THE consensus world featherweight champion Manny ?The Destroyer? Pacquiao became the first athlete in Philippine history to hit $1 million payday after the revered Filipino boxing icon signed yesterday a multi-million dollar, two-fight contract with American promoter Murad Muhammad of the New Jersey-based M and M Sports in a blockbuster deal involving Home Box Office (HBO).
In another welcome development, Ton Rank?s Bob Arum, in an interview by Robert Morales of Los Angeles Daily News, revealed that he is on the verge of completing a deal that would feature the dream match-up between his ward, IBF and WBA 126 lbs. titlist Juan Manuel ?Dinamita? Marquez of Mexico, and the power-punching Pacquiao.
Arum, who confirmed that Marquez and HBO have already agreed to terms, said the fight would take place either in Las Vegas or at Home Depot Center in Carson.
