Unfortunately, what we’ve seen within the first few weeks of 2012 is more of the same from Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao. There is much improvement needed to bring boxing back to the forefront of the mainstream sports universe.
Another year of hoping that the potentially most lucrative and inspiring match-up in the history of the sport was beginning to look promising when Floyd Mayweather Jr. delayed his stint in the “clink” for a possible May 5th bout with Manny Pacquiao.
At least, that was the excuse Floyd cited to the authorities. Whether or not those were his true intentions still remains to be seen.
His actions, as of late, could be interpreted as an unwillingness to truly make the mega-fight happen by his detractors and naysayers…and there are quite a few out there. But, logic tells us that Floyd unfortunately has become a slave to his ego and truly feels that he deserves more than a “measly” equal share when viewing the potential millions that a Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather Jr. event would surely produce.
Someone close to the self-heralded biggest star in boxing should explain very clearly that 50% of $150 million is a far greater payday than 70% of absolutely nothing; which is what he is ultimately risking by not recognizing Manny Pacquiao as a more than deserving opponent.
Here’s the biggest problem: Floyd has ultimately had his druthers with previous opponents when negotiating terms and purse splits. He has handled his business like a very shrewd financial tycoon in the past, and like previous successful parleys, has no intention of bending for Manny Pacquiao and Bob Arum.
But, for any hope of the true “fight of the century” to actually take place, Floyd will have to concede. It will absolutely kill him to do so, but Floyd Mayeather will have to give in to the demands of another fighter for once in his entire career.
Bob Arum, founder of Top Rank Promotions, has stated numerous times in the media that MannyPacquiao is a strong enough name in the sports entertainment world that he will make money with or without Mayweather, and his legacy will not diminish as a result.
Unfortunately in this situation, Bob is absolutely correct. Manny Pacquiao is a mega-star in the sport and has easily generated the largest gross amount of pay-per-view buys with 7.1 million in just three years and six events. Including 2.8 million in 2011 specifically, while besting his rival in his most recent domestic venture against Juan Manuel Marquez; raking in an impressive 1.45 million buys compared to Mayweather’s 1.3 with opponent Victor Ortiz.
He has numerous endorsements worldwide, has been featured in eight motion pictures, and was deemed the most widely searched athlete in 2011 by Google.
With numerous options on the table, like Timothy Bradley, Miguel Cotto, Lamont Peterson, and Juan Manuel Marquez, it’s pretty obvious that Mr. Arum is indeed correct when he states that Manny Pacquiao will be just fine without Mayweather Jr.
One could even venture to say that Floyd possibly needs Manny more than Manny needs Floyd.
With most Golden Boy athletes occupied until March, options have become increasingly thin for a possible opponent within the Golden Boy Promotions stable.
So why is the artist formerly known as “Pretty Boy Floyd” demanding the lion’s share of the jackpot? The answer is simple: Because he always could in the past.
Dealing with lesser attractions in boxing, Floyd Jr. would always have his way; all the while, holding the bout hostage if his demands weren’t met.
Floyd is a gambler and the king of the bluff. He has won almost every hand he’s been dealt up to this point. But, betting odds are 3:1 that he’ll have to fold against Manny Pacquiao, because he’s not carrying the highest hand at this negotiating table.
Floyd, do the world a favor and show Manny the respect that he deserves. Give the Filipino Congressman a just 50% of the proceeds generated from a 2012 Mega-fight.
The world of boxing will thank you for it…millions of times over!
