MANILA, Philippines – Top Rank chief executive Bob Arum guaranteed that boxing fans will see a fifth fight between great rivals Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, but does not see it happening in the United States.
In an interview with Boxing Talk, Arum stressed that “the fight is going to happen,” most likely in September.
“Manny wants to go ahead, and Marquez is still considering, but I think he’ll be fine,” Arum said. “You know their wives don’t want them to fight and all that (expletive), but I think we’ll be fine.”
Arum also told Boxing Scene that he is thinking of holding the fifth Pacquiao-Marquez fight outside of the United States because of tax issues.
“The fight will not be in Las Vegas. I don’t even think that it’s being done in the United States, because about 40% of the profits go to the government,” he said.
Marquez recently decided to continue with his fighting career and is planning to make a return fight in April.
Arum is hoping that Pacquiao will also fight in April, though he admits they are having trouble finding a venue since the “Pacman” wanted to fight outside of the United States.
“Manny wanted the April fight outside of the United States for tax reasons,” Arum said.
“(Top Rank president) Todd (duBoef) was over in Macau and we can’t get a date with the arena, which wants the fight very badly, but their arena is tied up,” he added. “Singapore is not an option, and I don’t think we can go to Manila for the fight.”
Marquez knocked out Pacquiao in the sixth round of their fourth fight last December. He contemplated hanging up his gloves after the victory, but eventually decided to hold off retirement.
source: abs-cbnnews.com
