Ring Observer Boxing by Scoop Malinowski
By Scoop Malinowski
Rumors are rampant that Manny Pacquiao is not interested in playing along with Al Haymon’s scheme to serve as a set up to build Keith Thurman into a major star. Expectations were that Pacquiao vs Thurman would happen this summer.
Of course, we all know how the fight would play out. Thurman would win the decision because he is the long term asset for Haymon. Pacquiao is near the end of his career and would be used to upvalue Thurman who still, despite many years of fights and an unbeaten record, is not a major seller.
Pacquiao is a legendary all time great super champion. He is not a sacrificial lamb for anyone. He draws massive interest and money whenever or whoever he fights. Still. Unlike Floyd Mayweather, who is not a major sell on his own and has to piggy back off other marquee names, even if they have to be lured in from other sports like UFC and kickboxing.
Haymon and Thurman tried to set up Pacquiao but it looks like Pacquiao will outsmart them.
The only fight Pacquiao really cares about now is the rematch with Floyd Mayweather, the alleged best ever. Mayweather allegedly beat Pacquiao by close and controversial decision four years ago so the rematch makes sense. Mayweather still wants to fight and make big money, as he showed vs Conor McGregor and the Japanese bantamweight kick boxer, but for some odd reason Mayweather has shown a total reluctance to even consider the Pacquiao rematch option even though it will generate huge money for him, upwards of $100,000,000 for sure. And with Al Haymon at the controls, the fight could be made quickly.
Most sensible ring observers realize Mayweather is ducking Pacquiao again because he’s not sure if he can beat Pacquiao, even with Vegas and Haymon manipulation working in his favor. Mayweather also knows Pacquiao will NOT throw the fight, like it looked like SO many of Mayweather’s opponents over the years did.
Mayweather only wants guaranteed wins, anything or anyone that could be a defeat terrifies him – Canelo rematch, GGG at 154, Spence, Thurman, Lomachenko.
So good for Manny Pacquiao for having the sense to not allow himself to be used as a sacrifice for Haymon and Thurman.
Manny Pacquiao is a Muhammad Ali like global icon, a very powerful figure that has served the sport with the utmost integrity and honor. The beloved and adored Pacquiao has given the sport and the world the most exciting fights and performances against the most dangerous, high risk opposition for over a decade.
Manny Pacquiao calls the shots, not Al Haymon. It will be very interesting to see how Haymon handles this defiant rejection by Pacquiao.
Pacquiao vs Mayweather II is the only fight that makes sense right now. And if Mayweather is still calling himself “a rich coward” and will not step up and face Pacquiao, then Pacquiao can handpick whoever he wants.
The ball is in your court, Mayweather and Haymon. The only fight that makes any sense is Pacquiao vs Mayweather II.
