Pacquiao really needs a final fight?
THERE are many fight fans who feel that the necessity of staging a final fight for boxing superhero Manny Pacquiao is being overstated.
There’s a dissenting view that Pacquiao, where he shines now, no longer needs a high-profile bout to drum up his bid for of a seat in the Philippine Senate.
There are also those who believe Pacquiao would unnecessarily risk his health if he takes on a tough foe to go with his senatorial campaign.
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For example, if it’s popularity and greater fame Pacquiao will be going for, the fighting congressman from Sarangani has clearly more than enough of the brimming glamour.
He could not ask for more, being a confirmed all-time international superstar, who has captured a total of eight world boxing crowns in different divisions.
Unfortunately, veteran international promoter Bob Arum thinks othewise.
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Arum, 83, has already set a big April 9 final bout for Pacquiao.
There were lesser lights earlier named, like Amir Khan and Tim Bradley, for Pacquiao’s opponent; but Arum on Sunday loudly recited the name of the unbeaten Terence Crawford, 28, reigning world light welterweight champion.
Crawford, 27-0, 19 KO’s, dismantled and finished off Jiery Dean, a former Pacquiao sparmate in ten rounds on Sunday, before calling out Pacquiao.
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“It would be one hell of a fight,” Arum announced from ringside in Omaha, Nebraska, homebase of tough, talented Crawford.
However, trainer Freddie Roach was quick to reject the Arum proposal, saying it was a risky one.
Roach identified Crawford as among the young good ones who could prove “very hungry for Pacquiao.”
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Yesterday, Pacquiao was quoted from out of nowhere as saying they were still negotiating for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
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This was readily denied by Arum. However, there were those who surmised it was the Pacquiao camp’s way of trying to dodge Crawford.
Would the retired Mayweather be less of a risk than the dominant Crawford?
Arum, by the way, has stressed that this should be Pacquiao’s farewell bout, all for the simple reason the Filipino superhero should not further risk his mental health, if he hopes to shine in the senate, with an eye on trying for the presidency later.
One win could make only minimal difference in Pacquiao’s popularity; while a loss could have terrible consequences.
Or does Arum need that farewell fight more than Pacquiao himself?
