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Philippines, 29 Jun 2025 |
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Failed ?Super Fight? puts Boxing in trouble By Carl Guevara PhilBoxing.com Wed, 21 Jul 2010  Boxing is in deep, deep trouble right now. When was the last time in history that the No. 1 and 2 Pound-for-Pound fighters (depends on how you rate them), the top 2 money makers of the sport, shoo-in hall of famers, etc, had a chance to meet and square off in the ring to earn ridiculous amount of money and figure out who?s the best? I just can't remember. But that's not the real question. The real question is "Why are they not fighting? What's keeping them?" As we all know by now, the proposed super fight between the undefeated and self proclaimed greatest boxer of this era, Floyd Mayweather, Jr and Filipino 7-division champion and #1 P4P fighter of the world Manny Pacquiao, has just exploded in our faces (again). Who's to blame on this debacle? Bob Arum? Leonard Ellerbe? Golden Boy Promotions? Floyd or Manny? Who knew! Before we launch our blame-the-name game, let?s try to analyze the facts to fully understand what happened why the "Super Fight" failed anew and its effect to the boxing world. I know this article will be one of the thousands that will come rushing in within the week on different sites but I just want to share my thoughts on this. After Floyd disposed Mosley via unanimous decision last May, Bob Arum of Top Rank and Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions began to revive the failed negotiations between Floyd and Manny last December 2009. They want this fight to happen because of the pressure from Media and Fans. No other fight is being discussed except this one. Drug issues were the main concern why the fight was canceled the last time around. Because of a rift between Arum and Mayweather (since Floyd broke up with Top Rank), a mediator was needed if they want to resume negotiations. HBO's Ross Greenburg was the middle man this time and imposed a "Gag Order" that prohibits both parties to engage, communicate, or give any details to the media about the ongoing talks. Many believed that the talks are going smoothly, and the Gag Order is strictly being followed by both camps. As weeks flew by us, no statements were being made by both camps, only a few quotes from Arum that he received offers from Middle Eastern countries; that the Nov. 13 date has been set for Manny's next fight against Floyd or anyone; that Cotto or Margarito is being lined-up in case Floyd declines. Meanwhile, Floyd was caught by media in a charity event by his company, and he was quoted "I want to take 1-2 years off from boxing". Suddenly, an uproar from Manny's fans saying that Floyd is just afraid of Manny, that he doesn't want to fight him at all. The Mayweathers (Jeff, Roger and Floyd Sr.) issued various statements saying that Floyd will not retire, that Floyd is not afraid of Manny, that Manny is still using A-side Meth (Whatever that is), and so on. Oscar Dela Hoya was even quoted by in a Spanish (or Mexican) TV interview indicating that "the fight is very close to being signed". The following day, Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer denied the statement saying the "Oscar was 'misquoted' by the Media" (Although the media verified the statements were true when translated). Then suddenly, a rare silence from the Mayweather's camp. Arum and Manny's Adviser Michael Koncz then said that they are giving Floyd until the end of June to accept the deal, in which they claimed that all issues have now been settled, only a few minor issues left to be discussed. The media presumed that all major issues from the first negotiations like drug testing, money split, venue, weight, etc has been resolved. July 1 came, and no words from the Mayweather's camp. Bob said that after July 16, we will now move on with or without Floyd. And it was now nearing the cut-off date. No statements from Floyd's camp. And then Bob Arum posted a "countdown" clock on their Top Rank site as the media waits for Floyd?s response. No response. And so the countdown ends. No fight will happen. This is the end of the second season of the daily American soap opera entitled "Floyd vs. Manny 2: The drama continues". Just barely a couple of minutes to go before the ?countdown? expires, Bob Arum held a media conference explaining that ?The deadline is the end of the exclusivity period, because we now have to go out and secure an opponent for Manny Pacquiao, assuming that it won?t be Floyd.? One of the most interesting statements from Bob is this, ?Well, it would be a shame if it didn?t happen. But you know, I don?t think any of you guys should be too harsh on Floyd in this situation. I would have liked him to communicate, but, you know? the uncle has an effect?? Then, Leonard Ellerbe (CEO of Mayweather Promotions) issued a statement saying that no negotiations have ?ever? taken place. As quoted on a recent article by the AP, ?Here are the facts. Al Haymon, Richard Schaefer and Myself speak to each other on a regular basis and the truth is no negotiations have ever taken place nor was there ever a deal agreed upon by Team Mayweather or Floyd Mayweather to fight Pacquiao on November 13. Either Ross Greenburg or Bob Arum is telling the truth, but history tells us who?s lying.? Floyd was seen recently in a charity basketball game in Miami, wherein he was quoted saying, "I really don't think about boxing right now. I'm just supporting my family and relaxing". After reviewing the facts and statements from the beginning of the negotiations (if we are to believe Bob Arum), it means that all of them knew exactly from the opening bell that the fight will not materialize. Bob Arum clearly says that we should not blame FMJ if the fight is not made (It?s a little weird form my point of view). He also clearly stated in that interview that he has no direct contact/negotiations with Mayweather?s team and that he is only negotiating through Ross Greenburg of HBO as his mediator. Regardless of this, on who?s lying or not, I just don?t understand in my right mind why both camps threw away $100M for 2 fights. Maybe they don?t need money at all. Maybe they are confident that the third attempt to make this fight will put more fans on buying this. As I see it, many upcoming bouts, from Jr. Welterweight to Jr. Middleweight are being held hostage as they wait for this fight. If this fight is not made, I believe fans will turn their backs against them, and fans may lose interest soon. I know Floyd and Manny are not boxing itself, but boxing will definitely suffer one of its biggest blows in recent memory. Bob and Manny will issue statements soon, so as Leonard and Floyd. But whatever their reasons are, time runs out on the fans patience. If fans lose their interest, who's going to pay Floyd and Manny? HBO? Bob and Oscar? Are they still willing to pay $40M each, and where will they get that kind of money if the public have already seen enough? I think it's not too late but who knows what Bob and Leonard thinks, right? Maybe Ross Greenburg could somehow clear the air with his statement, which I hope to see in a couple of days. The fate of boxing may not be in the hands of Floyd and Manny, but it?s in their hands if they want boxing to be successful in years to come. They owe their fame and fortune to boxing, give the fans what they deserve by fighting. Fans may start boycotting other fights because of this. Promoters must act now to avoid losing their fans and put boxing in much more trouble. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carl Guevara.  |
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