By Mark Vester
The war between promotional rivals Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions is far from over. During a recent report in the Los Angeles Times, Golden Boy's CEO Richard Schaefer, and Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, exchanged unpleasant words over the availability of Floyd Mayweather Jr. for a mega-bout with Manny Pacquiao in 2011.
Schaefer says Mayweather is not going to entertain negotiations for a Pacquiao fight until his legal troubles have been settled. Mayweather is facing felony and misdemeanor charges for allegedly striking the mother of his children. The case is pending in a Las Vegas court. Arum told the paper that no elected Nevada judge would interfere with a bout that could generate $500 million for the state, which has suffered due to economic times.
"What kind of stupid comment is that from a Harvard lawyer?" Schaefer replid. "Not everyone thinks money first. … There's no price on doing things the right way, and if Floyd wants to let his legal process play out before he agrees to the fight, I support him."
"Floyd Mayweather is not on a Manny Pacquiao clock. Money is not above the law in Nevada or anywhere else in this country. And if believing that makes me an idiot, I'm happy to be an idiot."
Arum would quickly fire back when The Times called him for a response.
"Where did he pass his bar exam? He's not even connected to Mayweather. He's a hoper, a wannabe. I know for a fact Floyd has not decided who's going to represent him for his next fight. Schaefer has no leg up. I hear the leading horse in that race is Don King," Arum said. "If I don't hear from Floyd by the time I'm in the Philippines, it's probably too late. Floyd knows all he has to do is pick up the phone … and it'll get done."
The date of April 16 at the MGM Grand has been reserved for Pacquiao's next fight.
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