Skip to main content

Mayweather v Pacquiao hopes still alive

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor
May super-fight clings to slim chance

The tit-for-tat battle over money in the Mayweather v Pacquiao saga has threatened to ruin the richest fight in the sport after an apparent blockade by Bob Arum was overlooked as the two fighters debate the split for a 2012 showdown.

Arum, 80, had been adamant that Pacquiao would fight in June, but in recent days, the biggest problem has seemed to be the monetary aspect of the bout and if a happy medium can be found, the fight has a slim chance of being agreed for late May.

Mayweather has claimed in email sent to ESPN that Pacquiao's 50 percent deal that the two champions had originally conversed about on the phone can't happen, although if the Filipino relaxed his demands, the contest would have a chance of going ahead and could start to be promoted for 2012.

The more likely date still remains November in Las Vegas as the two are continually linked to other fighters for May and June fights respectively. WBA light-middleweight title holder Miguel Cotto has been positioned between the two as a contender to meet either ‘Money’ at 150 or the ‘Pacman’ at 147 and is thought to favour Mayweather at the catchweight.

The biggest obstacle in the way of an immediate fight is still the date of May 5th. Mayweather has been told that May 26th or June 9th are the only dates that the Filipino Congressman is available to fight, meaning the American would have to cancel plans for the earlier bout on Cinco de Mayo if the unification is to be next for the multi-weight title holders.

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

WBN Remembers: "Gypsy Boy" Ernie Smith

Phil D. Jay WBN Editor  (picure by boxrec.com)  After almost a year and a half without one of boxing’s great journeymen, World Boxing News is looking back at the 161-fight career of Worcestershire warrior Ernie Smith, concentrating on his contribution in the ring, rather than the tragic way his life ended out of it. Smith turned professional at super-featherweight in 1998 at the Park Hall Hotel in Wolverhampton, losing a six rounder against Welshman Woody Greenaway.  One month later, Ernie was thrown in with an unknown prospect by the name of Gavin Rees (former world champion and current British Lightweight Champion) who he also took the distance over four rounds. The “Gypsy Boy” then managed to string together a four fight unbeaten run together in early 1999 and ended the year winning five out of his twelve contests, but by this time had already delved into the journeyman pool of boxers with a record of 5-8-1. After settling at the welterweight limit, Ernie ga...
Read more

Ashley Theophane talks US return, Ricky Burns sparring and future fights

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘Treasure’ training for August 24 return Former British light-welterweight champion Ashley Theophane is aiming to put the disappointment of his loss to Darren Hamilton behind him when he makes his comeback in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 24. The 31 year-old, who has fought some of the top fighters between 140 and 154lbs, planned to take 18 months out of chasing his world title dream to win a British Lonsdale belt outright and just fell short with points defeat to Hamilton in May after making two defences. The Londoner is now returning to the US to re-establish his headline status on American soil. He fights for the 38th time in his career against an opponent yet to be named at NC Music Factory’s Reelworks Studios and is currently preparing to get back to winning ways. “Training has gone well for this fight. I've been in the gym for nearly nine weeks so I'm in great shape and ready to go,” Theophane told World Boxing News. ...
Read more

WBO #4 Orlando Cruz comes out as the first openly gay boxer in history

Orlando Cruz, a professional boxer from San Juan Puerto Rico (18-2-1, 9 KOs), former Olympian and currently ranked No. 4 Featherweight by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), is announcing today that he ”Is a proud gay man.” Cruz is the first openly gay man in boxing history.  “I’ve been fighting for more than 24 years and as I continue my ascendant career, I want to be true to myself,” said Cruz.  “I want to try to be the best role model I can be for kids who might look into boxing as a sport and a professional career.  I have and will always be a proud Puerto Rican.  I have always been and always will be a proud gay man.” Orlando Cruz began boxing at the age of 7 and posted an amateur career record of 178-11.  He won 7 Puerto Rico National Title's and spent 4 years on The Puerto Rican National Team.  Cruz won 7 Gold Medals, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze in various international tournaments.  His amateur career culminated as a representative of the 2000 ...
Read more