Bare Eye
Save super fight from super brats
By Recah TrinidadPhilippine Daily Inquirer
There’s one thing that could save the delusive Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. dream fight—if it’s worth saving at all.
Truth is many exasperated fans have long given up on both boxers.
But if the so-called super fight has to take place, both fighters must start behaving like true gentlemen.
How?
“They both need to mature,” advises Art Dimayuga, a former advertising world standout, product of the old Faculty of Philosophy and Letters (Philets) in the University of Santo Tomas.
* * *
You mean for them to both suffer a sudden attack of humility?
No, Art replies, that could take a lifetime, but we can pray for them to behave their age and stature.
Yes, the super fight must be saved from the super brats.
Of course, that’s a distant possibility based on how both Mayweather and Pacquiao have pinned boxing to the floor with their hateful hesitance and endless taunting.
* * *
What’s truly odd is that international media has continued to cover this pest of a verbal sparring as though the fate of the world hinges on the dream bout.
What assurance do they have that it would not drift into a dumb, tasteless bout?
Come to think of it, asks Art, didn’t Pacquiao say he was willing to take less money in order to make the fight a reality?
But wasn’t this before Mayweather bragged that a 50-50 sharing would be fine with him?
Last heard of, Mayweather has resumed his original insistence for a heftier cut from the dream promotion.
Anyway, if he could have his way, Art, with a doctorate in humanities from the University of Hard Knocks, has offered a ploy: stop selling the fight.
* * *
Now is the time for all media to pay attention to other more relevant events and happenings.
You mean a boycott, a news blackout?
Not necessarily, he advises, but a sort of cooling off until such a time both Mayweather and Pacquiao have decided to show respect for both media and the fight public.
That’s easier said than done, going by how some members of the sports media have allowed themselves to be led by the nose by schemers from both camps.
* * *
Says Brad Cooney of 8countnews: “Its one of the most confusing, drama-filled, messy, corrupt scenarios that boxing has seen in a long time. Both camps have done their fair share of screwing things up. In my opinion, the sport will be better off if both of these guys retire.”
He added: “Bob Arum’s and Mayweather’s people need to either make the fight or just get lost and let the sport to move on.”
John Chavez of Boxing Truth marked the date—Dec. 17, 2011—“when Pacquiao agreed to take a smaller purse, less than 50-50, as long as the fight happens.”
* * *
Teddy Atlas, avowed Floyd Jr. supporter, has a more valid view:
“If they are really sober, I don’t see how they are not going to give 50-50 to Pacquiao, now the biggest engine in boxing… To be honest with you, if you’re Mayweather, I think you should be happy to get 50-50 because he’s getting it in probably the biggest money fight in the history of the sport. Mayweather supports his position by referring to past Pacquiao comment he was willing to take less money.”
Was this a right tack?
“I don’t think that’s a road Mayweather wants to travel down because there are a lot of things he said in the past he doesn’t want to be held to.”
So when do they cut off the proposed news boycott, if ever?
Not before the first bell rings, with both Mayweather and Pacquiao already facing each other.
They could let go a day earlier, once they’re both done with the weigh-in.
More from this Column:
- There’s hope away from POC and PSC
- Look who’s guiding Benhur’s Olympic quest
- Meet a most unlikely heir to Pacquiao
- Pangasinan gov goes for a KO
- Sorry, Bradley sees no chance for Pacquiao
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Tags: Art Dimayuga , Boxing , Floyd Mayweather Jr. , Manny Pacquiao , Sports
