“Up until now, it’s been a very difficult negotiation process for various reasons but right now we’re very close. We’re very close in finalizing the contracts that were once very complicated. The two fighters now realize that this fight must be made. It has to be made because the boxing fans want to see it happen and right now it’s the biggest fight that can be made in the world.”–OSCAR DE LA HOYA, speaking to Univision
I would not be surprised if there is, at long last, some breaking news as to the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao Super Bout by the end of this week.
With Todd duBoef and Richard Schaefer doing the heavy lifting, Bob Arum is so relaxed that he went out to relax in the Hamptons before flying up to Canastota Sunday for Top Rank matchmaker (and my onetime Mahattan roommate) Bruce “Southland” Trampler’s more than worthy Boxing Hall Of Fame induction.
I’ve got no hard information, no real inside story or anything but that but we should take notice that today is June 13 which means it’s just five months away from the projected Nov. 13 Super Fight date.
Michael Marley Photo – Coach Roach can expect extended stay in Cebu or Baguio for training camp for Floyd Mayweather Super Bout
A massive promotion can be conducted in less time but five months is an ideal framework.
This Lollapalooza is not just another PPV TV show, it will be boxing’s Super Bowl, pitched as The FightTo End All Fights.
Press conferences can be organized for the end of June.
Mayweather never really stops training and Pacquaio can get his Congressional career launched with his Manila swearing in June 30, do some work for his constituents and then report to Coach Freddie Roach in early August.
Pacman said he will choose between prepping in Baguio or Cebu and Roach probably already has his gear packed for that stint in the Philippines.
While Pacman steers clear of boxing unless he has a bout scheduled, it’s not like he gets fat or otherwise out of shape.
But, in order to hand Mayweather his first pro defeat, this camp must be the toughest of the tough with Roach and coniditioning guru Alex Ariza bearing down as hard as Manny does.
Part 2, Making Of The Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao Fight To End All Fights
I think all but the smallest details are worked out now as to the drug testing. As a reasonable man, Pacquiao consented to getting jabbed with a needle for blood extraction 14 days before the bout and then immmediately following it.
Even Ray Charles can see that a drug guru or agency other than Travis Tygart and his USADA would have to conduct and supervise the testing of both Floyd and Manny and do so under the control of the Nevada boxing commission.
Previously, I suggested the obvious go to guy on this is UCLA and Olympic Dr. Don Catlin. This is a man who both sides would place ample trust and confidence in and with good reason.
The fight will surely take place in Vegas and it’s 99 percent sure the venue will be the MGM Grand.
Bob Arum mentions Steve Wynn but the gaming mogul must have negative flashbacks to his horrible experience handling a blimpish James “Buster” Dogulas whenever someone mentions boxing.
After Douglas shocked Mike Tyson in Tokyo, he signed with Mirage owner Wynn and then ate his way to defeat even before he went into the ring against a hungry Evander Holyfield.
Are those big bills real or counterfeit, it’s hard to know when it comes to Floyd Mayweather Jr.
One memorable prefight scene at the Mirage had Douglas making daily visits to the spa and taking steam and sauna baths to trim down. His purpose of trimming down was defeated by his constant calls to room service for pizza, chicken and other fattening fare.
Besides, Wynn is showing more interest in his Macau operations now than his Las Vegas gambling palaces.
And you won’t see Mayweather fighting in Asia during his current lifetime. I mean, he could get Shanghaied but I doubt it since L’il Floyd drinks nothing stronger than Kool-Aid.
The Mayweather camp, the Pacman side…they really don’t have too much to argue about now except the sticky money split.
Idle chatter about Pacquiao versus Margarito is silly.
Speculation that Mayweather next fights Sergio Martinez, not even a household name in his onw household, is laughable.
I’m remindeed of the old Wall Street saying that bulls make money, bears make money and only pigs don’t make money.
Unless either Floyd or Manny is piggish, they’re going wrap this deal up before June turns into July.
I refuse to believe either Mayweather or Pacquiao will be so porcine.
