By Miguel Rivera
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum is waiting to see what happens with the ongoing rumors that continue to circulate with respect to next month's welterweight fight between Manny Pacquiao and WBA "regular" welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse.
Pacquiao vs. Matthysse is scheduled for July 14th in Malaysia - but there is continued talk of financial issues in the fight.
Arum, who is handling the United States television right, has no idea what's going on with the fight.
Pacquiao's own promotional company, MP Promotions, is handling everything with the entire event.
If the fight fall apart, Arum would like to match WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford (33-0, 24 KOs) against Matthysse (39-4, 36 KOs).
"I do not know what's going to happen with the fight, but if it does not happen - I hope to talk to Golden Boy so that Matthysse can fight Crawford," Arum said to ESPN.
A few days ago, Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 KOs) rejected the ongoing rumors that his showdown with Matthysse (39-4, 36 KOs) was in jeopardy.
"As far as I am concerned, everything is fine," said Pacquiao. "Lucas Matthysse and I are getting ready to give the fans their money's worth and July 15 will be huge for boxing in Malaysia."
And then Pacquiao's marketing and sales head Arnold Vegafria echoed those sentiments.
"Everyone is on board. Everyone understands the situation and the fight is going as planned," said Vegafria.
However, the rumors continue to hover over the contest.
Crawford made his welterweight debut earlier this month, and battered Jeff Horn to capture the WBO title in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He previously captured world titles at lightweight and junior welterweight.
Arum is going to have issues with locking down a respectable opponent for Crawford's next fight, which is being targeted for an ESPN televised date in October. Another potential option is undefeated contender Jose Benavidez.
