WILL a savvy old promoter do what Golden Boy Promotions couldn’t and deliver the much-anticipated Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight this year?
Though Pacquiao has agreed to fight Antonio Margarito on Nov. 13, Don King, the promoter of Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, has stepped into the picture and could help deliver the most anticipated fight of the year.
Hearing of the impending King-Mayweather partnership, Pacquiao, through his column in Philboxing.com, issued a challenge to both.
Pacquiao wrote, “I say this to both these men: Let’s get it on. Fight like warriors and brave men. I am the champion, I have the belts and I should not be the one challenging you. I should not even be the one trying to make this fight happen.
But Pacquiao vs. Mayweather is what everyone wants, that’s why I am calling out your names. My promoter, Bob Arum, will be waiting for your call and will be very glad to hear what you have to say.”
Unlike the negotiations done through the Golden Boy Promotions, a third attempt for a Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight is expected to go smoothly as both Arum and King have worked with each other before.
Bigger
King told ESPN.com, “Me and Bob would get that fight done in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. If I was there working with Bob Arum, this fight would have been history. It would be nothing but a piece of cake. But even then it would be so much bigger than what it would be if he were to make with Golden Boy... They cannot make the fight as big as Arum and I can make it. They are not in the class of a Bob Arum.”
Though initial estimates have a potential Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight generating at least $100 million, King sees it reaching $200 million.
The promoter behind “Thrilla in Manila” is a step closer and boxingexaminer.com reported King has signed Mayweather to a four-fight, $100-million deal.
Though the Pacquiao vs. Margarito fight is a go as of now, it still doesn’t have a venue because the Mexican isn’t licensed to fight in Las Vegas.
Even Pacquiao expects things to change.
“A lot of things can happen within three months and if Mayweather is not really a coward, he needs to prove himself in the ring...For now, Margarito is the likely replacement of Mayweather, but for me, there is nothing more beautiful than if the Mayweather camp will change its mind. And I am sure boxing fans or any other sports fans will follow this very closely.”