By Vitali Shaposhnikov: Now that Floyd Mayweather Jr. has officially called out Manny Pacquiao on his Twitter page this very morning (http://twitter.com/floydmayweather), saying: “Manny Pacquiao I’m calling you out let’s fight May 5th and give the world what they want to see. My Jail Sentence was pushed back because the date was locked in. Step up Punk,” and Manny Pacquiao has been verbally pushing for a Mayweather Jr. bout as well, Bob Arum’s name and any respect that he has earned over his many years in boxing promotion is on the line.
Over the past few months, it has become awfully clear that Bob Arum is directly responsible for the mega-fight not being realized. Slowly, boxing fans are starting to boycott both fighters, due to the fact that their fight, despite having all the tools needed to make it happen, is being avoided.
Arum’s name is like a shining star when it comes to this discussion, but it’s not shining in a positive light, instead, it has become, evidently, the only reason for the mess in giving the fans a fight that they have all been patiently waiting and asking for.
Now, it seems like we have finally reachd the pinnacle of the possibility and probability of their bout finally happening, as both fighters made it clear that this is the fight they want.
Mayweather Jr. fights whomever he wants, being a spectacular self promoter that he is. When Mayweather Jr. is calling out Pacquiao the way he lately did, I wholeheartedly believe that this is indeed the fight he wants to happen, and happen now.
Pacquiao has also reached a place in his life and career, where he understands that Arum might be milking him dry with only personal gain in sight. I think that Manny, just like Floyd, is now reaching out for the fight that all want to see, and does not want to waste time on any other opposition.
Advice for Bob Arum: Leave your ego behind, and create and even bigger name for yourself by making one of the most sought after fights in boxing history happen now, in May of 2012.