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De La Hoya: There is no doubt Mayweather wants Pacquiao

Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
Golden Boy CEO blames Top Rank boss for stalling

Oscar De La Hoya believes that Bob Arum is the one stopping a possible bout between world welterweight champions Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in 2012 and nobody else.

The former multi-weight world title holder says nothing should stop Arum’s star fighter agreeing to the proposed May 5th date in Las Vegas next year and settling boxing’s biggest debate once and for all.

"He's the one who's stopping it from happening," De La Hoya told ESPN. "Bob Arum doesn't want to see the fight happen."

"For Bob Arum to say, 'OK, we want the fight.  Our side (meaning Golden Boy and Floyd Mayweather) he wants the fight, we want the fight.

“Mayweather has his date for the fifth of May next year. He wants the biggest fight out there. He wants Pacquiao, there's no doubt about that. It would be very unfortunate if this fight could not be made because of Bob Arum."

Arum has continually stated that he wants the negotiations for the super-fight to be arranged in private but it seems Floyd Mayweather's back-up team are content to air their wishes in public in order to get the fight made and give Arum no way out.

"They've been asking for this fight for a very long time. Look, Manny Pacquiao is the champion of the people and the people are asking for this fight so let's make it happen,” said De La Hoya.

“There's no doubt in my mind Manny Pacquiao wants the fight and Floyd Mayweather wants the fight. I guess we all know now who doesn't want the fight. I just ask for the sake of the sport, for the sake of boxing, let's make this fight happen."

Mayweather, 34, may yet fight in February if recent rumours are to be believed and Pacquiao could have to agree to the May fight before any spring title defence is arranged for 'Money,' who would then focus on a 'Pacman' bout rather than risk an injury beforehand.
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