By Mark Vester
Promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, has told his fighter, Manny Pacquiao, to drop his demand of a 60-40 split or the May 2 bout with Ricky Hatton is going to be off. Arum came to a verbal agreement with Team Hatton for a 50-50 split in December. Two days ago, Pacquiao's attorney informed reporters that Manny is not willing to agree to a 50-50 deal and wants a 60-40 split. Hatton's attorney stood firm and said Ricky would only agree to a 50-50 split. He also expressed the option of a legal suit against Pacquiao for breaking a "verbal contract."
Arum agrees with Team Hatton and is pleading with Pacquiao to take the deal.
"There's no way he's getting the 60-40," Arum told The Los Angeles Times. "Unless he comes to his senses and his people start acting intelligently . . . we'll see if we can keep it together, but the split is supposed to be 50-50. We've all agreed to it. Now, people are whispering in Pacquiao's ear. If they keep pushing for 60-40, Hatton and [his promoter Richard] Schaefer are pulling the plug."
Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, told The Times that he also agrees with Arum on the 50-50 split being a good deal.
"I hope they can come to an agreement but right now they're at a standstill," Roachsaid. "I hope the fight happens, and I think 50-50 is a good deal. I agree with it, because Hatton brings a lot of people from the U.K. I hope I can get Manny on board."
Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingvester@gmail.com