ARLINGTON, TEXAS – Promoter Bob Arum was very pleased with the tone of the final press conference Wednesday of the Pacquiao vs. Clottey fight promotion held at Cowboys Stadium.
“These (Pacquiao and Clottey) are two classy young adult men,” said Arum. “None of the trash-talking, yelling, or posturing that really is bad for boxing,” he added.
Right after Clottey said a few words to the media from the podium that overlooked the massive Cowboys Stadium floor where workers were preparing it for Saturday night, Arum said it was a classy, intelligent and from the heart speech by the soft-spoken Clottey and that he has enjoyed watching Clottey grow as a person as his Top Rank, Inc. has promoted him for several years.
“I can’t say it enough, that the trash talk is bad for the sport. It turns off both the die-hard and casual fans. I don’t know who it appeals to. Who really wants to hear that crap?”
I believe he was alluding to the Mayweather gang.
Of course when it comes to class and being humble, very few can out do seven weight division and current World Boxing Organization Welterweight Champion Manny Pacquiao of The Philippines.
Pacquiao spoke as long as anyone would listen to him earlier in the week at his open workout but the media was at Cowboys Stadium Wednesday to listen intently to take in even more that he had to say. Maybe to sprinkle in some wisdom for his flock?
Pacquiao has certainly captured the imagination of the local fans and media in media tough North Texas.
There were enough TV cameras at the press conference to make you feel like you were at an important Dallas Cowboys playoff game. The same with Pacquiao’s open workout Tuesday.
Cowboys owner and co-promoter Jerry Jones even sprung for a very classy luncheon buffet in a private dining room for the media to enjoy at their leisure either before or after the press conference.
Several times during the promotion Bob Arum has said that Jerry Jones is the best sports promoter in the world.
But getting back to Pacquiao, he is so at ease with his command of English now and his words flow gracefully and confidently and you never have to worry about an F-bomb flying out or see him beating his chest for attention or to intimidate his opponent.
Just think if that ever catches on.
