Michael Koncz on Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao: "If the fans still want to see this fight, we're willing to do it."
Arum eyes Mayweather-Pacquiao investors; Koncz visits Mayweather - Next
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Pacquiao is coming off a controversial majority decision over Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39 KOs) on Nov. 12, having previously battled Marquez to a draw and a split-decision victory, respectively. Pacquiao has also considered a fourth bout opposite Marquez, who lost by one-sided unanimous decision in September of 2009 to Mayweather. Ellerbe said, however, that no business was discussed with Koncz concerning a Mayweather-Pacquiao bout because Arum has to be involved. "To the best of my knowledge, Bob Arum is Manny Pacquiao's promoter, and Bob Arum is the only [person] authorized to negotiate on behalf of Pacquiao. Floyd is his own boss. Bob Arum is Manny's boss in terms of business," said Ellerbe. "Floyd is ready, willing and able to go on May 5 and he's opened for business. Manny has to tell his promoter what he wants to do. If he wants to fight Floyd, he has to let him and everybody around the world know that he's not fighting anybody else next unless it's Floyd Mayweather." It was Pacquiao, however, who announced during a recent press conference in his native Philippines that negoations for a bout with Mayweather were "ongoing," a seeming indication of his desire to face his unbeaten, pound-for-pound rival. "Negotiations are ongoing for my fight with Mayweather, but nothing is final," Pacquiao was quoted in ABS-CBN News.com from a press conference after his homecoming in General Santos City, Philippines. "Mayweather may be thinking, 'I can fight Pacquiao now because he had trouble against Marquez, and I was able to beat up Marquez.' This is what boxing fans are waiting for."
Photo by Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions Photo by Chris Farina, Top Rank Inc. Lem Satterfield can be reached at lemuel.satterfield@gmail.com |