Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is one of many people behind Manny Pacquiao who refuses to accept the fact that the Filipino fighter is retiring after his April 9 bout with Timothy Bradley Jr.
The reason is obvious — Arum is banking on a thin ray of hope that a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. will still materialize. As things stand now, it may take a couple of things for that to happen and the odds aren't exactly that good.
One is that Pacquiao needs to come up with an impressive win over Bradley to open the doors. But the thing here is whether or not Mayweather thinks highly of Bradley to even consider the outcome?
Secondly, Mayweather needs to get that itch to fight again. As things stand now, there is no indication that the undefeated American is leaning on putting on his boxing gloves again. He has been active in the news but more on other matters and outside the boxing world.
Lastly, Pacquiao will have to do the inevitable of going back on his claim of retirement. That could stir up a lot of controversy, considering time may no longer be kind to the boxer/lawmaker, especially if he ends up winning a senatorial seat.
So as enumerated, a rematch between the two pound-for-pound fighters will have to run through a gauntlet of possibilities. Missing out on one of them will likely quash it.
Another factor is whether or not boxing fans are interested in seeing one. Everyone knows the disappointment of the first encounter and some maintained that they will no longer shell out big cash for outrageously priced tickets.
Arum knows the conditions to be satisfied. A reason for Mayweather to return (even if he denies it) is money. He is likely to get a large chunk once again if a fight materializes. Would Pacquiao care?
The eight-time division champ simply wants to fight so money may not matter that much even if it is meager compared to what Mayweather could get.
