By John F. McKenna (McJack)
It is interesting to read all the posts and blogs on the internet blaming WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquoap (54-3, 38 KO’s) and Top Rank CEO Bob Arum for the non happening of the Mega fight between “Pacman” and undefeated WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (42-0, 38 KO’s).
The reality however is that much of the blame must rest on the shoulders of “Money” Mayweather himself. Floyd is a great self promoter and knows how to keep his name in the news by staying relevant at the most opportune times. Prior to Pacquiao’s fight with WBO/WBA lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39 KO’s) last November, the Mayweather camp announced to the world that Mayweather had reserved the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas for May 5, 2012 to fight an opponent they only referred to as the “little fella”. Of course the media instantly went into overdrive as they always do whenever Floyd makes an announcement. It was assumed by many that the “little fella” the Mayweather camp was referring to was Manny Pacquiao.
However upon closer scrutiny none of it adds up. For starters Mayweather knew he was facing a possible lengthy jail term because of the domestic abuse charges hanging over him. As Bob Arum aptly put it at the time how can you negotiate a fight deal for a guy who may not even be here in May? Secondly May 5 is Cinco De Mayo, a Mexican holiday and a date which is typically chosen for a fight involving a high profile Mexican fighter. Lastly and most importantly, who would take it upon himself to reserve the MGM Grand on May 5 without even consulting Manny Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum?
The date and venue for any huge fight, Particularly a Pacquiao – Mayweather fight is always negotiated by both sides and not just arbitrarily selected by one of the parties and then announced to the world. That is not the way business is done in the fight world. Mayweather would be the first one to scream if a promoter attempted to pull that scheme on him. But amazingly a large segment of fans and boxing writers have bought into the nonsense.
The reality is that Mayweather never intended for Pacquiao to be his opponent on May 5. And if the Mayweather camp was serious in the first place why would they have been so vague as to say that the MGM Grand had been reserved for the “little fella”?
Further, why use Twitter? Why not act like adults and have a Mayweather spokesperson contact Bob Arum’s son in law Todd Du boef if they are uncomfortable about talking to the Top Rank CEO themselves? Supposedly Mayweather is on good speaking terms with Du beof. Twitter is not the way to go.
I am not defending Bob Arum, but he is not the only culprit in preventing the Pacquiao – Mayweather fight from happening. There is enough blame to go around for everyone.
