Boxing fans are still hoping for a rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, but Top Rank Promotions CEO Bob Arum is not too optimistic about the rumored second showdown.
Mayweather, who owns a perfect 49-0 record with 26 knockout victories, ran away with a unanimous decision win against Pacquiao during their record-setting showdown in May.
Following his triumph over Pacquiao, Mayweather cruised to a unanimous decision victory against Andre Berto in September. The undefeated champion announced his retirement after the fight, but is continuously being linked to a rematch with Pacquiao. But as far as Arum is concerned, he is not expecting a Pacquiao-Mayweather II bout.
"As far as I'm concerned as far as the feedback I have received, Mayweather is retired," Arum told BoxingScene. "Leonard Ellerbe keeps saying that, I believe him. I don't see any indication otherwise."
Pacquiao has not fought since losing to Mayweather after undergoing shoulder surgery. The proposed bout in April could be Pacquiao's farewell bout, as he is planning to focus on his political career in the Philippines.
Aside from Mayweather, British boxer Amir Khan, reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Timothy Bradley, and WBO super lightweight ruler Terence Crawford are also being linked to Pacquiao.
Crawford, who holds a perfect 27-0 record with 19 knockouts, is being considered as the most likely opponent of Pacquiao in his farewell fight. However, the 28-year-old is reportedly now out of the picture because he is looking to defend his title in New York in February.
Arum also made it no secret that he wants no piece of Khan, who is under influential adviser, thus leaving Bradley as the favorite to get a shot against Pacquiao. Bradley defeated Pacquiao in June 2012 via a controversial split decision loss, but took a lopsided decision defeat in April 2014.
Pacquiao's adviser Mike Koncz also told The Manila Bulletin that World Boxing Association super lightweight champion Adrien Broner is on their list of possible foes. It is unclear, though, if the choice has Arum's approval because Broner is also linked to Haymon.
Arum revealed in the BoxingScene interview that he is unsure when Pacquiao will name his opponent or if he is still planning to fight again in April at all. But with or without Pacquiao, the veteran promoter insisted that Top Rank will promote a fight card scheduled on April 9 in Las Vegas.
"That is my concrete plan, April 9th," Arum said. "I'm going with a show in Las Vegas, hopefully headed by Manny Pacquiao. If not we'll find other talent to go on. But April 9th we're definitely going ahead at the MGM arena."
