You are here: Latest Boxing News News Antonio Margarito could be Manny Pacquiao's next opponent

Antonio Margarito could be Manny Pacquiao's next opponent

Written by Terje Fevaag Sunday, 23 May 2010 07:20

Former three time welterweight champion Antonio Margarito of Mexico will be Top Rank CEO Bob Arum's number one pick to replace Floyd Mayweather Jr. as Manny Pacquiao's next opponent if the undefeated American boxer continues with his refusal to fight the P4P number one fighter from the Philippines. When Arum was asked about a backup plan if a Mayweather deal is not made, he said: "I can't look at a backup plan now. I thought you were going to ask whom he would fight, but the number one guy would be Margarito."

Arum said he is open to negotiations as to where the fight should take place as Mayweather is firm on his demand of a Las Vegas venue. "If the fight happens and I hope it will, in mid-November in one of those two places. First of all, I'm not married to Dallas. I'm a Giants fan, not even a Cowboys fan. I love Jerry Jones, but I am not going to advocate putting any fight of Manny's unless it makes the most sense, that's not necessarily Dallas.", said Arum.

Arum said he plans to refrain from discussing specific details of the negotiations through the media. "Once you start negotiation through the media, it becomes ego-driven. People can't wait to give a statement to the press. The flames just shoot up and there is no real opportunity for rational behavior to take over. Everyone is so interested in setting forth his position to the media that it becomes a contest. That involves me as well as everybody else, Arum stated.

Comments

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites