Bob Arum should just come out and say it explicitly.
“Unless your name is Floyd Mayweather Jr., you will not be fighting Manny Pacquiao in your lifetime or in his.”
Of course, the Top Rank chieftain will never be so frank, at least not publicly. But even Ray Charles can see that he no intention–with the possible big bonanza exception of Mayweather–of putting Pacman in with any fighter who is not in the Top Rank cupboard.
In House Bob, the 79 year old (well, in three days he will be) should throw caution to the wind and just tell it like it is. None of these other guys bring the paynight that “Money” Mayweather can and so none of them, handled by outsiders, will ever get a crack at Megamanny.
Not Juan Manuel Marquez, handled by Golden Boy. Not Andre Berto, handled by Al Haymon and henchman Lou DiBella. And not rising Mexican wunderkind Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, another Golden Boy hopeful, although a frustrated Arum could be tempted when the money is right to put his Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in against the rising redhead in a huge Mexico versus Mexico bout.
No sireee, Bob, Arum will continue using only his own stock as Pacman foes.
Shane Mosley, who has dumped GBP and will put on a Top Rank jacket, will be Manny’s April 16 or May 7 opponent.
Arum is now talking about Manny’s autumn foe, in September or November, being the winner of the grudge rematch between Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto, even though Pacman has already beaten them both like drums.
Arum’s message is not subtle but it is clear: If you’re a welterweight and you covet a Pacquiao payday, then you need to get with the program, the Top Rank program.
It’s a closed shop. No outsiders need apply.
This doesn’t keep me up nights but I just wish Arum would admit it.
It’s his bat, his ball and his Pacquiao.
If you want to play, you sign on the TR line which is dotted.
It’s Uncle Bob’s game and he makes the rules.
You know Monopoly, the popular board game which uses street names from Atlantic City.
This is Pacopoly, based in Las Vegas and the Top Rank office is a combination of Boardwalk and Park Place.
All those other fighters and their outside promoters, they’re slumdogs.
Arum controls Pacland, they are left with Mediterranean or Baltic Avenue.
