Adios Golden Boy. Hello Top Rank. Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao ended all the speculation over which promoter he’s tying up with as he formally announced that he’s fighting under Bob Arum’s Top Rank and that he opted to honor the four-year pact he signed with they Las Vegas-based outfit.
Pacquiao and Arum both made the announcement yesterday in a press conference at the Manila Hotel adding that they’re looking forward to fighting Marco Antonio Barrera in Las Vegas in April of 2007.
Arum said that he’s going to offer the Barrera camp a package of $2.5M plus a percentage of TV revenues to fight Pacquiao. If the fight will not doesn’t materialize, they will look at other foes for a fight in Macau also in April.
Pacquiao stands to earn at least $5M dollars in either a rematch with Barrera or a fight against somebody else.
When asked about the ongoing case filed against Top Rank by Golden Boy Promotions, Arum said the April fight, whether in Las Vegas or Macau, would push through without a threat of being stopped or suspended since the ongoing case “is a case of money damages. The fight can go on even if it’s in court,” Arum explained.
Arum said they’re very confident that they had a strong case on their side and will come out on top in the end. Arum also added that Pacquiao is indemnified of any liability and will come out clean of any financial obligations should they lose the case.
“Manny is protected if Golden Boy wins. He has nothing to lose,” Arum assured.
For his part, Pacquiao said he chose Top Rank because they have a track record of the building the careers of top boxers.
“Marami silang pinasikat,” Pacquiao said, who then added that Freddie Roach will respect whatever decision the Pacman makes. “Sabi ni coach, kung ano ang aking desisyon, respetohin nya.”
When asked about his plans for Pacquiao, Arum boldly predicted that they want to make Pacquiao a world figure. He said that they want to build the total package in Pacquiao, by going beyond just boxing.
“We want to cross him over to the American public,” he said. “We did it with Oscar de la Hoya. We’ll do it with Manny,” Arum bared.
Among other plans include putting up a U.S-based charitable foundation in Pacquiao’s name for the Philippines and making the rounds with the different TV networks and top TV programs, with the goal of making him popular in the American market.
Michael Koncz, one of Top Rank’s contacts to Pacquiao, later explained in a separate chat that although Pacquiao is already popular among Filipinos in the US, they still need to work on the American market to make Pacquiao a world figure. And they’re confident that Top Rank can achieve this.
Despite his prized ward picked Top Rank as promoter, celebrated American trainer Freddie Roach will remain as Pacquiao’s chief tactician. Roach had been very vocal on his preference for Golden Boy to direct Pacman’s future.
“I will probably stay in Manny’s corner,” Roach told boxingconfidential.com. “Arum said to me, “I know what you did, Freddie, but we will work with you.’
Arum likewise revealed that Shelly Finkel’s contract as Pacquiao’s manager had lapsed on August 12, 2006. He said that he and Finkel had agreed that Top Rank would turn over 20 percent of Pacquiao’s purse directly to Finkel, with Finkel agreeing to terminate his contract.
“He hasn’t been his manager since August the 12th” Arum said.
Considering Pacquiao’s status at this point, Arum sees there’s no need for Pacman to have a manager.
“If your’e an “A” fighter, you don’t need a manager. Pacquiao doesn’s need a manager,” Arum said. “You need one if you’re a “B” fighter looking to fight an “A” fighter.”
Meanwhile, noted Cebuano promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud, who had been instrumental in luring Pacquiao to Top Rank, said he will continue to work with Team Pacquiao as its consultant.
“I talked to Pacquiao and I asked him whether this is the right decision and he told me yes. I think it’s a good decision on the part of Pacquiao because the Top Rank’s offer is very good,” said Salud. “Perhaps I will stay as consultant of Team Pacquiao.”
When sought for comment on the decision of Pacquiao, revered Cebu boxing patron Antonio “Bidoy” L. Aldeguer answered: “It’s just a matter of choice. I think he has already weighed so many things and it’s up to him to decide what he thinks is good for him.” – with EBV
