By John F. McKenna (McJack): Top Rank CEO Bob Arum is enthusiastic about a possible 5th fight between eight division world title holder Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KO’s) and Mexican icon Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 40 KO’s).
Arum was quoted in the Philippine Inquirer saying No. 5 is now the biggest fight in boxing, bigger than Pacquiao – Mayweather.”
Arum said the original timetable for Pacquiao’s next fight of April 20 is now off the table because of the nature of Manny’s devastating one punch KO at the hands of Marquez. Arum is well pleased by early indications that Pacquiao – Marquez IV appeared to have surpassed expectations in Pay Per View (PPV) sales.
The Top Rank CEO chief refused to speculate as to when No. #5 would take place, adding that because of the magnitude of the match a considerable amount of time would have to be given to the promotion of the fight.
There is little doubt that another Pacquiao – Marquez would be a huge sell to boxing fans. Pacquiao was ahead on the scorecards and at the point of dominating the fight when he ran into the right hand by “Dinamita” that felled him.
There are many of Pacquiao’s fans who are urging the eighteen year veteran of the ring to retire fearing that he will suffer from the numerous head shots he has received over the years. The name of boxing great Muhammad Ali immediately comes to mind when discussing pugilistic Parkinson’s disease. Ali is by far the most famous boxer to suffer from the effects of the malady but there have been numerous other fighters over the years who have suffered from the effects of receiving too many head shots.
The great Sugar Ray Robinson stayed on way too long in the boxing game and suffered from Alzheimer’s before he died from the disease. Floyd Patterson and Ingemar Johansson are just a couple of the numerous fighters who have been afflicted by taking too much punishment in the ring.
Friends of Pacquiao are concerned that because of the way he fights Manny will someday suffer from the same affliction that plagues his famous trainer, Freddie Roach. Hopefully Pacquiao can see the writing on the wall and decide to hang up the gloves while he still retains his mental faculties.
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