Arum sees Pacquiao Win, Eyes Next Fights

MANILA, Philippines — It seems that promoter Bob Arum is so sure of another win by Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao that he already has grand plans for the fighting congressman from Sarangani in 2011.

The biggest is, of course, a fight against Floyd Mayweather, something the Hall of Fame promoter admits won’t be easy to do owing to the legal troubles Mayweather and his handlers are into.

“Of course, it’s a fight with Mayweather (that is the priority),” said Arum.

There is also a report that in case Mayweather eventually agrees to fight Pacquiao, the bout should be held in Manila for the second sequel of ‘Thrilla in Manila.’

Part 1 took place in 1975 when the legendary Muhammad Ali battled Joe Frazier.

If that happens, it would be considered as the bout of the century and both gladiators will surely receive fat checks.

But considering the myriad of complications hounding Mayweather, Arum said it would surprise him if Pacquiao, the current holder of the pound-for-pound title, finally ends up facing the former claimant to the mythical title in a slambang slugfest expected to break all existing box-office and pay-per-view records.

In case such a mouth-watering match doesn’t take place, Arum has other options and that includes a rematch with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto – not at super-welterweight (154 lbs) – but at welterweight (147 lbs).

Pacquiao and Cotto had fought in Nov. 2009 at a catch weight of 145 lbs with Pacquiao winning on a 12th-round stoppage.

Cotto now fights at super-welter but Arum said he can still get back down to 147 without effort.

Arum said Pacquiao’s Nov. 13 clash with Antonio Margarito at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas will be the last time the Filipino fighter will fight beyond the 147-lb ranks because Pacquiao is simply too small at that weight class.

Pacquiao and Margarito have agreed to meet at a catch weight of 150 lbs, which is technically in the super-welterweight division.

“After the Margarito fight, Manny will go back to welterweight,” said Arum.

Nick Giongco, Manila Bulletin