By Mark Vester
At the recent media day in Baguio City, Philippines , Top Rank CEO Bob Arum was honest with his opinion on Manny Pacquiao's workrate in the gym. Arum didn't like what he saw. He feels the Filipino champion is too slow at the moment. Arum didn't see the usual speed coming from Pacquiao during his weekend sparring sessions. If the fight were to happen this coming Saturday, Arum doesn't think Pacquiao would win. The fight takes place on November 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
“When I watched Manny on Saturday, I didn’t see the kind of speed that he would need to beat Margarito,” said Arum to the Philippine Star. “If the fight happened on Saturday Margarito would win the fight."
Arum was asked by the paper if he would consider sitting Pacquiao down to discuss the issues with the numerous distractions like the nightly basketball games, but the veteran promoter says it's not his place to get involved. If trainer Freddie Roach asks him to get involved, he'll speak to Pacquiao.
“It’s not my place to stand in between the trainer and the fighter. But he’s got to focus and stop all these non-sense. But if Freddie (Roach) needs my help I’d be happy to do it,” said Arum.
“Antonio Margarito is a very focused fighter. With all the problems he has had, he knows that if he wins this fight then sky’s the limit. He’s got no problems at all getting focused. He’s done everything possible for him to be ready physically and mentally. Can he win this fight?"
Arum says there is more than enough time for Pacquiao to correct any problems, regain the speed and win the fight.
“Absolutely, he has plenty of time to get into shape and be the old Manny Pacquiao. And if he’s the old Manny Pacquiao he’s too fast and too talented to get beaten by Margarito. But this Manny Pacquiao is not enough. That’s all,” Arum said.
