TOP Rank Promotions chief Bob Arum believes Manny Pacquiao?s comeback fight in 2016 would also be his farewell bout as he seeks a Senate seat in next year?s national elections.
But that doesn?t mean Arum is inclined to put Pacquiao against Mexican Canelo Alvarez in what could be a blockbuster match.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times? Lance Pugmire, Arum admitted having discussions with Golden Boy Promotions? counterpart Oscar Dela Hoya about staging a fight featuring the 36-year-old Pacquiao, but readily thumbed down a showdown with the 25-year-old Alvarez.
The highly-popular Mexican and former world middleweight champion is fresh from a third-round knockout of James Kirkland and is scheduled to meet Miguel Cotto next month for the World Boxing Council (WBC) middleweight title.
Alvarez sports a 45-1-1 record, with 37 KOs, with his only loss coming at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jr. via majority decision in 2013.
Arum says he’s had discussions with @OscarDeLaHoya about a Pacquiao-@Canelo fight but Arum doesn’t like the idea. ? Lance Pugmire (@latimespugmire) October 21, 2015
Arum, however, isn?t inclined to accept the fight since he said Canelo will be too big for Pacquiao, who fights as a welterweight.
Arum on Pacquiao-@Canelo: “I’m not advocating it. Canelo could weigh 170 on fight night. That’s just looking for trouble.” ? Lance Pugmire (@latimespugmire) October 21, 2015
The heaviest Pacquiao fought was at light middleweight against Mexican Antonio Margarito, who he decisioned in 12 rounds to win the WBC title.
Arum also added a possible fifth fight with old rival Juan Marquez is officially out of the picture since the veteran Mexican is not interested to fight Pacquiao again.
Bob Arum tells me @jmmarquez_1 is effectively out of consideration for the Pacquiao fight due to his disinterest. ? Lance Pugmire (@latimespugmire) October 21, 2015
Arum reiterated he feels Pacquiao?s next fight next year will be his last given that he’ll be running for a seat in the Senate in the 2016 national elections. The Filipino boxing superstar is currently a member of Congress representing Sarangani province.
More Arum: “Money is secondary to health. I’m convinced Manny’s next fight will be his last. He wants to put on a good show.” ? Lance Pugmire (@latimespugmire) October 21, 2015
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