Saturday, August 23, 2008 Roach suggests new twist in negotiations
IN THIS long battle of the division of the revenues of the proposed mega fight of the legendary “Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya and Filipino ring icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao on Dec. 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, renowned Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach has a proposition for both world class fighters.
Because both boxers won’t give in to each other’s offers, De La Hoya–wants a 70-30 split, while Pacquiao desires a 60-40 share–Roach feels that both pugilists should place the extra percentage in a wager.
“I think Manny and Oscar like to gamble a little bit,” Roach told ESPN.com. “I love that idea. Just give the extra percentage to the winner of the fight.”
Roach suggested that De La Hoya will have 60 percent while Pacquiao will be given a fraction of 30 percent and the extra 10 percent would be given to the winner of the dream match.
“Let’s make this a real prize fight. The winner gets the 10 percent. That draws interest in the fight and shows that these guys really want to fight each other. People love when something is on the line. Let’s put something on the line. I know both guys like to gamble,” said Roach.
Roach has discussed this to the Filipino champion’s trusted advisers, lawyer Franklin “Jeng” Gacal and Michael Koncz. Gacal and Koncz feel that De La Hoya isn’t interested in fighting Pacquiao.
“I ran it by them and they thought it was a good idea, but they don’t feel like Oscar really wants the fight,” Roach said. (EKA)
