Pacquiao may fight in Macau end of 2014

MANILA – Manny Pacquiao may return to Macau for another bout in Asia’s gambling capital near the end of the year. Joaquin Henson said in his Philstar column, “The Dean’s Corner,” Top Rank Inc. CEO Bob Arum plans to strengthen the pay-per-view market in China by bringing in more interesting fights, which could include a possible fifth fight between Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez. He said Arum still sees potential in the Asian market, despite Pacquiao’s below par PPV buys during his comeback fight against Brandon Rios in Macau last November. That bout garnered about 500,000 PPV buys, which is way below the 1.5 million buys set by Pacquiao’s fourth fight with Marquez. Joaquin said Arum could gamble at taking Marquez to Macau and risk losing the Mexican market in Las Vegas. “If Arum brings a fifth Pacquiao-Marquez duel to Macau, he will lose the large Mexican audience that is a staple in Las Vegas but could make it up with a huge Filipino turnout and a pay-per-view breakthrough in China,” he said. But first, Marquez will have to beat Mike Alvarado on May 17 before Arum can arrange the fifth bout. The Marquez-Alvarado clash will serve as an eliminator for the title shot against Pacquiao, who currently holds the WBO welterweight belt. Other Top Rank promoted bouts that are headed to Macau include the May 31 WBA featherweight fight between Simpiwe Vetyeka and Nonito Donaire, Jr., and a July 19 fight date for WBA/WBO super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux who will square off against an opponent yet to be named. Former world champion Brian Viloria and rising Chinese star Zou Shiming are also being lined up for respective fights in Macau. Arum said Shiming will be his ace in Mainland China. “We have to establish a fan base around Zou,” said Arum. “Then, hopefully, bring Manny back. I’m committed to China now as well as Vegas.” http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/04/30/14/pacquiao-may-fight-macau-end-2014