Yesterday, Filipino media outlet the Manila Times reported that their national treasure, Manny Pacquiao, had confirmed he would be fighting in Kuala Lumpur June 24.
The world champion boxer-senator-actor-basketball enthusiast-ex-baker had previously been offered a bout with Mike Alvarado in Las Vegas, but declined the offer.
If you’re wondering, wait — No to Vegas, Yes to KL — then you might benefit from knowing that Pacquiao is facing a few alleged tax issues with the United States Internal Revenue Service, and is worried that any gains made on US soil could end up back in the government’s coffers. Cough.
When asked who he might face in KL, Pacquiao is reported to have said: “I consider Garcia but there’s a high possibility that it will be against Matthysse who is the WBA champion.”
However, ESPN.com spoke to Pacquiao’s long-time promoter Bob Arum, who put a damper on all of the excited boxing enthusiasts across the peninsula. He told them that for years Pacquiao had received offers and proposals from Middle East interested parties.
Yet when push came to shove to putting money where their mouth is, Arum said “we’re still waiting for the first deposit for the fight to happen.” He said that Pacquiao’s team had now shifted their focus to Malaysian and were “looking for Malaysian money.” (Get in line, buddy)
Matthyse’s reps also seem to confirm that while interest has been expressed by Pacquiao’s advisor for a possible fight in KL, no deal has been made as of yet. Golden Boy Promotions, who represent Matthyse, have said “it’s very preliminary.”
Arum elaborated, saying that the interested group in Malaysia has offered US$15 million, with US$5 million up front. If the US$5 million comes through, then the fight is on.
However, Arum added that until that happens he won’t be “booking my flight to Malaysia.”
Pacquiao has insisted that his own promotions company MP Promotions will be handling the fight, giving credence to rumors that he and his long-time promoter Arum have parted ways.
In other words, watch this space, and (hopefully) see you ring-side.
