By Bruce Trampler

Chief Matchmaker

 

LAS VEGAS – Promoter Bob Arum today celebrated the 45th anniversary of his career as a promoter, having just returned from The Philippines where he observed the training camp of Manny Pacquiao.

 

“Forty-five years is a good start,” Arum smiled as he looked at the schedule of upcoming bouts at his Top Rank office.  “It’s been a lot of fun, and working with a great champion like Manny keeps me young.”

 

  Arum, 79, has Pacquiao fighting Shane Mosley on May 7 in Las Vegas, and has a full schedule of action with 12 more shows slated through July.  “We have upcoming cards on Showtime Pay Per View, HBO, Fox, and ESPN,” he noted.

 

  Arum’s company has promoted 1,759 fight cards in his 45 year-career, which began on this date in 1966 when Muhammad Ali outpointed George Chuvalo in Toronto.

 

  “The first fight I ever saw in person was the first Ali-Chuvalo heavyweight championship.  Ali (27 fights), Marvelous Marvin Hagler (20), George Foreman (14), and Manny (15 so far) are just some of my favorite fighters. 

 

 “We’ve done over 500 world title bouts, and Top Rank has promoted in 40 states, 200 American cities, and more than 60 cities outside the United States.  Our company has ambitious plans for what we consider a very bright future in the sport of boxing.”