Three cities are believed to be in the running to host what many consider the Super Bowl of professional boxing, the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight on March 13.
Probably no one wants to host it more than Las Vegas, hungering for the millions of dollars the fight will generate for a city starved of its diet of tourists in a mood to have fun.
The fight may prove the most lucrative ever for Las Vegas in terms of filling rooms and restaurants with the big-spending followers of the sport, not to mention the wagering that comes with any high-profile sporting event.
Granted, such prize fights aren’t the town’s biggest moneymakers.
Pacquiao-Mayweather has the potential of topping $13 million in nongaming revenue generated for the city, experts say. By comparison, last year’s Las Vegas Bowl that pitted Arizona against BYU and which drew 42,350 people, 75 percent of whom were from out of town, generated $14.2 million for the city.
Last year’s National Finals Rodeo — a 10-day event — brought $49.8 million to the city, and the 280,000 people who celebrated New Year’s Eve here contributed $189 million to the local economy plus what they left behind at the tables.
Still, Las Vegas has benefited from the economic punch that comes with being the Boxing Capital of the World.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has tracked the economic effect of most of the major boxing matches in Las Vegas. Although there’s no established formula for predicting how much nongaming revenue would be generated for the community by Pacquiao-Mayweather, the total could be among the highest ever.
Coming up with a hard prediction is difficult because of the many variables that determine how robust the fight-centered spending would be. Among the factors considered by LVCVA analysts are the size of the venue hosting the fight, the appeal of the boxers involved, how well their supporters travel and the economic climate at the time of the fight.
The run-up of the hype and the media coverage preceding the match also figure into the equation.
In this case, fans of the sport have long awaited a battle between the Filipino Pacquiao, considered by Ring magazine to be the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, and Mayweather, who is ranked No. 2 pound-for-pound and is undefeated in 40 matches.
Both fighters have legions of loyal fans; Mayweather is considered one of the top Americans in the sport, while Pacquiao is a national hero in his native country.
The three cities most often mentioned hosting the fight are Las Vegas, Dallas (on the strength of the new, 100,000-seat, giant-screen Cowboys Stadium) and New Orleans, with its 80,000-plus seat Superdome. Yankee Stadium in New York and the Staples Center in Los Angeles were considered and dismissed because of the high tax rates in New York and California.
The Los Angeles Times has reported that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has offered a $25 million guarantee to host the fight, citing a source close to the negotiations, exceeding the $20 million guarantee that Staples Center offered fight promoters this week.
Promoter Bob Arum has said he expects to make a decision by next week, and Rossi Ralenkotter, president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, says the town can make a strong argument for bringing the fight here.
“We’ve hosted some of the biggest boxing matches in history and we have an international reputation,” he said. “Las Vegas works well for the promoters because it has such an electric, 24-hour atmosphere.”
The major fights in the past five years in Las Vegas have been sponsored or hosted by the Thomas & Mack Center, MGM Grand Garden Arena or the Mandalay Bay arena. They’ve usually drawn more than 8,000 fans to the gate and generated more than $6 million for the community.
One of the biggest fights by estimated nongaming economic impact in the past five years was the Nov. 18, 2006, match between Pacquiao and Erik Morales — the third meeting between them. That fight, staged at the Thomas & Mack Center, drew 18,276 to the arena and generated an estimated $12.9 million for Las Vegas.
Mayweather has been in two matches at the MGM Grand, each drawing about 16,700 fans and each bringing in more than $12.5 million in revenue to town along with gambling — his May 5, 2007 fight with Oscar De La Hoya and his Dec. 8, 2007 bout against Ricky Hatton.
All three of those fights occurred before the economy tanked and involved boxers with legions of followers willing to travel to support their man.
One of the sport’s most notorious Las Vegas fights drew 16,331 fans to MGM Grand, but the economic impact to Las Vegas was only calculated at $9 million. On June 28, 1997, heavyweights Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield battled in “The Sound and the Fury,” as the bout was promoted. In that fight, Tyson bit off a piece of Holyfield’s ear, touching off a near riot that spilled into the casino.
For the upcoming fight, negotiations between fight promoter Bob Arum and the potential venues have been close to the vest, but typically a company like MGM Mirage will present a package that guarantees hotel rooms, food and beverage, special side events and other incentives in addition to a financial commitment.
Las Vegas and Dallas both have airports with hundreds of flights from cities across the country and both airports are easy drives to the arenas.
The biggest downside for Las Vegas is the size of the house — five times as many tickets could be sold at Cowboys Stadium than at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. But promoters also have to ask whether Dallas could serve up the same sideshow atmosphere and provide enough hotel rooms for fight attendees. And, of course, there’s no gambling — legal wagering anyway — in Texas.
Mayweather trains in Las Vegas and has a home here. Some say that could result in a “home-field advantage” for him, even though both boxers have staged their past five bouts here.
The decision is likely to come down to whether Arum wants to rely on a proven host with a solid reputation for big events or a newcomer with lots of upside but no track record on an event of this magnitude.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Scource: Mayweather-Pacquiao Could Be Done This Week
With each fighter's side in virtual agreement with all of the parameters, and the potential sites narrowed down to The MGM Grand in Las Vegas and Dallas Cowboys' Stadium, a deal for the March 13, Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao megabout could "definitely be finalized this week," according to a scource close to the negotiations.
Although Dallas Cowboys' owner, Jerry Jones, has offered $25 million to host the bout, that number is expected to be surpassed by The MGM Grand, where both fighters and their respective promoters have routinely enjoyed success.
The 32-year-old Mayweather, a five-time champion being represented by Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, is 6-0 with two knockouts at The MGM.
The 30-year-old Pacquiao, a winner of seven crowns in as many weight divisions, is promoted by Top Rank's Bob Arum. Pacquiao is 3-1-1 at MGM.
Citing a source involved in the site talks, The Los Angeles Times spelled out a scenario in which the MGM Grand would generate $28 million in live-gate sales, offer 40,000 closed-circuit seats through MGM/Mirage properties, and charge $100 a head for a possible $4 million surplus -- a total worth of around $32 million.
"I really believe that it will be done by late Thursday," said the source. "It will definitely be finalized this week. I'm just not sure if it's going to be Dallas or the MGM."
Schaefer, Mayweather's manager, Leonard Ellerbe, and Mayweather's camp members have agreed not to comment publicly during negotiations.
But Michael Koncz, Pacquiao's adviser, believes he knows where the fight will take place.
"I believe that it will end up at the MGM because both fighters want to fight in Las Vegas," said Koncz. "I think that both fighters have expressed their desire to fight in Las Vegas."
Pacquiao has even agreed to an Olympic-style, random drug test at the request of Mayweather's camp.
Floyd Mayweather Sr., the fighter's father, has insinuated that the Filipino star may have used steroids since he's maintained his punching power from 106-to-nearly 147 pounds.
"They make a big deal out of Manny's having super-natural power. But Manny's just a freak of nature and he's very religious," said Koncz.
"I don't know if there's a connection [between Pacquiao's faith and his power], but there are, certainly, no illicit drugs there," said Koncz. "I know that for a fact. Maybe Manny does get it from The Lord."
Mayweather-Pacquiao will be contested at the welterweight (147) limit for the WBO title that Pacquiao earned from Cotto on Nov. 14.
Pacquiao is 11-0 with eight knockouts since a March, 2008 loss to Erik Morales -- including consecutive KOs of David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, Rick Hatton, and Miguel Cotto.
A Las Vegas resident, Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) has decisioned Gregorio Vargas, Jose Luis Castillo, De La Hoya, and, Juan Manuel Marquez at MGM, where he also has stopped Diego Corrales and Hatton.
Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs) has stopped De La Hoya, Hatton, and Cotto, at MGM, drawn with Marquez, and lost to Morales.
"There has been no contract for us to review, but Manny and I are in constant communication with Arum, and everything is upbeat and there's no red flags," said Koncz of Pacquiao, who is all but ready to sign after being guaranteed $25 million by Arum.
"As far as I'm concerned, the deal is already done. The only issue is the venue. We've countered the offer and the majority of the things just have to be accepted by Arum," said Koncz.
"We're not in a panic-mode. We're used to this for every fight. It's routine. We come to an agreement down the road, then the contract is sent to us for review," said Koncz.
"There's been no negative response back, so if there was a problem, Arum would have told me," said Koncz. "So as far as we're concerned, it's done."
Although Dallas Cowboys' owner, Jerry Jones, has offered $25 million to host the bout, that number is expected to be surpassed by The MGM Grand, where both fighters and their respective promoters have routinely enjoyed success.
The 32-year-old Mayweather, a five-time champion being represented by Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, is 6-0 with two knockouts at The MGM.
The 30-year-old Pacquiao, a winner of seven crowns in as many weight divisions, is promoted by Top Rank's Bob Arum. Pacquiao is 3-1-1 at MGM.
Citing a source involved in the site talks, The Los Angeles Times spelled out a scenario in which the MGM Grand would generate $28 million in live-gate sales, offer 40,000 closed-circuit seats through MGM/Mirage properties, and charge $100 a head for a possible $4 million surplus -- a total worth of around $32 million.
"I really believe that it will be done by late Thursday," said the source. "It will definitely be finalized this week. I'm just not sure if it's going to be Dallas or the MGM."
Schaefer, Mayweather's manager, Leonard Ellerbe, and Mayweather's camp members have agreed not to comment publicly during negotiations.
But Michael Koncz, Pacquiao's adviser, believes he knows where the fight will take place.
"I believe that it will end up at the MGM because both fighters want to fight in Las Vegas," said Koncz. "I think that both fighters have expressed their desire to fight in Las Vegas."
Pacquiao has even agreed to an Olympic-style, random drug test at the request of Mayweather's camp.
Floyd Mayweather Sr., the fighter's father, has insinuated that the Filipino star may have used steroids since he's maintained his punching power from 106-to-nearly 147 pounds.
"They make a big deal out of Manny's having super-natural power. But Manny's just a freak of nature and he's very religious," said Koncz.
"I don't know if there's a connection [between Pacquiao's faith and his power], but there are, certainly, no illicit drugs there," said Koncz. "I know that for a fact. Maybe Manny does get it from The Lord."
Mayweather-Pacquiao will be contested at the welterweight (147) limit for the WBO title that Pacquiao earned from Cotto on Nov. 14.
Pacquiao is 11-0 with eight knockouts since a March, 2008 loss to Erik Morales -- including consecutive KOs of David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, Rick Hatton, and Miguel Cotto.
A Las Vegas resident, Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) has decisioned Gregorio Vargas, Jose Luis Castillo, De La Hoya, and, Juan Manuel Marquez at MGM, where he also has stopped Diego Corrales and Hatton.
Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs) has stopped De La Hoya, Hatton, and Cotto, at MGM, drawn with Marquez, and lost to Morales.
"There has been no contract for us to review, but Manny and I are in constant communication with Arum, and everything is upbeat and there's no red flags," said Koncz of Pacquiao, who is all but ready to sign after being guaranteed $25 million by Arum.
"As far as I'm concerned, the deal is already done. The only issue is the venue. We've countered the offer and the majority of the things just have to be accepted by Arum," said Koncz.
"We're not in a panic-mode. We're used to this for every fight. It's routine. We come to an agreement down the road, then the contract is sent to us for review," said Koncz.
"There's been no negative response back, so if there was a problem, Arum would have told me," said Koncz. "So as far as we're concerned, it's done."
PACMAN is at new lvl
I have been to a couple of small boxing shows locally and I have been to UFCs that have been sold out like the Cotto-Pacquiao fight, but it’s a whole different crowd man. It’s a different kind of crowd. It’s like half of the crowd was Puerto Rican and the other half was Filipino, so it was kind of crazy. People had flags and they either had on a Cotto shirt or a Pacquiao shirt. You were either carrying a Puerto Rican flag or a Philippines flag. It was crazy. It was madness. I have never seen somebody come on camera and half of the stadium booed and the other half cheered. It was nuts.
Being someone that is coming off of a devastating loss myself, I would tell Cotto that everybody loses at that level; at this skill level and being a professional, anything can happen in a fight. You just take your loss, let it make you a better person and learn how the guy beat you and try not to let it happen again. It’s a mental thing and every fighter has to have this in their mind, when you go to a gun fight, you’re going to get shot sometimes. When you get shot, you gotta suck it up, lick your wounds and be ready to do it again and be better prepared for it the next time.
As far as the Pacquiao-Mayweather mega-fight, I like Mayweather a lot; I think his style of boxing is real slick, but I don’t know man, I think Pacquiao is on a different level right now. He’s all about business. I was impressed at how he got to Cotto because Cotto was a lot bigger dude. I don’t see Mayweather being bigger than Pacquiao in this fight. They are going to be about the same size and I’m going to have to go with Pacquiao. If anybody can beat Pacquiao, it’s going to be Mayweather, but I’m going to stay with the safe pick and go with Pacquiao!
Being someone that is coming off of a devastating loss myself, I would tell Cotto that everybody loses at that level; at this skill level and being a professional, anything can happen in a fight. You just take your loss, let it make you a better person and learn how the guy beat you and try not to let it happen again. It’s a mental thing and every fighter has to have this in their mind, when you go to a gun fight, you’re going to get shot sometimes. When you get shot, you gotta suck it up, lick your wounds and be ready to do it again and be better prepared for it the next time.
As far as the Pacquiao-Mayweather mega-fight, I like Mayweather a lot; I think his style of boxing is real slick, but I don’t know man, I think Pacquiao is on a different level right now. He’s all about business. I was impressed at how he got to Cotto because Cotto was a lot bigger dude. I don’t see Mayweather being bigger than Pacquiao in this fight. They are going to be about the same size and I’m going to have to go with Pacquiao. If anybody can beat Pacquiao, it’s going to be Mayweather, but I’m going to stay with the safe pick and go with Pacquiao!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Although it is not etched in stone yet, the probability of the most anticipated fight since Oscar De La Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad happening is very good, according to recent reports. There have been a number of great fights throughout the years, but few come close to the drama and storylines that this fight provides. I can’t remember a fight of this magnitude, involving two fighters who are so different from each other in so many aspects.
You have arguably the most arrogant and talkative fighter facing the most humble fighter in the sport. Also, has there ever been a bout between the best defensive fighter and the most feared offensive fighter who are both also considered to be the best pound-for-pound fighters? The matchup that might come close is the first bout between Ali and Frazier, but was Joe Frazier considered the most feared and best pound-for-pound fighter at the time? George Foreman was probably feared more than Frazier, as he was knocking guys out left and right during that time. Someone else mentioned Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran as a comparable fight and I tend to agree.
What makes the fight more fascinating is that this is not your typical fight between a pure boxer and a slugger. Both possess extraordinary athleticism and are complete fighters in their own way. It’s not a light-hitting Pernell Whitaker against a slow Julio Cesar Chavez.
There is also a sense of irony when you analyze their career. Pacquiao keeps on surpassing all the expectations bestowed upon him and has arguably reached the greatness many expected from Mayweather. Mayweather’s career and greatness, on the other hand, seems to have reached a plateau because of the decisions he has made. Just imagine the story lines preceding the fight. The 24/7 episodes might attract more viewers than most pay-per-view fights in recent years.
This matchup reminds me of a Rocky movie. You have an arrogant, flashy and talented fighter going against a fighter who came from nowhere to achieve greatness that many did not expect from him. There’s no doubt that this fight will be talked about for years to come, even if it doesn’t live up to the hype.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
GET READY FOR MACH 13
MANILA, Philippines -- Manny Pacquiao is likely to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. on March 13 after agreeing to a proposal from promoter Bob Arum on Friday.
Arum presented "what he thought was the best proposal he can bring" during a two-hour breakfast meeting with Pacquiao in Manila, said Michael Koncz, an adviser of the Philippine boxing idol.
"Manny has some additional requirements, requests, which Arum didn't think was a problem," Koncz said. "The requests of Manny were so realistic that Arum doesn't feel it's a problem and it's pretty much a done deal."
He said the contract still needs "fine tuning," declining to elaborate.
"We all believe that it will be done," he said.
In an interview with GMA television, Pacquiao said, "March 13 is OK."
"The difference between Floyd and others I have fought is that Floyd makes a lot of trash talk that should not be imitated by young people," he said.
Arum could not be reached for comment.
Koncz, who is in charge of Pacquiao's boxing promotion company in Nevada, said Pacquiao is "very comfortable" with the date.
Pacquiao is running for a congressional seat in May 2010 elections and official campaigning won't start before April.
If the bout goes ahead, it will match two men regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighters.
Boxing fans have been looking forward to a super fight between Pacquiao and the undefeated Mayweather after the Filipino champion defeated Miguel Cotto last month.
The March 13 date comes four months after the Cotto fight -- a shorter period of time than the six months after Pacquiao defeated Ricky Hatton. But Koncz said it will be enough time for Pacquiao to get back in shape.
"Nobody knows his body better than Manny," he said. "If Manny feels that that's plenty of time to rest and recover, then you know, he has to do what he feels is right."
He said Pacquiao "cannot train for more than seven weeks."
If the fight is made, there would likely be a Jan. 11 press conference in New York to announce it. The bout could be the richest ever, assuming pay-per-view projections are accurate.
Representatives of the Superdome in New Orleans and the new Dallas Cowboys' stadium have expressed interest in hosting the fight, as has the MGM Grand hotel-casino in Las Vegas, where the fighters have fought their biggest fights. There is also a proposal for a 30,000-seat temporary stadium on the Las Vegas Strip across from the Wynn resort.
Oddsmakers are already taking bets on the fight, with most making Mayweather a slight favorite.
Arum presented "what he thought was the best proposal he can bring" during a two-hour breakfast meeting with Pacquiao in Manila, said Michael Koncz, an adviser of the Philippine boxing idol.
"Manny has some additional requirements, requests, which Arum didn't think was a problem," Koncz said. "The requests of Manny were so realistic that Arum doesn't feel it's a problem and it's pretty much a done deal."
He said the contract still needs "fine tuning," declining to elaborate.
"We all believe that it will be done," he said.
In an interview with GMA television, Pacquiao said, "March 13 is OK."
"The difference between Floyd and others I have fought is that Floyd makes a lot of trash talk that should not be imitated by young people," he said.
Arum could not be reached for comment.
Koncz, who is in charge of Pacquiao's boxing promotion company in Nevada, said Pacquiao is "very comfortable" with the date.
Pacquiao is running for a congressional seat in May 2010 elections and official campaigning won't start before April.
If the bout goes ahead, it will match two men regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighters.
Boxing fans have been looking forward to a super fight between Pacquiao and the undefeated Mayweather after the Filipino champion defeated Miguel Cotto last month.
The March 13 date comes four months after the Cotto fight -- a shorter period of time than the six months after Pacquiao defeated Ricky Hatton. But Koncz said it will be enough time for Pacquiao to get back in shape.
"Nobody knows his body better than Manny," he said. "If Manny feels that that's plenty of time to rest and recover, then you know, he has to do what he feels is right."
He said Pacquiao "cannot train for more than seven weeks."
If the fight is made, there would likely be a Jan. 11 press conference in New York to announce it. The bout could be the richest ever, assuming pay-per-view projections are accurate.
Representatives of the Superdome in New Orleans and the new Dallas Cowboys' stadium have expressed interest in hosting the fight, as has the MGM Grand hotel-casino in Las Vegas, where the fighters have fought their biggest fights. There is also a proposal for a 30,000-seat temporary stadium on the Las Vegas Strip across from the Wynn resort.
Oddsmakers are already taking bets on the fight, with most making Mayweather a slight favorite.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Promoter Robert Arum set his feet on Manila with terms and conditions already agreed by Floyd Mayweather Jr.
When his seen it all, done it all, turning age 78 this Tuesday promoter Robert Arum came to Manila with terms and conditions already agreed by Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao listened to the Top Rank honcho carefully.
Pacman asked a few questions, made a few comments and finally gave the promoter a greenlight, the verbal authority to push forward to a written contract for the Fight of the Century on March 13, most likely I say in Las Vegas.
Some think there will be continued squabbling over the contract weight, be it at 154 pounds or something less than, somewhere between 147 and 154.
Pacman asked a few questions, made a few comments and finally gave the promoter a greenlight, the verbal authority to push forward to a written contract for the Fight of the Century on March 13, most likely I say in Las Vegas.
Some think there will be continued squabbling over the contract weight, be it at 154 pounds or something less than, somewhere between 147 and 154.
Roach thumbs down March fight for Pacquiao
Freddie Roach is definitely thrilled with a Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. showdown.
But he’s definitely not hot on a possible March 13 face-off between two of boxing’s most popular fighters today.
Roach readily thumbed down the proposed March gig being dangled by Top Rank Promotions’ big boss Bob Arum following a series of negotiations he had with Golden Boy Promotions’ CEO Richard Schaefer, representing Mayweather.
Freddie Roach
"March 13 is too fast a turnaround," said Roach from Europe, where he is currently preparing reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) light-welterweight champion Amir Khan for his Dec. 5 title defense against Dmitriy Salita.
The unbeaten Mayweather had already agreed to the fight contract, which Arum hopes Pacquiao would also approve.
As of posting time, Arum has been waiting for Pacquiao for hours at the New World Renaissance Hotel in Makati to discuss about the fight. The Filipino boxing icon was busy completing the final scenes of his action picture Wapakman to be shown on Dec. 25.
Other than Mayweather, who boasts of a 40-0 ring record, with 25 KOs, Roach is also concerned about Pacquiao’s physical health, having gone 12 rounds of war with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto just four weeks ago for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title.
Although the Filipino boxing pride scored a late stoppage against the 29-year old Cotto, Pacquiao emerged out of it bearing bruises on both eyes and an injured right ear.
"Manny has a broken (right) eardrum," Roach said. "So I’d like to have more time."
Bob Arum
Arum agreed to book Pacquiao’s mega-bout with Mayweather on March 13 as the seven-time world champion is set to seek public office in the province of Saranggani in the May 10 national elections.
But Roach said the proximity of the fight and the date of election is too close for comfort that he’s not discounting distraction in training camp to come along the way.
For the three-time Trainer of the Year, it would be better if Arum and Schaefer, would be able to put off the fight at a later date, preferably shortly after the elections.
"I’d say he (Pacquiao) rest for a while, enjoy the holidays, run for elections, and Congressman Manny Pacquiao will kick Mayweather’s ass," said Roach.
Stressing the 32-year old Mayweather is a different kind of animal, Roach added Pacquaio should come in for the bout in his best possible shape.
"I hope the fight happens, yes, but I want us to be in the best possible shape," he said.
"We need time to get ready for that (fight). We have to come out with a real different style. It’s a whole different ballgame."
But he’s definitely not hot on a possible March 13 face-off between two of boxing’s most popular fighters today.
Roach readily thumbed down the proposed March gig being dangled by Top Rank Promotions’ big boss Bob Arum following a series of negotiations he had with Golden Boy Promotions’ CEO Richard Schaefer, representing Mayweather.
Freddie Roach
"March 13 is too fast a turnaround," said Roach from Europe, where he is currently preparing reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) light-welterweight champion Amir Khan for his Dec. 5 title defense against Dmitriy Salita.
The unbeaten Mayweather had already agreed to the fight contract, which Arum hopes Pacquiao would also approve.
As of posting time, Arum has been waiting for Pacquiao for hours at the New World Renaissance Hotel in Makati to discuss about the fight. The Filipino boxing icon was busy completing the final scenes of his action picture Wapakman to be shown on Dec. 25.
Other than Mayweather, who boasts of a 40-0 ring record, with 25 KOs, Roach is also concerned about Pacquiao’s physical health, having gone 12 rounds of war with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto just four weeks ago for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title.
Although the Filipino boxing pride scored a late stoppage against the 29-year old Cotto, Pacquiao emerged out of it bearing bruises on both eyes and an injured right ear.
"Manny has a broken (right) eardrum," Roach said. "So I’d like to have more time."
Bob Arum
Arum agreed to book Pacquiao’s mega-bout with Mayweather on March 13 as the seven-time world champion is set to seek public office in the province of Saranggani in the May 10 national elections.
But Roach said the proximity of the fight and the date of election is too close for comfort that he’s not discounting distraction in training camp to come along the way.
For the three-time Trainer of the Year, it would be better if Arum and Schaefer, would be able to put off the fight at a later date, preferably shortly after the elections.
"I’d say he (Pacquiao) rest for a while, enjoy the holidays, run for elections, and Congressman Manny Pacquiao will kick Mayweather’s ass," said Roach.
Stressing the 32-year old Mayweather is a different kind of animal, Roach added Pacquaio should come in for the bout in his best possible shape.
"I hope the fight happens, yes, but I want us to be in the best possible shape," he said.
"We need time to get ready for that (fight). We have to come out with a real different style. It’s a whole different ballgame."
PACMAN AND PRETTY BOY LATEST UPDATE - fight will be nearly finalized
he much-anticipated bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao is all but set for March 13, a source told Yahoo! Sports.
Mayweather has agreed to terms and promoter Bob Arum is making a trip to Manila, Philippines, to finalize a deal with Pacquiao, the source said.
Las Vegas, Dallas and New Orleans are the front-runners to host the bout, which is expected to become the highest-grossing boxing match in the sport’s history.
Pacquiao is the top pound-for-pound fighter in nearly every major ranking, including Yahoo! Sports. Mayweather is No. 2 in most rankings and was No. 1 in nearly all of the polls before he briefly retired in June 2008.
Pacquiao is coming off a 12th-round stoppage of Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, a bout in which he won the World Boxing Organization welterweight championship and erased fears that he is not a legitimate welterweight.
Cotto was a legitimate welterweight in his prime and Pacquiao dominated, knocking him down twice and cruising to the one-sided victory.
Mayweather routed Juan Manuel Marquez, who had previously been ranked No. 2 in the Yahoo! Sports poll, in a Sept. 19 fight at the MGM Grand.
The public demand for the fight has been enormous, putting pressure on Arum and Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, who represents Mayweather, to get a deal done.
Promoters had targeted May 1 for the fight almost from the moment that Pacquiao stopped Cotto. But Pacquiao filed Tuesday to run for Congress in the Philippines and the election will be held on May 10.
Given that, the bout with Mayweather had to be moved up to March 13 or pushed back until September.
Though there were reports that Arum was considering matching Pacquiao with new WBO super welterweight champion Yuri Foreman on March 13 in Dallas, that was a diversionary move and was never serious, the source said.
A survey team from Top Rank will inspect Dallas Cowboys Stadium as a possible venue. The MGM Grand Garden Arena and the New Orleans Superdome are also in the running to host the mega-fight, the source said.
Mayweather has agreed to terms and promoter Bob Arum is making a trip to Manila, Philippines, to finalize a deal with Pacquiao, the source said.
Las Vegas, Dallas and New Orleans are the front-runners to host the bout, which is expected to become the highest-grossing boxing match in the sport’s history.
Pacquiao is the top pound-for-pound fighter in nearly every major ranking, including Yahoo! Sports. Mayweather is No. 2 in most rankings and was No. 1 in nearly all of the polls before he briefly retired in June 2008.
Pacquiao is coming off a 12th-round stoppage of Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, a bout in which he won the World Boxing Organization welterweight championship and erased fears that he is not a legitimate welterweight.
Cotto was a legitimate welterweight in his prime and Pacquiao dominated, knocking him down twice and cruising to the one-sided victory.
Mayweather routed Juan Manuel Marquez, who had previously been ranked No. 2 in the Yahoo! Sports poll, in a Sept. 19 fight at the MGM Grand.
The public demand for the fight has been enormous, putting pressure on Arum and Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, who represents Mayweather, to get a deal done.
Promoters had targeted May 1 for the fight almost from the moment that Pacquiao stopped Cotto. But Pacquiao filed Tuesday to run for Congress in the Philippines and the election will be held on May 10.
Given that, the bout with Mayweather had to be moved up to March 13 or pushed back until September.
Though there were reports that Arum was considering matching Pacquiao with new WBO super welterweight champion Yuri Foreman on March 13 in Dallas, that was a diversionary move and was never serious, the source said.
A survey team from Top Rank will inspect Dallas Cowboys Stadium as a possible venue. The MGM Grand Garden Arena and the New Orleans Superdome are also in the running to host the mega-fight, the source said.
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