I have held forth that “The Fight” between Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao will still happen March 13, 2010, just 67 days away. We may know as early as Tuesday.
If Plan A (Mayweather, Jr. vs. Pacquiao) isn’t going to happen, isn’t it foolish to believe either Plan B (Pacquiao vs. Yuri Foreman) or Plan C (Pacquiao vs. Paulie Malignaggi) could just be inserted in its place?
I believe it would be an insult to all concerned to insert any other fight on that date. Better just let Pacquiao take some time off to work on his political campaign. In fact, March 13 should become an international holiday for world boxing fans as a memorial for what has been lost.
Because we would have suffered a terrible loss if Mayweather, Jr. vs. Pacquiao doesn’t happen.
I know I could never go back to being a fan again the way I have been. I won’t knowingly be a fan and support fighters or promoters that could hold me and my emotions hostage again.
I’m not saying the debacle would have been the fault of Bob Arum, but what good is Pacquiao and 90 million Filipino’s to Arum if he can’t make any money off them?
I’m not saying the debacle would have been the fault of Mayweather, Jr. and Golden Boy (although I think it would prove true) if Floyd’s next fight is against Matthew Hatton.
Think about it. If you are going to have Pacquiao announced as the headlining main event, does Malignaggi bring in say, 50 more pay -per- view sales nationwide because he’s better known than Foreman?
Or would Foreman bring in only an extra 35 because he currently holds a title Pacquiao doesn’t have and is better but isn’t as popular as Malignaggi?
In either case you are saying Malignaggi or Foreman is the draw and Pacquiao is the opponent. The logic is faulty.
The opponent needs to play his role, collect his money and shut his mouth. Well, Yo Paulie may speak a little after he’s wound up.
The opponent’s name should be scribbled in at the very last minute and in pencil, not pen.
If God-forbid either Malignaggi or Foreman get their dream shot at Top Gun against Pacquiao, wouldn’t Arum already have the other on call throughout the promotion as a backup. It happens all the time.
If Mayweather, Jr. doesn’t come along by mid-week, I believe, Arum has to seriously consider his next move carefully.
Pacquiao and the fans would need a spectacular opponent to replace Mayweather, Jr. Not what just appears to be available on the street corner like a Bronx Tale.
Now there is no rush. Pacquiao is a true professional, but while a true warrior, he will be quite disillusioned. That, and the public disappointment over the childish negotiating just 10 weeks out. We have a real mess on our hands.
I haven’t even gotten to the vicious attacks from the media (boxing friendly and not) coming our way.
This is why they are too far along with Mayweather that “The Fight” has to and will happen March 13, 2010.
