Once again, Top Rank founder Bob Arum has managed to turn the sporting world on its head, announcing a demanding four-fight ?farewell tour? for WBO welterweight champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao. In a surprising statement, Arum said the plans are to have Pacquiao fight at four different sites in four different countries between now and the end of the year. Of course, the idea itself is genius, allowing for excitement to build up, regardless of who the opponents are. But once again, statements from other parties concerned are confusing instead of corroborative.
The schedule announced included a fight in April against undefeated contender Jeff Horn either in his hometown of Brisbane, Australia or the Middle East; one in Russia; another in a different part of Europe; and a world title clash with super lightweight champion Terence Crawford as the final? in December. To be fair, it is possible, since Nonito Donaire, Jr. did it in 2012. That year, the Filipino Flash fought Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr. in February, Jeffrey Mathebuka in July, Toshiaki Nishioka in October, and Jorge Arce in December, winning all four bouts.
But there are other considerations for Pacquiao.
Firstly, his duties as an elected legislator take precedence, as he proved by taking a significantly lower paycheck for his fight against Jessie Vargas last November. It is highly doubtful that the Upper Chamber?s schedule will allow for four major breaks this year. Secondly, there are still no venues or opponents, and their availability would influence fight dates. Thirdly, you have to account for recovery time and possible injury. Besides, as Freddie Roach always stresses, Pacquiao likes having a full plate, so he will also be doing other things, for certain.
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Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo was quoted as saying Pacquiao has asked her department for P3 billion in sponsorship for a fight in the Philippines in November. Displaying some sports savvy, she replied that it would be possible only if the opponent were either Floyd Mayweather, Jr. or Juan Manuel Marquez.
Teo also mentioned Cebu as a possible venue, though there aren?t any indoor facilities there big enough as of yet. Interestingly enough, a November schedule would wash out the planned October and December fights announced by Top Rank. A huge fight in his own country as part of his farewell would be a tremendous expression of gratitude to Filipino fans. Pacquiao has not fought in the Philippines since beating Oscar Larios at the Araneta Coliseum in July of 2006. Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
In an interview with this writer, Floyd Mayweather?s uncle and trainer Jeff Mayweather said that, as far as he?s concerned, Floyd is retired and has nothing more to prove in boxing. In another interview, Pacquiao?s trainer Roach says that if Pacquiao fights Mayweather one more time, that should be it, and he should enjoy the next part of his life. With Mayweather, there?s no telling what will happen. After sitting at ringside for the Pacquiao-Vargas bout and meeting with Pacquiao at the Wynn hotel afterwards, there have been no conclusive indications that the two will ever fight again.
In scheduling an interview with Juan Manuel Marquez, this writer has gathered that they are taking the more practical approach. Marquez, who is listed as 43 years old, is supposedly avoiding another skirmish with Pacquiao. Publicly, his camp is claiming that they have established him to be the better fighter, and that the 2012 knockout win in their fourth fight against the Filipino champion proved that beyond any doubt. But privately, they would prefer to make the same money by taking three easy fights, rather than risk the physical punishment of one more Pacquiao fight. It makes sense for Marquez to go down in history that way, unless there is a dollar figure big enough to change his mind. Other than that, one other difference would be having to fight in the Philippines in the morning to hit the lucrative pay-per-view market in the United States.
Given all of these factors, it is unlikely that the fight in the Philippines will push through, although Filipino spectators would want to see it happen. It would also be a big boost for Pacquiao politically, as he seems serious in making a run at the presidency in 2022. If there is a glimmer of hope, it would more likely be against Marquez, who has not yet categorically said he will never fight Pacquiao again, unlike the more unpredictable Mayweather, who may stay retired regardless of long-held public belief that he wanted to break Rocky Marciano?s untainted record. Both Mayweather and Marciano have career records of 49 wins and no draws or defeats.
All this also means it will be unlikely that four fights will happen this year. There is just too much going on for Pacquiao, and he wants to get everything right when he steps into the ring. Preparation is more important at this stage of his career, so he will want more time for each fight. What will likely happen is that he will fight thrice this year, leaving the window open for either Marquez or Mayweather in 2018, with Crawford as his back-up last fight. And if by some answered prayer Mayweather and/or Marquez sign on the dotted line, he may fight Crawford earlier, as an aperitif.
Whatever happens, there is no way Filipino fight fans can lose.
