HOLLYWOOD — It?s still 10 days before Pacquiao-Marquez II erupts in Las Vegas, but Top Rank president and promoter Bob Arum is already labelling it a blockbuster.
The public response has been so tremendous, according to Arum, that gate receipts are certain to be the strongest ever since 2001, when Filipino ring super star Manny Pacquiao broke into the United States fight scene.
Arum also predicts that the pay-per-view (PPV) hits will surpass Pacquiao?s fights against Juan Manuel Marquez in 2004 and his unforgettable encounters with other Mexican greats Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales.
?Everybody seems to be interested in this fight,? said Arum.
Upon seeing Pacquiao during the media workout on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) at the Wild Card Gym of trainer Freddie Roach — who turned 48 — here, Arum said victory for his prized ward is imminent.
?Never seen him (Pacquiao) in this kind of shape,? said Arum. ?When he?s in this shape, nobody can beat him.?
The 76-year-old Arum said Pacquiao has also gotten better since his first clash with Marquez where he knocked down the Mexican thrice in the first round.
He also said that the plan to stage Pacquiao?s next fight in June in Macau against World Boxing Council lightweight champion David Diaz is likely to change after MGM Grand offered to stage Pacquiao?s next fight in Las Vegas.
If this happens, Macau will be the venue of Pacquiao?s third fight for the year.
?I really don?t know,? said Arum of the Filipino?s third foe for the year. ?We might go against (Joan) Guzman or (Edwin) Valero.?
Meanwhile, a new judge has been named for the fight set March 15 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
Tom Miller of Ohio has replaced veteran Dick Flaherty, who decided to resign after questions were raised by various quarters over his competence.
Arum disclosed the development Wednesday.
?He (Flaherty) has decided to resign,? said Arum, who vouched for Miller?s competence.
Miller will join Jerry Roth and Duane Ford in the judges? panel.
