By Don Donatello
Don’t be fooled by the wily, old fox, boxing promoter that is Bob Arum. Oscar De La Hoya calls Bob Arum, “Slippery Bob.” Bob was once Oscar’s promoter before they had a bitter separation, and a contentious relationship and promotional rivals currently. Arum was also Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s promoter. They too parted in similar fashion.
Don’t think that Bob Arum is not loving the global attention in the aftermath of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley fight. Bradley won by a split decision, all judges scored the fight 113-115, two scored it for Bradley and one for Pacquiao, to wrest the WBO belt from Pacquiao. It is the promoter’s dream to have the whole world talking about his number one prize fighter, Manny Pacquiao, the most recognizable and influential fighter on the planet.
Bob Arum is fully taking advantage of the global attention on Pacquiao’s loss to Bradley. Practically no one gave Bradley the win, except for the two judges, Cynthia Ross and Duane Ford. From the likes of internet chatter, a rematch between Bradley and Pacquiao is not saleable. It seems than a lopsided win by Pacquiao over Bradley does not warrant a rematch in the public’s eye. I agree, what is there to settle? Where is the intrigue?
That is where Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Manny Pacquiao IV comes in. In less than 10 days after the Bradley/Pacquiao fight, there is news that Marquez has already accepted the terms for a 4rth fight with Pacquiao. Arum has struck while the iron is hot. Because Bradley failed to make the fight competitive against Pacquiao, the rematch clause will not be exercised by Pacquiao. Instead, Arum will serve us Pacquiao/Marquez IV on November 10th, a date which was suppose to be for the Bradley/Pacquiao rematch.
Clearly Arum sees Pacquiao’s storied career will soon come to an end. He will maximize Pacquiao’s earning potential to the hilt before that happens. There was supposed to be three viable and lucrative fight options for Pacquiao after he beats Tim Bradley. Nix the Bradley rematch. That leave two options, Mayweather/Pacquiao, and Marquez/Pacquiao IV. Nix Pacquiao/Mayweather for this year.
So on November 10th, Arum will strategically give us Marquez/Pacquiao IV as a set up for Marquez/Pacquiao V. How does a businessman ensure that there is a 5th Marquez/Pacquiao fight? Is it even a question that a 5th fight will happen if Marquez beats Pacquiao?
We all know how the fight will play out, we’ve seen the ending three previous times before. A 4th will be the same, a contentious and very competitive fight. In each fight, Marquez claimed that he was victimized, robbed, and he should have been awarded as the winner. The first fight ended in a draw, the 2nd and 3rd was awarded to Pacquiao by a split decision. This time, in their upcoming 4th fight, Marquez will get the nod and decision Pacquiao. That my friends will ensure the 5th fight.
If Pacquiao cannot KO Marquez, a close fight cannot go in any other way other than a Marquez win in Mexico. So get ready, Arum is placing all the ingredients as he ready to cook and serve up an appetizer of Marquez-Pacquiao IV, immediately followed by the main entree of Marquez vs. Pacquiao V.
You gotta love Bob Arum! He is the only person I know of that can polish a turd and make it shine. In Internet chatter, there are many who are claiming that they are done with boxing. Yes, I agree that they are. As of today, that is! I figure there will be many that will be changing their minds come November 10th. Arum has been at the top in the boxing promotional game for over 40 years, he knows his clients better than they know themselves. Oh, by the way, did I mention that Bob is a Harvard schooled lawyer.
Prove me wrong, fellas! I highly doubt I will be proven wrong after November 10th. One way or another, people will find a way to see the Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez IV fight, and then also watch the 5th.
But I truly believe that boxing will have a very significant decline after Pacquiao is done. Pacquiao’s story is as storied as a life can be. It’s a life made for the movies, except Pacquiao’s life is a true Cinderella story. Enjoy the ride called Manny Pacquiao while it lasts. Because you’ll never see another one in your lifetime.
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