Maharlikan Times

No "media factor" to influence the outcome of Mayweather-Pacquiao negotiations

By Granville Ampong

Thu, 19 Nov 2009

LAS VEGAS, Nevada - Top Rank Godfather Bob Arum sends his message clear to the media not to interfere in the negotiations for Mayweather versus Pacquiao saying: "The media must not interfere in the negotiations. I just want to make this clear. If Floyd, Jr. does not come to our terms, then we have a much better alternative for Pacquiao's next fight."

      Arum did not disclose such specific alternative nor did he reveal specific percentages of intended package-sharing to each fighter for the negotiation to start on, to this writer.

On the other hand, Pacquiao stands firm on his choice of letting Arum choose his next opponent.

      "I can fight anybody. But, it's up to my promoter, Bob Arum, to choose my next opponent," says Pacquiao during the post fight press conference last Saturday.

      Meanwhile, a rising star from the camp of King David of Ancient Israel named Yuri Foreman, who remains undefeated of his 28 professional fights and who recently snatched the WBA Super Welterweight Championship belt from Daniel Santos (32 wins, 4 losses and 1 draw) of Puerto Rico by 12-round unanimous decision, seems to be a better prospect at 154 pounds for a March 13, 2009 temporarily scheduled fight date for Pacquiao than Mayweather who has no title to offer, as of this writing.

       Foreman vs. Pacquiao will give the Filipino Superstar a chance to win his 8th title in eight different divisions.

Conversely, a Pacquaio fight with Foreman can generate a new wave of interests in boxing from the unique segment of the European community and all throughout the world.

       Foreman told the media and the world about his Jewish background unequivocally of his skills in boxing.

      "I am being trained to become a Rabbi and there's nothing wrong with it being a boxer as well," Foreman said when asked by this writer of his interest in boxing in the light of his religious conviction. "I love this sport, which is actually less fatal than what the Israelites in the ancient times ever did. "

      "Yeah, they used swords and arrows targeting opponents in the battle fields. But, I use gloves and intelligence in the ring." Foreman added.

       Foreman was born in Gomel, Belarus. He started boxing at age 7 in Belarus, which at that time was part of the Soviet Union. At age 9, he immigrated with his family to Israel. He trained at an Arab gym.

       "The first time I walked in that Arab gym, I saw the stares. In their eyes, there was a lot of hatred. But, I needed to box; and, boy, did they all want to box me," said Foreman on his early days in boxing.

       In Israel, Foreman became an amateur boxer and won 3 national boxing championships. He later moved to Brooklyn, New York.

        In 2001, he won the New York Golden Gloves. During his amateur career, Foreman compiled a 75-5 record. Foreman turned professional in 2002.

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