Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
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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