By Cliff Bayres: Bob Arum was quoted from Bleacher report says “The reason Shane was selected for this fight is because we know that we are in the entertainment business.” That quote itself entails the whole persona of Bob Arum and the state of boxing.

Using quotes from people inside the business gives one a layout in how opposition and match ups are created. Another interesting quote from Philippine Star website quotes Freddie Roach as saying Mosley is too old and “needs to retire” as of 19 Nov 2010. That doesn’t sound like competitive balance to me. Far more revealing quotes from the infamous strength and conditioning coach from the same article states that “Mosley, he’ll be tired after 15 minutes so what’s the point of that fight? Manny knocks him out and probably, Manny won’t even train for that fight. That guy is a quitter. He quit against Mayweather in three rounds.” That sounds like a great way to promote a fight. Insert Michael Buffer’s voice here: Manny Pacquaio “The Best Fighter in the World vs. The Old Guy who quit against Mayweather”. Yet, mind you we are in the entertainment business.

The entertainment business encompasses boxing more than sport. You need a excitement to get people to spend money. This can tie into nationalistic pride or someone can just plain be charismatic. One could have both. Other organized sports may sell the fact that the best is competing against the best. Obviously, this is not always the case in boxing. Pacquaio is cash cow. The cash cow leads. Bob Arum, whether good for boxing or not, is playing his cards right for himself. Now that Pacquaio is a household name, which Pac Man earned, Arum is not in a hurry to do no more than take a calculated risk. Now that Mosley is damaged goods, Arum feels it is right to pounce.

Freddie stated before the fight that Mosley was too old but the fight was made. If this is truly about entertainment why not have a better opponent? According to Arum though this is the entertainment “business”. This is a guaranteed money maker because of Pac’s popularity and his nationalistic following. I believe it has little to do with Floyd’s leftovers and more of a business decision which I am sure Floyd understands. Manny has fought people Floyd has not fought. It has more do with low risk and continuing the cash cow. Manny may have tangible goals of outdoing Floyd which could garner him more respect and possible bargaining collateral at some point.

The previous quote from Ariza stating the Mosley is a “quitter” goes into consideration as Arum chooses an opponent. As a fan of boxing, it is very evident to see how economics rule boxing and how that is interpreted in a match up. It is also eye-opening to see how fighters are chosen for a boxing match. In the jungle the lion goes after the weak. When boxing is ruled by business men, promoters, one can easily see what calculated risks are involved. How can one remain profiting and stable? One can beef up PPV numbers by choosing a fighter with a name, a strong minority following, an attitude to sell a fight and the kicker could be he is “old”. The idea and passion held by fans has little sway in the workings of making a professional fight. It is remarkable some times when there is a lot on the line for each fighter. Recently, two young fighters fought and it was great for the sport of boxing. That fight of course was Berto vs. Ortiz. Obviously, that was a calculated risk gone wrong.