By Vitali Shaposhnikov: Promoters have a very important role in the sport of boxing, and that role is to advise and create the right environment for fighters to fight important and entertaining fights, while earning an optimal amount of money. Throughout history there have been dozens of great famous promoters, but one name will always stand out when the word promoter and boxing are used together in one sentence: Don King..
We all know King for his ability to persuade boxers to accept fights that they may not have wanted previously, and also for the accusations that some fighters threw at King for lying and stealing share of their money. Say what you say, but Don King can sometimes make things happen that no one thought possible.
In a recent interview, King stated that he wants to take on the responsibility of making the Mayweather Jr. vs. Pacquiao fight come to fruition: “”I’m the only one who can make the anticipated fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. With the money, there is no problem. Other [promoters] offer trash to Mayweather and Pacquiao, while I’ll offer a lot of money.” – http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/02/16/12/don-king-wants-pac-floyd-superfight
Don King and Floyd Mayweather Jr. appear to be good friends, having been seen together on various occasions. Maybe his relationship with camp Maweather could possibly help in materializing the fight.
King claims to be willing to offer more money than either of the fighters has been offered so far, which is a strong statement, but if true, technically should resolve the main issue preventing fight.
Will we hear more from King regarding this opportunity? Will Arum and Mayweather Jr. work together with Don King to make possibly the most important fight in decades finally take place? While I doubt it, I also believe that if Arum and Floyd sit down with this behemoth of boxing promotion, things might take a turn for the better. I am aware that he has not been in the big game for some time now, but with his experience in ‘persuasion,” he may be able to convince both sides to sign.