Will Pacquiao’s decision to face Timothy Bradley hurt Bob Arum? – Boxing Special
After a controversial split decision loss to Timothy Bradley, former WBO welterweight titlist Manny Pacquiao is eager to get his title back. The Filipino pride has promised his fellow citizens of bringing the title back home. However, the decision is not
sitting well with promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, who wants Pacquiao to either face Juan Manuel Marquez for a fourth time or Floyd Mayweather.
Pacquiao’s loss to Bradley has already damaged his brand. According to Arum, fans are not interested in watching the Filipino lock horns with Bradley again. The Hall of Famer promoter wanted Pacquiao to face Marquez or Mayweather, considering the match will
be a bigger sell out. Unfortunately, Arum’s dreams of cashing in on Pacquiao’s fading reputation have been washed away with the Filipino’s decision of facing Bradley.
“My supporters shouldn't worry. We're going to get that title,” said Pacquiao after the World Boxing Organisation declared him winner of the June 9 clash against Bradley.
Similarly, even Timothy Bradley is up for a rematch against Pacquiao, as he wants to defeat the Filipino star in a more decisive manner.
Bradley has had enough of the hatred bestowed by boxing fans towards him. Even though he is the current WBO welterweight champion, he does not feel so. According to Bradley, he needs appreciation for staying in the ring for twelve rounds against the most
explosive fighter of the world but all he is getting from fans is hatred, death threats and curses.
“Timmy wants to keep the 147 belt because that's where the action is. Even though he is the best 140-pounder in the world, he can't keep both belts, so he made the decision to stay at 147,” revealed Bradley’s trainer when the unbeaten American decided to
vacate the light welterweight title to keep the welterweight title.
Bradley made it quite clear that he wants to stay in the division and fight Pacquiao again, to gain the respect he deserves as champion.
While Pacquiao and Bradley are up for settling scores, Bob Arum seems to be more concerned on losing out on the millions he can earn by putting Pacquiao against Mayweather. If Pacquiao loses again to Bradley, his reputation of being the best pound for pound
fighter will wash away and fans will not be interested anymore to see the Filipino fight Mayweather.
Keeping the entire scenario in mind, Bob Arum wants to play his cards well but it seems like Pacquiao is not in his control anymore. Arum wanted Pacquiao to lock horns with Marquez, then Mayweather and then go for a rematch against Bradley. In other words,
Arum wanted to cash in on Pacquiao before he loses to Bradley again.
“I am the new welterweight champion of the world. I beat the best fighter pound-for-pound in the game, and that’s Manny Pacquiao. Let me tell you something. They don’t want a rematch. He should rematch me because that was controversial, but he’s not gonna
rematch me, guys,” said Bradley earlier this month, who feels agitated over the fact that he is not being respected the way he should be.
For now, Arum might be disappointed upon learning that Pacquiao wants to face Bradley instead of Marquez or Mayweather. If the Filipino loses, Arum’s dreams of making a fortune through Pacquiao vs. Mayweather will be shattered forever.
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