Bob Arum revealed yesterday that “neither camp raised the issue of a rematch” as the world gets ready to witness the megabuck matchup between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.
Set for May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Pacquiao and Mayweather are not bound by any contract to engage in an immediate rematch, something that is seen by the Filipino’s camp as a big plus.
Strange as it may seem, Mayweather didn’t put a rematch provision in the contract, feeling supremely confident that there won’t be a need to do so as he will leave no doubt as to the outcome of the fight.
[caption id="attachment_243985" align="alignleft" width="180"] Manny Pacquiao[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_243984" align="alignleft" width="180"] Bob Arum[/caption]
“If Manny wins and Floyd asks for a rematch, Manny will dictate the terms,” said Eric Pineda, the fighting congressman’s business manager.
Jayke Joson, who serves as Team Pacquiao’s mascot cum cheerleader, thinks Maywetaher made a huge mistake in thinking that he won’t be needing a rematch.
“Once Manny beats him, Manny will be the A-side,” said Joson.
But Arum, who played a vital role in closing the deal as he worked closely with Les Moonves, the big boss of CBS and Showtime, stressed that a second meeting can only take place depending on how the fight ends for Mayweather.
“It would all depend on how Floyd loses the fight because he might not even ask for it (assuming he gets beat up badly),” said Arum.
Under the revenue sharing scheme, Mayweather has a 60-40 edge over Pacquiao since he is so adamant that he is the main draw owing to his success in pay-per-view sales.
Pacquiao says he didn’t get insulted that Mayweather opted to sign a one-fight deal.
“That’s okay with me,” said Pacquiao, smiling sheepishly.
This early a lot of fans are looking forward to a rematch
CLEAR UNDERDOG
Pacquiao’s fans and associates admit the boxing legend will be the underdog in the “fight of the century”.
Betting odds in Las Vegas, where the fight will be held on May 2, favor the 38-year-old American, who has never lost in 47 fights. By contrast, the 36-year-old Pacquiao has 57 victories and five defeats – including two suffered as recently as 2012.
The fight, which was years in the making, will finally answer the question as to which of the two is the best “pound-for-pound” fighter of their generation.
But Pacquiao, who has several other duties outside the ring, has plenty of baggage to shed. (With a report from AFP)
