Top Rank CEO and boxing promoter Bob Arum is optimistic about a Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight, revealing that the relevant networks are discussing a possible collaboration on the potential mega-broadcast.
Mayweather is in the midst of a six-fight deal with Showtime, a subsidiary of CBS, while Pacquiao is under contract with HBO. Arum, the longtime Pacquiao promoter, said the right people are talking to make the event a possibility.
“The networks are already talking,” Arum said to GMA News. “I am now more optimistic that the fight is going to happen than I was three or four years ago. I am talking to responsible people who are in touch with the Mayweather guys. All of these people have the ability to move it ahead and make it happen.”
As if the fight, pitting the two biggest names in the sport wouldn’t be colossal enough, Arum said he’s eyeing Cowboys Stadium as the venue.
“If it happens, we’re considering the Cowboys Stadium. It is the only venue which has the capacity to host a big show such as the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight.”
Rumors of the bout have floated for years but haggling over payouts and drug testing ultimately derailed the efforts. With both fighters nearing the end of their careers, though, momentum has been slowly building.
The most pressing hurdle, and one that would significantly diminish interest in the potential deal, looms on Saturday when Pacquiao faces off against Chris Algieri in Macau, China for the WBO Welterweight title. A loss would be devastating to the Mayweather-Pacquiao chances.
“All I can say is that now, there’s a ray of sunshine that it would be possible,” Arum said.
