"Mayweather really can't commit anything now, because next week, he's before the courts. So if the trial is going to happen, he can't do the fight," stated promoter Bob Arum during a recent coversation with Ronnie Nathanielsz of the Manila Standard, offering up his latest excuse as to why a potential showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao may not be possible in the near future. Apparently, Arum wants to paint a picture that an upcoming court date for an evidence hearing in his domestic violence case will prevent Mayweather from committing to a future showdown with Pacquiao. Arums comment seems somewhat asinine, however, considering that Mayweather has already committed to fighting on May 5, 2012. In fact, he's so committed that he already has the MGM Grand Garden Arena on hold for that date, a move that he would not have been able to make without first clearing it with the courts.
Nathanielsz also revealed Arum's plans to travel to the Philippines in January, at which point he plans to "have some serious dialogue with Mayweather", a comment that appears to contradict Manny Pacquiao's own statement that "negotiations are almot done" and his belief that a fight with Mayweather is "80 to 90 percent sure to take place on May 5 next year". Arum explained, "You have to understand that this isn't the kind of fight you make in 15 minutes. It doesn't work that way. It takes time, and my obligation is to get Manny the best deal possible..
While Arum continues to reveal his own version of details to select members of the media, something that he has previously stated time and time again that he was not going to do, one has to wonder exactly who is relaying information to Pacquiao, who sounds like he's on a totally different page than that of his own promoter. As Congressman Pacquiao continues to tell those around him that a deal to face Mayweather is close, Arum continues to provide excuses as to why the fight will take time and be difficult to make. Last week, Arum suggested that the May 5 date might be an issue due to the "serious cut" that Pacquiao suffered in his November showdown with Marquez; nevermind the fact that Pacquiao himself already said he had no problems with fighting on the date. Now, Arum would lead you to believe that Mayweather can't commit to anything right now due to his legal issues; nevermind the fact that he previously committed to fight Victor Ortiz this past September, he's already committed to a number of appearances across the country over the past few months, and he has now committed to fight on May 5, 2012 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, all while still dealing with his court cases.
It's truly becoming comical that certain members of the media continue to buy into the notion that Arum is really putting forth a serious effort to try and make this fight.
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