Top Rank Says, May 5th Date Is Not For Pacquiao and Mayweather

By Rich Mancuso

Despite reports coming from the Philippines that Manny Pacquiao has accepted the May 5th date to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr., Top Rank, promoter of Pacquiao, as of early Friday denied reports that the mega-fight has been made. Bob Arum, after spending three days with Pacquiao was en- route to Las Vegas and was expected to have a comment later today.

The next opponent for Pacquiao could be another meeting with Miguel Cotto, or a fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez.

The Mayweather camp on Friday continued to call out Pacquiao. Sources have confirmed that Mayweather has chosen Canelo Alveraz to be the opponent he meets for the WBC welterweight title on May 5th from the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
“It is all rumor at this point and Manny will be fighting in early June, not May 5th,” commented Lee Samuels of Top Rank also a spokesperson for Arum. The stipulations as to a purse, whether it be a 50-50 split and a venue also have to be arranged.

Arum has contended that Pacquiao is not avoiding Mayweather. And Pacquiao, as of late Thursday indicated that he was acceptable to the anticipated and long awaited fight. However, it appears that conflicting reports about the May 5th date, partly due to rumors and blog reports have everyone believing that the fight has been secured.

A major issue at this point to solidify the fight is where it would be held. Mayweather started the speculation a few months ago by securing the MGM for a May 5th date, also stating that he wanted “The Little Fella,” with obvious reference to Pacquiao.

Pacquiao has agreed to the Olympic drug testing procedures, a main obstacle that derailed the fight that was planned almost two years ago. Then last week, Mayweather had his 90-day jail sentence for domestic violence pushed to early June which opened up the door for more speculation that his may 5th date would be a meeting with Pacquiao.

Arum wants the fight to be held in a 40,000 seat venue. Mayweather has reportedly stated that he wants the fight to stay in Las Vegas which also has become an issue.

Adding to the fury of all the rumors is speculation that Miguel Cotto would be the opponent for Mayweather on May 5th. As of Friday, Cotto has not re-signed his deal with Arum and Top Rank. And Golden Boy Promotions, a middle man for Mayweather, has done business with Cotto in the past.

Calls to Golden Boy were not returned and Richard Schaefer, CEO, could not be reached for comment. Any negotiation with Top Rank and the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight from the beginning have been conducted with Schaefer.

This post is sponsored in part by Garden City NY Real Estate & Bay Club