While Bob Arum is not giving up on Abu Dhabi as host of the Manny Pacquiao headliner set for Nov. 13, the Hall of Fame promoter is just doing what a sane businessman would in these trying times.
?I feel that nothing?s going to happen (in Abu Dhabi),? said Arum from Los Angeles Friday when asked about the status of negotiations being conducted by Pacquiao adviser Mike Koncz with representatives of the United Arab Emirates royalty.
Still, Arum sees a silver lining despite Koncz?s inability to close out a deal after five days of being there.
?This is going to be very good for the future,? said Arum, sounding positive that now that lines have been opened between Abu Dhabi and Top Rank, it would be much easier to stage a show in the oil-rich emirate down the line.
Unless Koncz pulls off a major league deal during his Middle East sojourn, Arum said he has no other choice but to entertain other offers.
On Wednesday, Arum will meet up with Texas billionaire Jerry Jones in Dallas in an effort to make a deal for a Pacquiao fight with Antonio Margarito of Mexico.
Jones? fabulous Cowboys Stadium, which drew over 51,000 fans when Pacquiao faced Joshua Clottey of Ghana last March, will again play host to a Pacquiao show.
?I have been in talks with the staff of Jerry Jones, who is a wonderful person, but we still have to meet to make a deal,? said the 78-year-old Arum, who, in 1975 teamed up with Don King to stage the Thrilla in Manila.
Based on Arum?s timetable, a kickoff press conference is being eyed for Aug. 31 in Dallas, followed by two others in New York and Los Angeles.
Arum expects Pacquiao to start training camp somewhere in Metro Manila in the second week of September.
