Over the past weeks, people have witnessed and heard Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight each other through an exchange of social media taunts. They have also made it public how willing they are to make the highly anticipated bout between them happen. However, for Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, fans should not get their hopes high. When asked if he believes the Money's challenge to Pacquiao, he replied with a resounding 'No.'
"I think that discussion has been going on about a (Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather) fight and they will comment on the contrary on the discussion that we've been having," Arum told Philippine news program "News to Go" of GMA Network. "I think what Mayweather is trying to do is to undo those negotiations."
Boxing fans are probably assuming that the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather fight will happen on May 2, just like what the undefeated American boxer demanded on live TV. However, Arum said it is not what being discussed by the two parties.
"What they have been saying is odd on what we have been discussing," he said. "It's almost like, a guy sleeping all the time while his people is discussing the fight on our side."
When asked if the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather fight will ever push through, his reply was:
"I am not willing to say this fight is not gonna happen. What the legacy is gonna be? I am optimistic that we can make this fight happen."
Discussions about Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather fight intensified over past weeks after the Filipino fighter's win over Chris Algieri in Macau on November 24. Just recently, Mayweather told in an interview with Showtime that they have to make the bout happen.
"Oh absolutely, I would love to fight Manny Pacquiao," Mayweather said. "We tried to make the fight happen years ago. We had problems with random blood and urine testing. Like I said I just want to be on even playing field."
"Floyd Mayweather is not ducking or dodging any opponent," he continued. "Bob Arum is stopping the fight. We have been trying to make this fight happen for years now behind the scenes. The fans and the people have been fooled, because they have been listening to people on one side."
