Barrister Bob Arum went to the highest court in Pacland to plead his case.
The Top Rank head honcho was none too pleased that his top client, Manny Pacquiao, was going to spurn showing up in New York for the Boxing Writers Association Dinner Friday and the Joshua Clottey-Miguel Cotto welterweight title bout Saturday.
Working on Arum?s behalf, trying to convince and cajole the reluctant Pinoy Dragon to jump on a long flight from Manila, was adviser Wakee Salud and agent Michael Koncz.
But finally Arum decided that, while Pacman wears short pants in the ring, that maybe like most husbands he did not ?wear the pants? in his own domicile.
Arum, once a Park Avenue lawyer before he heard the siren call of Muhammad Ali and heavyweight riches, argued his case to Jinkee, Manny’s lovely and spirited wife.
?I spoke to Manny first and I then spoke to Jinkee. I told them the reasons I felt strongly that Manny should show up. I mentioned that the American public and the media have been good to Manny and he should acknowledge their great support,? Arum said.
?Manny still seemed hesitant but then Jinkee agreed with me. So I guess you could say I spoke to the real boss.?
Chalk up four points there, two with Jinkee and two with Arum?s wife Lovee, on that line.
Arum, meanwhile, presided over the final Clottey-Cotto press conference Wednesday afternoon at Madison Square Garden.
The fight card, on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade, is virtually sold out.
