MANILA, Philippines – Contrary to what others may say, Top Rank chief Bob Arum yesterday said it could be just a matter of time, and a lot of money of course, before Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather could happen.
Arum, more than two weeks after Pacquiao?s close win against Juan Manuel Marquez, said they?re silently working on the super fight with the undefeated American for next year.
Pacquiao?s adviser, Michael Koncz, dropped by Mayweather?s gym a few days ago just to let it known to the newly promoted pound-for-pound champion they want the fight.
Arum spoke to Filipino radio station dzBB yesterday morning, saying efforts are being done to make the fight happen next year or on May 5 as earlier been reported.
The fight should involve more than $100 million in guaranteed purse for both boxers, and should break all the existing records in the sport, particularly in pay-per-view sales.
The standing record of 2.4 million buys was set in 2007 in a fight between Mayweather and Oscar dela Hoya. No other fight had ever come close to matching that feat.
Unless Pacquiao vs Mayweather happens.
?It?s a lot of money and we want to make the best deal possible. People are talking about putting up huge amounts of money to get involved in the fight and that?s what we?re exploring now,? said Arum.
The guru of boxing promotions was asked if indeed the fight could take place last year, and his straight answer was, ?Yes.?
Arum said they?ve been in touch with investment groups that could put up the money, but did not say whether it was the same group that?s been involved in previous talks.
Mayweather was previously offered $65 million by a group from Singapore but Arum said the former turned it down because he didn?t want to fight in Pacquiao?s turf.
Arum said Mayweather thinks that all Asians are the same, and anywhere in the region is considered Pacquiao?s home turf.
