Nothing’s final, says Arum of Brisbane fight for Pacquiao.
Australia yesterday informed Top Rank chief Bob Arum that it has finalized a deal for Manny Pacquiao to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown against the underrated Jeff Horn on April 23 in Brisbane.
But the Hall of Fame promoter insists that the Middle East is still working exceptionally hard to bring the fight to Abu Dhabi.
While Arum admits that Australia has come up with an attractive deal, Abu Dhabi remains in the running and that a formal proposal from the United Arab Emirates should reach Arums office later next week.
“Nothing’s final yet. Middle East is still in the running. I will come over to the Philippines to discuss it with Manny. It will be Manny who makes the call,” said the 84-year-old Arum.
The Brisbane Courier Mail, Horn’s hometown paper, reported that the State Government of Queensland has come to terms with Duco Promotions to hold the fight at the 52,500-seat Suncorp Stadium.
Arum reveals that Australia will of course get the rights to the broadcast rights in Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) but Pacquiao and Top Rank will handle the US and international sides.
It was earlier reported that Australia is promising Pacquiao a measly $5 million, figures Arum swears is absolutely not true.
“Manny’s not getting $5 million (guarantee),” said Arum, implying that the purse and other perks will be much more than that.
As Brisbane’s pitch looks unbeatable, Arum can’t help but wait until Abu Dhabi relays its proposal.
The wait is actually benefitting Pacquiao, whose last fight was a trouble-free win over Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas late last year.
“There will be two very good deals for Manny,” added Arum.
Indeed, good things always come to those who wait.