MANILA, Philippines ? Tim Bradley is now the frontrunner to land a lucrative payday with Manny Pacquiao.
Top Rank head Bob Arum told the Bulletin that in light of Floyd Mayweather Jr.?s reluctance to equally share the revenue of their proposed super showdown, he has no choice but to look elsewhere for Pacquiao?s dancing partner on June 9 in Las Vegas.
Arum had initially thought that Miguel Cotto would be the one but the Puerto Rican has expressed his disagreement over the Filipino?s demand that he gets down to 147 lbs.
?Unless Cotto changes his mind (it?ll be Bradley),? said Arum, noting that unlike Cotto, Bradley is willing to meet Pacquiao at 147 lbs.
Arum said he is not losing hope for a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight but it will be perfect to hold it in November although he has been unable to get in touch with someone who has the authority to negotiate for the undefeated American fighter.
?What I want to do is for the two fighters (Pacquiao and Mayweather) to sign a contract for a November fight,? said an exasperated Arum, adding that last week or so, ?there?s been no movement ?on Mayweather?s part to make the fight become a reality.
Bradley is also under contract with Top Rank and should Cotto remain firm in his conviction, Arum will have no choice but to sign up the California-based Bradley, who sports a 28-0 card with 12 knockouts.
