The ceremony has been a tradition that kicks off high-profile bouts a week ahead of the event, giving fans a chance to see their favorite boxers while they walk toward the hotel.
But Top Rank Inc. chairman Bob Arum said the eight-division champion will skip the ceremony and will instead arrive in Las Vegas on Monday on a private bus. The Filipino won’t be staying at the MGM Grand, the host hotel, but will billet himself at the Mandalay Bay, which is also an MGM-owned property.
There, said Arum, Pacquiao will meet the press.
"We don't need a show for his arrival and we can do without all the hoopla," Arum told ESPN’s Dan Rafael.
"We'll keep it calm for Manny. We'll get a big room downstairs at Mandalay Bay, and Manny will talk to the press there in an orderly way and in a comfortable environment. I think that's a lot better for Manny and, frankly, it's better for the press. Why does he need a grand arrival when he's not even staying at that place?"
Pacquiao’s rival, Floyd Mayweather Jr., will do his grand arrival as planned.
Arum and the MGM management haven’t been in good terms for years. Further complicating their relationship was the ticket issue that was caused by a misunderstanding over the contract between Top Rank, Mayweather Promotions and MGM Grand.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
