As this internet hack cruised around the post-fight press conference at the Mandalay Bay, he ran into none other than one of the heavyweight players in the business Shelly Finkel.
After exchanging pleasantries for a minute, we got down to business in regards to what is really going on with Manny Pacquiao.
Unfortunately Shelly is as perplexed as anyone out there as to what is going in Manny?s head or rather who is the one that is hustling him.
While Mr. Finkel had nothing but love for the Filipino slugger, he stated that it was seven million dollars that Pacquiao walked away from in the Marco Antonio Barrera fight.
I asked him if I could quote him on this number and he said, ?But of course,? said Finkel, ?the original figure of five million didn?t take into account the money I?d be able to get him through the Filipino television rights.?
He mentioned that the initial itinerary was for Pacquiao to have another breakout year and to continue to ride the momentum from the Erik Morales trilogy. The plan was to fight Barrera early this year and Juan Manuel Marquez in September or November. Now that Barrera and Marquez are fighting each other in March, it basically takes at least one of those big paydays off the table.
Shelly thought it was a bit sad that Manny went from potentially securing a career high payday, to being relegated to a co-feature bout with Jorge Arce in Texas. As always, Shelly stated that he hoped everything ends up working for Manny and that he sends his best wishes to the Filipino punching machine.
