Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao may not be fighting this year-end.
As usually observed by the senator from Sarangani, he fights only twice a year to avoid missing his sworn duties at the senate.
His recent surprising loss to Jeff Horn – a very controversial one – has given the country’s sports icon time to think if it would make sense avenging his loss by fighting the Aussie in a return grudge match as provided for in the contract.
Initially irked by unsavory comments in the boxing circle, Pacquiao reacted by promising to rectify that loss by claiming the rematch clause. He however calmed down after cooler heads suggested something else.
It will be recalled that the Pambansang Kamao earned just a meager $10M from the Horn fight, which is way, way below the $100M he received after his epic encounter with Floyd Mayweather some two years ago.
The Horn assignment, he told this columnist, was his last contracted fight under the Top Rank Promotions. Meaning, he might just do it alone and use his own MP promotions to manage his fights from thereon.
Before the Horn date was set, Pacquiao’s boys were already in several talks with the camp of Amir Khan. For reasons beyond his control, we were among those surprised to see Manny signing the dotted line against the unknown and struggling Jeff Horn.
Khan, meantime, proceeded to meet Canelo Alvarez. He lost by KO, unfortunately.
If we are to piece the puzzle together, Arum’s imposing hand was all over. I wanted to entertain the idea – as I suggested this personally to Manny during a visit to his Gensan residence – that Pacquiao should already promote his own fights after the Horn bout since it would have been his last under Arum’s wings.
Free, he would have been.
There are news reports emanating from his GenSan camp that Pacquiao has sensed Arum was building up Jeff Horn as his new protégé, just in case. Put one and one together and you might come up with the right answer.
So, a few days ago I had a chance to chat with one of Pacquiao’s trusted boys who intimated that Pacquiao will not fight this year.
The guy said Pacquiao is looking for a marquee boxer who will also help attract the crowds world-wide (and the PPVs) instead of taking anew Horn in a rematch in Australia.
Pacquiao has sent his reps to pursue initial talks with possible promoters in the Middle East. Dubai was mentioned as a possible site.
The prize money, as you and I would agree, remains the principal issue.
And this is why the rich emirs and sheiks residing in the Middle East region are being targeted as the promoters and hosts.
I told Pacquiao’s man that Manny should go back and talk to Amir Khan for a possible date next year, probably in January before the senate sessions resume.
The playdate will afford our hero to train without interruption during the Christmas season when both houses of Congress have adjourned for the long holidays.
Pacquiao’s intermittent training sked was blamed by his coaching staff for his not so A-one performance against Horn last July.
Khan is also recovering from his embarrassing KO defeat to Alvarez, Mexico’s pride and current boxing icon. This guy would love to bounce back.
That Arum’s name has not been mentioned in these developing news reports about Manny’s next ring assignment should not raise quizzical eyebrows anymore.
I guess it is much better that Pacquiao stand on his own two feet since he has already made a good solid name for himself. As a senator of the republic, he carries with the integrity of his office as well as the respect of his boxing peers.
Oscar dela Hoya and Mayweather have also gone ahead in boxing promotions.
Let’s see how things develop eventually. For me, Khan is a worthy opponent. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Matthew 7:7: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
