, Roy Jones Jr. and Evander Holyfield.

Foreman, however, doesn’t see Pacquiao’s anticipated superfight against the Floyd Mayweather Jr. pushing through.

“Both fighters are making all the money they want without fighting one another. They’re not egotistical enough to want to fight each other. It may never happen.”

source by abs-cbnNEWS.com

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Roach to join former mentor Futch in Hall of Fame

Freddie Roach, eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao's long-time trainer, has finally gotten his long-deserved place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBOHF) as he will be one of 13 personalities to be inducted in Canastota, New York during its annual banquet dinner on June 10, 2012.

Roach, 51, is in the company of such esteemed boxing greats like multi-division world champion Tommy 'The Hitman' Hearns, two-division champion Mark Johnson, ring announcer Michael Buffer, broadcaster Al Bernstein, and journalist Michael Katz.

A five-time Trainer of the Year winner, Roach was naturally honored with the award.

"I started my professional boxing career with Eddie Futch and now, we will be enshrined together in the (IBHOF) with the greatest legends of the sport. I am truly honored and humbled,” said Roach on his Twitter account.

Futch molded the legendary boxing careers of champions like Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes, Ken Norton, Riddick Bowe, Michael Spinks, Alexis Arguello, among others. He took Roach under his wings shortly after the soft-spoken owner of the Wild Card gym retired as a fighter with a professional record of 40 wins and 13 losses.

Like Futch, Roach became a champion trainer himself and handled the likes of Virgil Hill, Mike Tyson, Israel Vazquez and James Toney

But it was his partnership with Pacquiao cemented his legacy as one of boxing's all-time great trainers, with the Filipino boxing icon winning eight titles in as many weight divisions in their 10-year collaboration.

Yet, Roach still remains very humble.

"The award is based on the fighters I've worked with and not on me,” added Roach, a five-time Trainer of the Year awardee by the Boxing Writers Associaiton of America (BWAA). He won the award in 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Pacquiao also sent his congratulatory message, via Twitter, to his so-called 'Master Trainer.'

Congratulations to Freddie Roach for his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame,” Pacquiao tweeted Roach.

Aside from Pacquiao, Roach also trains current world light-welterweight and light middleweight champions Amir Khan and Julio Cesar Chavez, respectively.

The rest of the 2012 Hall of Fame Class are posthumous honorees Cocoa Kid, Newsboy Brown, Leo Houck, Jake Kilrain, Hugh D. McIntosh, Rip Valenti, and James Wharton (Young Molineaux). —

source JVP, GMA News

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Pacman also eyes Marquez, Bradley

source | mb.com.ph | Manny Pacquiao has a solid Plan B in case negotiations for a Floyd Mayweather fight go down the drain.

The Filipino fighter said he won’t stray off the beaten path since two marquee names – Juan Manuel Marquez and Timothy Bradley – are waiting in the wings.

Talking to sportswriters during a dinner he hosted Monday, Pacquiao said that while Mayweather is tops on his priority, Marquez and Bradley are also in the running.

“I am still waiting for word about the Mayweather fight,” said Pacquiao, who was joined at Harbour View seafood restaurant by wife Jinkee and some members of his congressional staff and security.

Pacquiao is being eyed to make his 2012 debut in May hopefully against Mayweather but he is obviously not putting all the eggs in one basket.

In case a deal is not reached, Pacquiao said that while nothing will compare to a Mayweather matchup, a fight with either Marquez or Bradley can still draw a crowd.

Top Rank head Bob Arum said he is also hoping that a Pacquiao-Mayweather clash happens as this is the fight that everybody wants to see.

Trainer Freddie Roach and majority of Pacquiao’s team are also pushing for a Mayweather bout.

Marquez is a nice alternative because it has been proven that the crafty Mexican is not afraid to lock horns with him.

Bradley’s unbeaten record is his biggest plus but he might not be that known enough to merit a Pacquiao shot, at least, at this point in time.

By NICK GIONGCO

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Roach says Arum, Schaefer should act like adults

source | abs-cbnNEWS.com | MANILA, Philippines - Boxing trainer Freddie Roach says it is time for boxing promoters Bob Arum of Top Rank and Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions to get their act together and put up the most-awaited fight in the sport.

Roach has made no secret of his desire to see his prized ward, Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, take on undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr., in what will be one of the biggest fights in the history of boxing.

"I want to see Mayweather for Pacquiao," he said in an interview with RingTV, adding that boxing fans want to see that fight. "I think we need to give the people what they want."

Pacquiao has confirmed that negotiations for the mega-fight are taking place, while Arum says he is fielding offers from potential investors. Arum has said that Golden Boy is not involved in the negotiations.

But Golden Boy President Oscar de la Hoya claimed that Arum was lying about the negotiations, and said that Arum should call Schaefer to get the ball rolling for the negotiations.

Schaefer is the chief executive officer of Golden Boy.

Roach, for his part, says he understands the difficulty of putting on the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight, especially because of the bad blood between Arum and de la Hoya.

"The thing is, this is not personal. This is business," he said. "I hate when personal feelings get brought into the equation."

"It's stupid. The thing is that Bob Arum and Don King didn't always get along, but they did business," Roach added. "There's no reason that they (Schaefer and Arum) shouldn't be able to make it happen."

As for his message to Arum and Schaefer, Roach said: "They're two adults, and they're both logical people. They should give the people what the people want."

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Arum optimistic Pacquiao-Mayweather will happen

Source | abs-cbnNEWS.com | MANILA, Philippines - Top Rank chief executive officer (CEO) Bob Arum remains optimistic that the much-awaited mega-fight between Filipino boxing icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr. will take place sometime in the future.

"Certainly, we at Top Rank want that fight, Manny wants that fight, I believe Floyd wants that fight," Arum said in a RingTV interview. "So why wouldn't I be optimistic?"

Pacquiao recently revealed that negotiations for the mega-fight were taking place, although nothing has been finalized. In other interviews, Arum said he is entertaining offers from various investors who are interested in putting the fight together.

Mayweather had announced that he plans to make his return to the ring on May 5, 2012, and had challenged Pacquiao to sign a contract for that fight date.

But Arum said a date has not been finalized for the fight, saying "That's nonsense."

"It doesn't necessarily have to be on May 5," Arum said. "If Floyd wants to fight Pacquiao, maybe another day is preferable."

The Top Rank chief says there is no "magic" surrounding the May 5 date, which has been a traditionally lucrative weekend for boxing.

"There is magic in a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight," Arum said.

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Pacman-Floyd fight certain, says lawyer

Source | MB.com | There is still not a deal in place for the proposed May 2012 collision course between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather but the Filipino fighter’s lawyer remains upbeat that both parties are going to reach an agreement.

In the words of Pacquiao lawyer Franklin Gacal, the planets appear to be aligning. “Mayweather is on our radar screen,” said Gacal. “As long as there is no computer glitch (the fight will happen).”

Pacquiao himself said he wants Mayweather for his first fight in 2012 although he is not running away from Juan Manuel Marquez’s bold challenge after the Mexican pushed him to the limit in their third fight last Nov. 12 in Las Vegas.

Several of Pacquiao’s allies have also voiced out the same opinion with Cebu promoter Wakee Salud going to the extent of saying the fight is “80 percent done” and ex-world champion Gerry Penalosa stressing that “issues are being ironed out.”

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum is also nursing hopes that a deal will be reached soon to prove that he also wants to see the fight happen. Arum said that in case an agreement is made, “everybody will be going over the moon” because of the magnitude of the fight.

Even if the fight is going to be held in the US, the promoters and the fighters will travel the world to hype the duel many have dubbed as “Fight of the Century.” Pacquiao and Mayweather are considered the very best in the world and the only way to determine who is truly No. 1 is to let them face off in the ring.

By NICK GIONGCO

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Manny to Floyd Jr: Sign the contract

Source |The Philippine Star | Manny Pacquiao will sign the fight contract once Floyd Mayweather does.

The reigning WBO welterweight champion yesterday said negotiations for the super fight with the undefeated American are going smoothly and chances are it will happen soon.

“Once pumirma siya, pirma na din tayo (Once he signs, we will sign),” said the 32-year-old congressman during a television interview from Sarangani.

“Malaki ang chance. Maliit na bagay na lang ang pinag-uusapan (Chances are big. Only the small details are being talked about),” he added.

Everybody’s looking at May 5 as the day of the fight, in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, said a few days ago things are going well regarding the fight that the whole world wants to see.

The chief of Top Rank Promotions said he’s been in constant touch with potential investors for the fight that should generate more than $100 million.

While issues on drug-testing procedures brought previous negotiations to a halt, it seems that this time both camps have found ways to figure it out.

There’s just so much money on the table that both boxers, not getting any younger, must have realized to have to make it happen soon.

Besides, the fight contract should have a rematch clause on it regardless of who wins the first fight, and they could end up forming a trilogy until they both retire.

Mayweather is turning 35 on Feb. 24, and Pacquiao will be 33 on Dec. 17.

Mayweather, through Twitter, said a couple of days ago that it’s up to Pacquiao if he wants the fight to happen.

“Losing is in Pacquiao’s mind because he lost just last week. He lost to Marquez three times. May 5 is the date, sign the contract, I’m waiting,” he said.

“I can’t be sitting waiting all day, you want to fight let’s make it happen. I’m here.  I’m waiting. What’s going on? I can sign today. If I sign today you better sign tomorrow,” Mayweather also said.

“You said you’re a clean athlete and you said you’d take the test so let’s do it. I can’t be sitting waiting all day, you want to fight, let’s make it happen. If I sign today you better sign tomorrow.”

By Abac Cordero

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Pacquiao: Negotiations for Mayweather fight almost done

Source | abs-cbnnews.com | Filipino boxer Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao has revealed only a few details need to be ironed out regarding his possible mega-fight against American fighter Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Pacquiao recently confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with Mayweather's team. Mayweather also called on Pacquiao to sign a contract for a May 5 fight date. "Ready na tayo. Kung natuloy 'yan, 'pag pumirma na s'ya sa kontrata, pirma na rin tayo," Pacquiao said. (We are ready. If it pushes through, once he signs the contract then I'll sign the contract.)

Pacquiao said there are only a few details left to be tackled in the negotiations. "Maliit na bagay na pinag-uusapan, malapit ng matapos ang negotiation," he said. (Only the little things are being worked out and negotiations are almost done.)

He said he has no issue with the May 5 fight date (May 6 in Manila), saying it is a good month for the fight. Pacquiao also laughed off Mayweather's recent comments about him, wherein the American boxer said Pacquiao actually has 6 losses on his record instead of 3. Mayweather said Pacquiao lost to Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez three times, bringing his total number of losses to six.

"Kung ganyan ang paniniwala n'ya, eh di respetuhin natin," Pacquiao said. (If that's what he thinks, we have to respect it).

The fighting congressman from Sarangani is planning to watch the friendly match between the Philippine Azkals and the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium along with his wife and kids.

"Magchi-cheer ako sa Azkals," Pacquiao said. -- From a report by Jay Dayupay, ABS-CBN News SOKSARGEN

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Golden Boy not involved in negotiations: Arum

Source | abs-cbnnews.com | Top Rank chief executive officer Bob Arum said that Golden Boy Promotions (GBP) is not involved in the negotiations for a potential mega-fight between top boxers Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.In an interview with BoxingScene.com, Arum lashed out at GBP chief Richard Schaefer, who had accused him of making up stories to trick Pacquiao. "It's understandable because Richard is on the outside looking in," Arum said. "Who knows and who cares what Richard says?"

Golden Boy has co-promoted Mayweather's fights since 2007, but they do not have the boxer under any contract. Mayweather is not contractually obligated to involve Golden Boy in negotiations.Pacquiao recently confirmed that negotiations were ongoing for a possible mega-fight with Mayweather, although nothing has been finalized. Mayweather also recently challenged Pacquiao to "sign the contract" for a May 5, 2012 bout.

"May 5th is the date," Mayweather said.

Arum said he is already fielding offers from potential investors regarding the fight, with at least three groups making separate offers. "Everything is subject to negotiation and I will take the offers to Manny, and if Manny agrees, then we can go to Floyd," Arum said. If Pacquiao and Mayweather agree on the investors, then Top Rank will play only a "functionary role" on the fight, where they will only handle the boxing aspects.

"Of course, these investors, having made a fabulous investment in the fight, would have plenty to say about every aspect of it," Arum said.A Pacquiao-Mayweather super-fight is expected to break all existing records in boxing, from live gate receipts to pay-per-view buys to purse money. If the fight pushes through, both fighters may make at least $50 million each.

Arum said he will visit Pacquiao in the Philippines early in 2012 once he has all the details ironed out. "We would be crazy not to carefully explore these unprecedented offers," Arum said

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