DiBella To Arum: "Let's Make Pacquiao-Martinez at 155"

By Rick Reeno

Promoter Lou DiBella has responded to the recent comments that were made by Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank. During a recent interview with BoxingScene.com's Lem Satterfield, Arum said that he believed Manny Pacquiao would beat Sergio Martinez, but his fighter would be putting himself at a great disadvantage with respect to the difference in size and weight.

"Even if he beat Martinez, which I believe that he would, and even if he turns it into a fairly easy fight, because he's fighting someone who is a much bigger, stronger guy, he could get hurt like he did in there against Antonio Margarito. You can get him hurt once in a couple of years, but you can't keep getting him hurt every fight and expect him to continue fighting," Arum said.

Richardson Hitchins stops George Kambosos Jr in NYC

Richardson Hitchins delivers a dominant performance, stopping former unified champ George Kambosos Jr. in NYC. Get the full fight recap, highlights, and what this win means for Hitchins' future in boxing.

Monday | Jun 16, 2025 | 00:19:29

Although Pacquiao's last fight took place at 154-pounds, he only weighed 144.6 at the final pre-fight weigh-in. According to DiBella, his side is willing to split the difference. Martinez, the WBC champion, would agree to a catch-weight of 155-pounds. The catch-weight for Pacquiao's last fight, with Margarito, was 150-pounds.

"If Bob feels that way, let's make the fight at 155. I know the fight won't happen next. Manny will have his fight. Sergio's next fight is going to be on HBO. Let's build the fight and make it happen next year. I think Sergio is the best fighter in the world. I know Pacquiao won't duck any challenge. We'll make the fight at 155, and frankly Sergio would have to kill himself to get there," DiBella told BoxingScene.com.