By Mark Vester
It seems the only way a fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao becomes possible - is if Al Haymon is not involved in the negotiations. Haymon, the manager/adviser for Mayweather [among other fighters] is a thorn in the side of Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum. The two men don't like each other and had a serious blowout during last year's negotiations for a fight between Kelly Pavlik and Paul Williams.
I'm sure Haymon is willing to negotiate with Arum, but Arum wants nothing to do with Haymon.
“I have no dislike for Floyd whatsoever,” said Arum to The Philippine Star. “That’s not a factor. But negotiations have to be with somebody I trust. I don’t want to deal with any sleazebags.”
Then there is the issue of money. Rumor has it that Mayweather wants at least 60% of money. Arum says Pacquiao should get at least 65-60% of the take. Both are way off. Even if they meet in the middle at 50-50, the financial talks will be tough.
“Manny is the biggest draw and the biggest attraction in the sport,” said Arum. “Everyone who fights Manny, even now, has to be considered the B-side as the opponent.” Despite his unblemished record, Mayweather is not an exception to Arum’s B-side category."
Mayweather faces Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18. There are other options for Pacquiao, such as WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. Arum has also mentioned junior middleweight prospect Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach would consider Cotto at a catch-weight. He won't consider Chavez. He says the unbeaten Mexican is too big and won't be able to cut his weight enough to meet them a reasonable catch-weight between 140 and 147. WBA welterweight champ Shane Mosley is another fighter that Roach will not consider. Mosley is unable to get down to 143, 144.
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