WHAT was on everybody’s mind became public yesterday when an online poll conducted by Manny Pacquiao’s website revealed his fans want him to sack American promoter Murad Muhammad.
As of 5 p.m. yesterday, 86 percent of some 480 respondents had ticked off Murad’s name when the website www.mannypacquiao.ph posed the question: “Who do you want to be ousted from Team Pacquiao?”
The initial result of the poll did not surprise many boxing fans, especially in the wake of Pacquiao’s admission, aired on TV, that he has already severed ties with Murad.
Pacquiao said he is also planning to sue Murad for failing to turn over about $2.8 million, representing 40 percent of the revenue generated by the HBO pay-per-view sales of his recent classic clash with Erik Morales at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Pacquiao, upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Los Angeles, told mediamen that Murad had refused to give him the PPV share.
Commenting on the issue, Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s American trainer, had earlier said a “promoter should not earn more than the boxer.”
According to reports, Pacquiao was entitled to 40 percent of the PPV sales, with Morales getting the other 40 percent and promoter Bob Arum the remaining 20 percent.
Those who ticked “I don’t care” in the poll came in second with 4.6 percent, while those who want to get rid of Pacquiao’s business manager, Rod Nazario, came in third with 4.4. Only 1.9 percent voted against Roach and 1.7 against manager Shelly Finkel.
