There is a prevailing sense of uncertainty and doubt over the camp of Manny Pacquiao amid Floyd Mayweather’s proposed May 2, 2015 title fight.
“That’s his (Mayweather) way of covering up,” declared Pacquiao adviser Mike Koncz from the US yesterday as he dismissed claims by Mayweather that it is the Filipino eight-division champion who is running away from a fight.
Koncz said there was nothing new to what Mayweather had announced during an interview with CBS-Showtime last Friday.
“I am not giving much thought on that,” added Koncz.
Mayweather said that for a fight with Pacquiao to happen next year, he has to get the lion’s share of the prize-money and Pacquiao has to settle for crumbs.
Hours after Mayweather’s much-publicized rant, Pacquiao accepted his challenge and taunted the unbeaten Michigan native to sign his name above the dotted line the soonest.
Even Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank is unmoved by Mayweather’s latest escapade.
“Floyd is not a normal person,” said the 83-year-old Arum, who feels it is impossible to hold that fight on May 2 because Canelo Alvarez of Mexico has agreed to face Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico on that date, which falls on the festive Cinco de Mayo festivities.
Arum said that Pacquiao will fight in either April or June and that if he can’t make a Mayweather fight happen, “there are other opponents out there.”
But Pacquiao remains hopeful that Mayweather, 37, is indeed serious in his challenge and not bluffing as he is looking forward to the day they finally meet in the ring.
“I hope he is really serious,” said Pacquiao, who will celebrate his 36th birthday tomorrow in General Santos City.
Before flying back to his hometown yesterday morning, Pacquiao spent most of his time with fans and followers in his Forbes Park mansion.
Pacquiao even signed autographs and held up fan signs, posed for pictures and played chess with former pro basketball player Zaldy Realubit, who came with fellow cager Kenneth Duremdes.