Amidst the madness of Manny Pacquiao?s official arrival to the city of Las Vegas yesterday afternoon, I was able to have a few words with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum.
For months now, Arum has been building up the hype towards this weekend?s clash between Pacquiao and his fierce rival Juan Manuel Marquez, the third meeting between the two men. Pacquiao fought Marquez to a split-draw in May of 2004 and edged him via split-decision in March of 2008, with both fights chalked full of suspense and heroics.
Having spent countless years in the sport, Arum knows the importance of this weekend?s battle and foresees a fitting conclusion.
?There?s something about a trilogy, when the first two fights are close, that, for me, it transcends the usual boxing contests,? Arum stated. ?The great trilogies that I was involved in always turned out to give a lot of value. Ali-Frazier of course, Morales-Barrera; I wasn?t in it but Gatti-Ward. The third and final match between two warriors always provides excitement.?
