Loose Talks Could Put Mayweather-Pacquiao Fight in Jeopardy

By Leo Reyes: When Bob Arum left the Philippines right after Pacquiao's election victory last May 10, he said he will work hard upon his return to the US to make the Pacquiao-Mayweather match happen this year.

During his short visit, Arum restrained himself from talking openly about the Pacquiao-Mayweather match but he emphasized that the fight should be made because it is the match the world wants to see.

Arum explained that a gag order will be in effect once formal negotiations start.

The amiable and popular promoter has been working silently for over a week with Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, the company representing Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in the negotiating with Arum on behalf of Pacquiao.

But on Friday, Arum told Ronnie Nathanielz of Manila Standard that the on-going negotiations with Mayweather is being threatened by irritating comments coming from members of team Pacquiao.

“I know Manny is just as angry as I am that these guys, who have nothing to do with any of these negotiations, keep shooting their mouths off and inflaming the situation,” an upset Arum told Manila Standard.

“What are Eric Pineda and Jeng Gacal, who know nothing about what’s happening, doing? Why are they shooting their mouths off?” Arum added.

Arum said he spends so much time telling the negotiators to just ignore the talks coming from members of Pacquiao's team. But he said its becoming irritating and it may affect the ongoing negotiations because of the gag order.

Arum was referring to the recent comments by Eric Pineda and Jeng Gacal regarding the fight purse sharing which was previously agreed at 50:50. It was reported in the local media that Mayweather was asking for a 60-40 in his favor, which triggered the open discussion of the subject in the media.

Since Pacquiao announced his consent for a 14-day cut-off for the random blood test more than a week ago, Mayweather has not made any comment and opted to remain silent on the issue.

However, Philstar.com, quoting Examiner.com website, said Mayweather had issued a statement saying Pacquiao should comply with his new term which is random test up to the day of the fight.

Mayweather supporters said no such statement was made. Mayweather or his spokesman did not confirm or deny issuing the statement.