Bob Arum is scared Manny Pacquiao could ?wind up like Muhammad Ali? if the Filipino icon keeps on fighting into his 40s. Pacquiao?s former long-time promoter said ahead of last month?s bout against Keith Thurman that he was risking brain damage by continuing to fight at such an age. The 40-year-old turned back the clock to take a split decision in Las Vegas and become the oldest WBA welterweight champion. Arum still has concerns, comparing the scenario to the neurological brain damage suffered by Ali over the course of his legendary career.
?Manny?s a terrific guy and he looked very good in that fight,? Arum told Fight Hub TV. ?But if you watch that fight, he took a lot of punishment, and he?s over 40.
?He?s gotta watch out. He can?t take that kind of punishment at that age and wind up ? god forbid ? like Muhammad Ali. I mean, I?m really concerned. ?Did he look good in that fight? Sure. If he was 35 or 30, and he had done the same, hey, really great, you know? You don?t worry about him so much. But in his 40s? To take punishment like that? I really am worried. He knows how I feel.?
Pacquiao could next face the winner of Errol Spence (25-0, 21 KOs) and Shawn Porter (30-2-1, 17 KOs). The two face off in an IBF and WBC welterweight title unification match on September 28 at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles. Terence Crawford has also been mentioned as a possible opponent ? even though the unbeaten American (35-0, 26 KOs) is not optimistic on the fight happening. ?No, he shouldn?t fight Spence and he shouldn?t fight [Terence] Crawford. And Spence and Porter, there?s one winner, and that?s Spence,? Arum said.
Arum suggested Pacquiao?s best option is either to retire or wait for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather. ?I don?t know, but that is the only fight I think he should fight ? he?s gonna be president of the Philippines,? Arum said. Mayweather has poured cold water on the idea of a rematch, however, saying this week ?the truth is, this fight is never gonna happen again?.
