Radio Rahim talks to Top Rank CEO Bob Arum about Pacquiao-Bradley, Pacquiao-Mayweather, and the poor state of judging in boxing today.
Arum represented Mayweather from 1996-2006 before an ugly and public separation over payments and marketing occurred. He has since been Pacquiao’s promoter and has turned the Filipino pugilist into a worldwide star.
This means there are two unquestioned stars in the sport right now that refuse to fight and it’s largely Arum’s fault. This is why he needs to retire and get his stench off of the game and it's best fighters. Here's a little history on what the old man has done and how he's clearly been ducking fights. Floyd’s camp attempted to first negotiate a bout after watching Pac-Man destroy Juan Manuel Marquez for the third time in his career. Things were clearly getting stale for him at that point. Arum shut down their proposal, allegedly saying they would rather schedule another match between Pacquiao and Marquez rather than face Mayweather.
When talks actually got into the range of serious, Arum once again held things up by demanding a 50-50 split of the purse. It’s clear just looking at the numbers Money is the bigger draw and it would be an insult for him to accept that offer.
It’s likely that Arum—who as mentioned knows Mayweather quite well—truly believes Floyd is a better fighter than his man and isn't willing to put that blemish on his cash cow. Manny would no longer be as big of a draw if he were to be beaten by Money in the biggest fight in the history of boxing.
This is a shame, because the financial means of a few substantially rich insiders (read: Bob Arum) are being put ahead of the millions who wish to see what could be the best bout of all time. Pacquiao needs to wise up, ditch Arum and talk to Mayweather once more. The sport and his career will be better for it.
What's Next for Floyd Mayweather After Victory over Miguel Cotto?
Floyd Mayweather polished his record Saturday with yet another win, this time over Miguel Cotto. His victory brings him more than $35 million in prize money, making him the highest-paid fighter in boxing history.
At this point in Mayweather's career, he has transcended boxing and become a sporting phenomenon on his own right.
In a sport where there are no regular-season standings, playoffs or a Super Bowl, any time Floyd Mayweather chooses to step into the ring, it's an event of spectacular proportions.
Who will he choose to fight next? There is a buffet of fighters for boxing's "money man" to choose from.
Of course, the world would serve him Manny Pacquiao...but for Floyd Mayweather, there are many options on the table.
