Hall-of-Fame promoter Bob Arum said there is no reason to hurry things up in sealing a deal for Manny Pacquiao’s next fight. Interviewed by “Sports Chat” Tuesday morning Arum said Pacquiao and his family will stay in Las Vegas for a few days and in between, talks will commence to determine the Filipino four-division champion’s opponent. “Hopefully that will result in a plan if he wants to go with the De La Hoya fight. I’ll contact Richard Schaefer and will start that negotiations,” said Arum “It’s gonna take maybe a week or so, but there’s no reason for undue haste. It’s a very important decision for Manny’s career. A lot of money involved and we’re gonna go slowly.”
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In a recent get together with writers and editors of Philippine sports last week Pacquiao revealed his readiness in becoming the farewell opponent of Oscar De La Hoya, acknowledged as the top superstar of the sport. “It’s an honor to fight a legend like De La Hoya. If this fight pushes through, I will give my very best in preparing for this fight,” said Pacquiao. “I believe Freddie when he said I can beat De La Hoya. Freddie once trained De La Hoya so he knows the strengths and weaknesses of De La Hoya.”
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Arum said Pacquiao was set to arrive yesterday in Los Angeles and will have the Filipino star board a private jet from the Santa Monica airport to fly to Las Vegas. Though Pacquiao seemed eager to face De La Hoya in an intriguing but highly-anticipated bout, Arum said everything depends on what decision will the Mexican-American poster boy takes. Arum also talked about his plans for super bantamweight prospect Bernabe Concepcion ands world flyweight champion Nonito Donaire, Jr. Listen to the interview thru this link.
