After months upon months of confusing and often infuriating misdirections, fans have slowly come to the realization that Pacquiao-Mayweather is not happening, quite possibly because someone, far removed from the ring, is looking to protect his investment in Manny Pacquiao
Below, you’ll find a list of recent deceptions and deflections that have come from Team Pacquiao in this debacle over the possible May 5th date and the truth behind each one.
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Team Pacquiao Smokescreen #1: The Outdoor Venue
Bob Arum insists that a 45,000 seat temporary outdoor arena would bring in $20-40 million extra at the live gate over the MGM Grand, which has a capacity of about 17,000. This is true, however, Arum fails to mention that the MGM Grand would be paying a site fee which many in the industry estimate to be upwards of $20 million, minimum. The outdoor venue would be a special construct and not offer up site fee money. So, really, the extra seating would just be paying off what the site fee would’ve been. Very little, if any, extra money would likely be made with a special construction.
Team Pacquiao Smokescreen #2: Late May
The fact that Mayweather will be serving an extended jail sentence beginning on June 1st makes Arum’s demand of a late May date pretty much impossible. The Nevada State Athletic Commission may balk at the late May date, requiring a reasonable period of recuperation before a fighter enters an extended jail sentence. This was an issue with Justice Saragosa, who issued the 90-day sentence and allowed for the June 1st date in order to allow Mayweather sufficient time to recuperate from any injuries sustained in a May 5th bout. Other than health and safety reasons, Mayweather, according to reports, is also contractually tied to the May 5th date and must observe it as a condition of his delayed jail sentence.
Team Pacquiao Smokescreen #3: The Cut
Even if Pacquiao had suffered a serious cut against Marquez on November 12th, seven months is sufficient enough time to heal. As it is, though, Pacquiao’s cut was not all that serious on the grand scale of boxing injuries. Given that most trainers acknowledge that a cut heals about 1% per day, Pacquiao would be completely healed by February, allowing for plenty of time to train properly. Arum didn’t seem to have this issue with Miguel Cotto, who was pushed into a fight seven months after being brutalized in his first bout with Antonio Margarito or when Cotto was signed to fight Pacquiao five months after suffering a deep gash in his bout with Joshua Clottey.
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To most fans, the constant rumors, half-truths, and misdirections have proven tiresome and the boxing world is growing restless. If Pacquiao-Mayweather isn’t signed soon, the fans could very well dish out some consumer justice against Arum with Manny Pacquiao, who may be an innocent bystander in this mess, taking the biggest hit.
Paul Magno was a licensed official in the state of Michoacan, Mexico and a close follower of the sport for more than thirty years. He is also a contributor to Fox Sports. In the past, Paul has done work for Inside Fights, The Queensberry Rules and Eastside Boxing.
Sources:
Tim Harrison, The Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Saga: May 26th Offer a Smokescreen?, The Boxing Tribune
Paul Magno, OK, Arum’s to Blame and I Want Some Damn Apologies, The Boxing Tribune
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