I spoke with Top Rank head Bob Arum this morning and got an update on the Manny Pacquiao training camp. Arum feels really good about what he sees out of Manny thus far, he commented “The first time I saw him, he looked a little bit sluggish, like he didn’t want to be there. It must have been because it was only a few days after arriving from the Philippines.” Arum is referring to jet-lag which was why the 8 division champ looked sluggish. This is completely understandable. Arum went on to say, “The second time I saw him, he looked terrific, just sensational.” Arum added, “Pacquiao is bound and determined to knock Marquez out, and Marquez is determined to knock Manny out. That’s what makes this an exciting fight.”
Read more on Manny Pacquiao HERE
Pacquiao is scheduled to face off against his Mexican nemesis, Juan Manuel Marquez for a 4th time on December 8th, in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand. The first 3 fights were barn burners, and I have no reason to believe that this fight won’t match the others.
Arum also talked about the upcoming clash between rising star and current 4 time world champion Nonito Donaire, Vs. Mexican legend, and 5 time world champion Jorge Arce. This fight is set for December 15th, at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX. Arum is excited about this one as well, “This fight has been in the makings for quite awhile now. Arce is a guy that just doesn’t quit. He keeps coming and coming, and doesn’t stop. Donaire is a rising star and will bring everything into the ring. We are going to do very well in Houston. It’s a great fight town, and it’s captured the attention of the people. I look for this to be a really exciting fight.”
Listen to the Arum interview HERE
Arum also touched on the upcoming Vanes Martirosyan Vs. Erislandy Lara, which takes place November 10th, “I think its a very close fight and a good fight and I welcome Sulaiman’ statement where he said the winner fights Canelo Alvarez next. This is a final elimination fight, and the winner should get a shot at Canelo Alvarez.”
Arum calls the Mayweather situation, “NUTS” and says that he’s heard absolutely nothing from the Mayweather people on making a fight with Pacquiao. I’ll leave that were it lays as I am frankly tired of reporting on that circus act.
