Will the ‘Fight of the Millenium’ push through?
by Leony Garcia
“Fight? We’ve got nothing. They’re [the MGM] going around saying, ‘The fight, the fight, blah, blah, blah,’ but they got nothing. They have no contract. Nothing. We haven’t even seen a draft. … What is happening now is absolutely intolerable. For the MGM to think that everything is resolved and so forth, when nobody has even discussed terms, is the most insane thing ever!”
This latest statement from promoter Bob Arum caused speculations that the super fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao might not push through as scheduled on May 2 (May 3 in Manila).
And the culprit could be Top Rank Inc. chief Arum who’s claiming there’s no contract between the promoters and MGM resorts, which will host the bout.
Arum made the revelation in an exclusive report by veteran scribe Kevin Lole of Yahoo! Sports.
Reportedly, among the points he raised are the ticket allocation and the number of rooms that MGM will allocate to Team Pacquiao, which the Top Rank head said should’ve been addressed via a formal contact.
However, Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe has claimed that Arum is just making an issue out of nothing.
“This is typical Bob. He has in his possession a draft term sheet with all the deal points. I have been in communication with him and have updated him every step along the way on what is going on and getting his feedback, etc,” Ellerbe explained.
Not adding fire to the news, Ellerbe added: “I think he’s a terrific promoter, and I want you to write that, if you will. He is without a doubt, a great promoter. But he’s also known for erupting when he doesn’t get his way and the reality is setting in that he’s not the lead promoter.”
Meantime, our boxing champ has been receiving international icons and celebrities to support him in the upcoming fight in his training camp. Among them are Cuba Gooding Jr,. Katie Couric, world boxing icon Muhammad Ali, and evangelist Nick Vujicic.
