Pacman-Hatton deal in the works
By Abac Cordero Updated December 17, 2008 12:00 AM
Negotiations are on for a Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight next year.
Top Rank big boss Bob Arum, who’s in town for Pacquiao’s big birthday bash, said initial steps have been taken regarding the blockbuster bout being scheduled for the 2nd or 9th of May.
“The latest is that we’re talking to the Hatton people. I think we’re moving closer together,” said Arum who flew in from LA yesterday morning along with trainer Freddie Roach. They will fly out of the country tomorrow evening.
Arum and Roach are just two of the VIPs who will celebrate the Pacquiao’s 30th birthday today in Gen. Santos City. Ex-champ David Diaz is also here to join the party.
Arum said a fight with Hatton, the pride of Manchester and king of the 140-pound division, should be as big or even bigger than Pacquiao’s fight with Oscar dela Hoya 10 days ago.
“I think that’s the fight everybody wants to see,” added Arum who enjoyed a sumptuous lunch hosted by former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson at the Harbour View restaurant.
But if the Hatton fight happens, Arum said it will not take place at the Wembley Stadium in England - as Hatton loves to see.
“One thing I assure you it will not be at Wembley. Manny is not afraid to fight him there. But it makes no economic sense to do it in England at 4 or 5 in the morning, at an outdoor venue and with 90 percent of rain.”
Four or five in the morning in England is primetime in the US where the pay-per-view sales are highest. Arum said they plan to hold the fight at the Thomas and Mack Center or Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.
Arum said Hatton is coming in as the top choice because Floyd Mayweather Jr., the undefeated former pound-for-pound champion, has yet to formally announce that he’s coming out of retirement.
“Mayweather we would love but Mayweather is moving very, very slowly.
If he will be available it will be September or November next year.
That’s a possibility,” said Arum although there’s word that Mayweather has started flexing some muscles at the gym.
“But we haven’t heard any from the Mayweather people. I think his people want to do it but he hasn’t given them the go-ahead,” added the legendary promoter.
Roach said he still can’t get over their sensational eighth-round stoppage of Dela Hoya, and that he enjoyed watching the tape twice at home.
“It just gets better each time I watch the tape,” he said. Arum said if the Hatton fight does not push through, they’ll consider another fighter for Pacquiao, and this early the name of Zab Judah has come out as a top candidate.
“But I’m optimistic it will be done (Hatton fight),” Arum added.
By Abac Cordero Updated December 17, 2008 12:00 AM
Negotiations are on for a Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight next year.
Top Rank big boss Bob Arum, who’s in town for Pacquiao’s big birthday bash, said initial steps have been taken regarding the blockbuster bout being scheduled for the 2nd or 9th of May.
“The latest is that we’re talking to the Hatton people. I think we’re moving closer together,” said Arum who flew in from LA yesterday morning along with trainer Freddie Roach. They will fly out of the country tomorrow evening.
Arum and Roach are just two of the VIPs who will celebrate the Pacquiao’s 30th birthday today in Gen. Santos City. Ex-champ David Diaz is also here to join the party.
Arum said a fight with Hatton, the pride of Manchester and king of the 140-pound division, should be as big or even bigger than Pacquiao’s fight with Oscar dela Hoya 10 days ago.
“I think that’s the fight everybody wants to see,” added Arum who enjoyed a sumptuous lunch hosted by former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson at the Harbour View restaurant.
But if the Hatton fight happens, Arum said it will not take place at the Wembley Stadium in England - as Hatton loves to see.
“One thing I assure you it will not be at Wembley. Manny is not afraid to fight him there. But it makes no economic sense to do it in England at 4 or 5 in the morning, at an outdoor venue and with 90 percent of rain.”
Four or five in the morning in England is primetime in the US where the pay-per-view sales are highest. Arum said they plan to hold the fight at the Thomas and Mack Center or Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.
Arum said Hatton is coming in as the top choice because Floyd Mayweather Jr., the undefeated former pound-for-pound champion, has yet to formally announce that he’s coming out of retirement.
“Mayweather we would love but Mayweather is moving very, very slowly.
If he will be available it will be September or November next year.
That’s a possibility,” said Arum although there’s word that Mayweather has started flexing some muscles at the gym.
“But we haven’t heard any from the Mayweather people. I think his people want to do it but he hasn’t given them the go-ahead,” added the legendary promoter.
Roach said he still can’t get over their sensational eighth-round stoppage of Dela Hoya, and that he enjoyed watching the tape twice at home.
“It just gets better each time I watch the tape,” he said. Arum said if the Hatton fight does not push through, they’ll consider another fighter for Pacquiao, and this early the name of Zab Judah has come out as a top candidate.
“But I’m optimistic it will be done (Hatton fight),” Arum added.
I don't know what that means but it made me lol.
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