I, through MP Promotions, will be handling any and all negotiations for my next fight. Nobody is authorized to speak on my behalf. You know my number, call me.”- Manny Pacquiao’s Twitter account @mannypacquiao
There it was, for the whole world to see. It would appear rather innocuous and straightforward but with all that’s going on and with what happened, it’s a stark reminder to those would -be interlopers that quite simply, Manny Pacquiao is the only one in charge.
PROMOTION. Recall that Pacquiao’s ex-promoter Bob Arum had thown a shade over his recent bout with Lucas Matthysse, saying that the fight was in danger of not taking place owing to financial issues.
Pacquiao proved bellicose Bob wrong, but we all know that he needs the gravitas to pull off a major promotional event in the US.
That also means the door is wide open for Arum to re-engage with Pacquiao or for the latter to explore new partnerships.
Remember that circa 2006 , Arum was set to retire and had already announced that his son-in- law Todd duBuoef would be taking over the reins of Top Rank Promotions.
But Arum pulled off that masterstroke of a boxing coup when he stole Pacquiao from Golden Boy Promotions when he went on a plane and personally flew to General Santos.
The succeeding Pacquiao fights reinvigorated Arum’s career, postponed his planned retirement and of course netted him millions.
Ergo, the symbiotic relationship benefited both of them tremendously, and all those good memories could be the basis of a promotional reunion.
Of course, Arum also promotes Vasyl Lomachenko and Terrence Crawford, both potential Pacquiao opponents.
What if he just needs Manny to pass on the torch so he could launch any of these guys to superstardom if they defeat Pacquiao?
Personally, I think Manny beats Loma but would not be a favorite against Crawford.
Manny would be too strong for Loma and could take the latter’s punches negating any speed advantage--if any--that Loma would have.
But he would be evenly matched against Crawford in the power and speed department, but the latter will be younger and more athletic.
LAST ROUND. It’s on Mia Alinsonorin-Paras who recently celebrated her birthday. Cheers!