THE usually wordy Bob Arum, lead world boxing matchmaker, has clamped up since being called a saboteur, who allegedly warned and threatened at least two prospective backers against helping put up Manny Pacquiao?s next fight.
Not a word from Top Rank since Pacquiao official mouthpiece Aquiles Zonio bared how Arum had effectively disrupted and jammed two negotiations between Sen. Pacquiao and friendly financiers.
Declared Zonio: ?Arum had sabotaged two previous negotiations for the holding of a Pacquiao fight outside of the United States. Arum called up Pacquiao?s financiers threatening to file a lawsuit if Top Rank is not included in the promotion.?
Not a whimper from Arum, which could mean the wily veteran promoter has been shoved into a dirty corner.
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It was announced yesterday that Pacquiao?s projected fight against WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse has been moved from June 24 to July 8.
The kick-off press conference will be held in Manila on April 11, instead of April 4 as earlier announced.
Oscar De La Hoya, whose Golden Boy outfit is co-promoting the championship with Pacquiao?s MP Promoions is expected to come to Manila for the major launch-off press con.
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Media tour stops in Hong Kong, Macau, Beijing and Tokyo have been lined up.
The two-week reset was being done in observance of the Ramadan, Pacquiao?s camp explained.
Zonio claimed Arum had again tried to disrupt the Matthysee fight by insisting Pacquiao was not a free agent. Arum had also demanded that Top Rank be involved in the promotion.
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Zonio said Pacquiao has declared enough is enough.
After the initial announcement of the Pacquiao-Matthysee fight, De La Hoya said the WBA welterweight championship promises to be a fight of the year candidate.
The latest announcement said De La Hoya will be accompanied to Manila by Matthysse, a compelling big puncher with 39 wins, 36 of them coming by knockout.
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