It's bad enough that the boxing world could be subjected to a 5th bout between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, but Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum is only making things worse with his confusing and contradicting comments. Over the weekend, Arum told BoxingScene.com that if things didn't work out with Marquez and Pacquiao that he had other options for Juan. Yet, Arum contradicts himself in his most recent comments about this fight. According to a March 4th report by The Manila Standard, Arum made the following comments:
"I don't make alternate plans. I'm confident both will agree to fight each other."
If Arum doesn't make alternate plans, then why did he tell BoxingScene.com over the weekend that "The fifth fight against Pacquiao is being contemplated, but there are other names we presented him."
Once again, this is classic Bob Arum speaking out both sides of his mouth. Other than the Pac-Nation, the majority of boxing fans do not want to see a 5th bout. The sport is already on life support, and it doesn't need to be held hostage any longer by selfish promoters like Arum. Let Marquez take on Bradley and let Pacquiao take on another fighter.
I am still a big fan of Manny Pacquiao, but he lost to the better fighter last December and should retire instead of a 5th fight against Juan. I'd prefer to see Manny face a top fighter in his weight class rather than retire, but it's clear that he can't say no to Bob Arum and because of this, his career has headed in a downward spiral over the last few years.
Comments