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BOXING: Defamation suit lurks as likely roadblock to Pacquiao-Mayweather
Steroid accusation is remnant of previous failed negotiation
By STEVE CARP
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Bob Arum is confident of striking a deal for a Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight Nov. 13, but one obstacle is in the Top Rank chairman's way.
Pacquiao filed a defamation lawsuit against Mayweather, his father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., his uncle Roger Mayweather and Golden Boy Promotions on Dec. 30, claiming they damaged Pacquiao's reputation by alluding that he used performance-enhancing drugs.
The lawsuit is a remnant of unconsummated negotiations for Mayweather and Pacquiao to fight March 13. Arum, who promotes Pacquiao, admits the suit will factor into any renewed talks.
"The lawsuit is still being actively pursued," Arum said. "All these issues are on the table and will be negotiated. I'm sure it will be discussed."
Mayweather's camp is not commenting. But common sense indicates Mayweather wouldn't agree to fight someone who is suing him and would demand that Pacquiao drop the suit to make a deal.
What Arum doesn't want to do is make the same mistake twice and negotiate in the media. On a conference call Wednesday, he constantly told reporters he would not answer specific questions about making a deal, even declining to confirm when he would sit down with Team Mayweather.
"Once you start negotiating through the media, it becomes ego driven," Arum said. "People can't wait to give a statement to the press. The flames just shoot up, and there's no real opportunity for rational behavior to take over.
"Everyone is so interested in setting forth his position to the media that it becomes a contest that involves me and everyone else. As far as when, I have my marching orders (from Pacquiao), and it will be sooner than later."
If a deal is made, the fight probably would be at the MGM Grand Garden or Cowboys Stadium, Arum said.
Steroid accusation is remnant of previous failed negotiation
By STEVE CARP
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Bob Arum is confident of striking a deal for a Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight Nov. 13, but one obstacle is in the Top Rank chairman's way.
Pacquiao filed a defamation lawsuit against Mayweather, his father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., his uncle Roger Mayweather and Golden Boy Promotions on Dec. 30, claiming they damaged Pacquiao's reputation by alluding that he used performance-enhancing drugs.
The lawsuit is a remnant of unconsummated negotiations for Mayweather and Pacquiao to fight March 13. Arum, who promotes Pacquiao, admits the suit will factor into any renewed talks.
"The lawsuit is still being actively pursued," Arum said. "All these issues are on the table and will be negotiated. I'm sure it will be discussed."
Mayweather's camp is not commenting. But common sense indicates Mayweather wouldn't agree to fight someone who is suing him and would demand that Pacquiao drop the suit to make a deal.
What Arum doesn't want to do is make the same mistake twice and negotiate in the media. On a conference call Wednesday, he constantly told reporters he would not answer specific questions about making a deal, even declining to confirm when he would sit down with Team Mayweather.
"Once you start negotiating through the media, it becomes ego driven," Arum said. "People can't wait to give a statement to the press. The flames just shoot up, and there's no real opportunity for rational behavior to take over.
"Everyone is so interested in setting forth his position to the media that it becomes a contest that involves me and everyone else. As far as when, I have my marching orders (from Pacquiao), and it will be sooner than later."
If a deal is made, the fight probably would be at the MGM Grand Garden or Cowboys Stadium, Arum said.
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