Tweet
Arum's staff is also busy formulating the undercard for the Nov. 14 Miguel Cotto-Manny Pacquiao HBO PPV showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Arum hoped to match lightweight titlist Edwin Valero with junior lightweight beltholder Humberto Soto, but said it likely would happen on a different card when there's a bigger budget. If they don't face each other, they'll still both appear on the card, Arum said. Valero's past medical issues have kept him from fighting in Nevada, but he figures to finally be licensed because of an impending rule change in the state; he would defend his title, possibly against mandatory Antonio DeMarco. Top Rank has talked to DeMarco promoter Gary Shaw about the bout. Soto is moving up to lightweight and could face ex-champion Joel Casamayor or ex-titlist David Diaz. Arum promotes Diaz and could make the fight easily. But Arum said Golden Boy's Schaefer called him about Casamayor. A fourth TV fight has been agreed to, although it's not signed yet: welterweight Jesus Soto Karass (who would have to win a scheduled Aug. 29 fight) against former "Contender" star Alfonso Gomez in what figures to be a slugfest. Whatever fights are finalized, Arum said he's determined to make a strong card. "We have such a great fight in the main event and we want to enhance it with a strong undercard," he said. "No appearance fights. People who are paying money in this climate, even though most are paying to see the main event, still want to be entertained. We're going to entertain them."
- Dan Rafael ESPN
- Dan Rafael ESPN
Comment