Even after Floyd Mayweather called out Manny Pacquiao to finally face him in the boxing ring on May 2, 2015, there are still doubts that linger whether the undefeated champion was sincere enough.
GMA News reported that Bob Arum, Top Rank chief, was doubtful whether Mayweather was truly intent on facing Pacquiao when he challenged the eight-time division champ on December 13, 2014.
When asked whether he believed that Mayweather was sincere about his invitation, he replied, "No." Arum said, "I think that discussion has been going on about a fight and they will comment on the contrary on the discussion that we've been having. I think what Mayweather is trying to do is to undo those negotiations."
Arum added that May 2, Mayweather's proposed date of the mega-fight, falls on a Cinco de Mayo weekend, which is not actually what their parties negotiated. Arum said, "What they have been saying is odd on what we have been discussing. It's almost like, a guy sleeping all the time while his people is discussing the fight on our side."
Arum hopes that the fight will happen within the first six months of 2015, as discussed by both camps. He said, "I am not willing to say this fight is not gonna happen. What the legacy is gonna be? I am optimistic that we can make this fight happen."
On the same day that Mayweather challenged Pacquiao to fight, the American blamed Arum as the person responsible for the fight not happening years before. Mayweather alleged that Arum only cared about himself and was difficult to work with, causing the fall out between their camps years ago.
Arum responded to Floyd's statement by saying during a press conference, "You have to judge that for yourself. It's certainly not Top Rank, it's certainly not Manny Pacquiao. We've done everything to come to the table and work out a deal."
GMA News also reported that Arum previously said that Mayweather is dodging the mega fight from happening because he is afraid of Pacman's left hand and that he cannot consider the idea of the two boxers retiring from sports without facing each other.
Boxing News 24 reported that Arum should not give Mayweather the excuse he wants to back out of the Pacquiao bout again. "Mayweather is looking for the golden excuse to finally back out and never face Pacquiao," Boxing News 24 wrote. "Right now they have Mayweather exactly where they've always wanted him."
It added that Arum should not allow Floyd to call the shots or the mega-bout might be lost forever. Mayweather may be willing to lose millions to fight a lesser opponent like Amir Khan than face Pacquiao.