Bob Arum “The majority of the American population is rooting for Manny”

1
1260

Bob Arum Manny PacquiaoBob Arum, the founder and CEO of Top Rank, and the promoter of eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, feels that American boxing fans will overwhelmingly support the Filipino superstar in his upcoming clash against Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It’s going to be a tall task, given that Mayweather is the American fighter. However, Pacquiao’s style has proven to be more liked by the judges. Pacquiao has drawn relatively similar PPV numbers to Mayweather, with the exception of his bouts in China against Brandon Rios and Chris Algieri, respectively. A reason for that is simply fights outside of the United States in today’s economy are not as marketable as fights inside the states. While Pacquiao-Algieri only did 350,000 buys, I imagine it would have snagged 550,000 buys easily.

Mayweather-Pacquiao will feature a variety of fans. Every boxer will have a fan base that are like ideologues in both political parties. They will support their guy no matter what happens. Then, we have fans who love and study the sport for a living. Some will be fascinated by Pacquiao’s speed, footwork, and combination punching. Others will be in awe of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s defensive mastery. With that being said, both men are amongst the all-time greats in the sport. In an interview with Sky Sports News HQ, Arum concurred on that point.

“Both guys are rated among the all-time greats whoever wins,” Arum said.

“If Pacquiao wins, it’s a significant victory for Filipinos and a lot of people in the US. Most Americans you would think would be rooting for Mayweather, but the contrast is true. The majority of the American population is rooting for Manny.”

Arum could be hitting on something. According to an ESPN report released on April 3, Mayweather’s odds to beat Manny Pacquiao fell to minus-180 in MGM’s sportsbook. At one point, Mayweather’s odds to win were at minus-275.

I don’t necessarily believe that Pacquiao will be more supported by the Americans come May 2, but I can see the Filipino fans being louder. Pacquiao has become a symbol of hope and prosperity in his country. Growing up poor, Pacquiao used to sell stolen cigarettes on the streets of his city. Now, he is one of the most revered gentlemen of his nation.
If there is anyone that can beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. right now, it’s Manny Pacquiao.

The blueprint to beat Mayweather is out there, but no one has mastered the physical advantages to take down the undefeated pound-for-pound king. Given his height and reach disadvantage, Pacquiao is going to have to bring the fight to Mayweather. If he finds success, this could force Mayweather to fight out of his comfort zone and be more aggressive on the inside, which could play right into Manny Pacquiao’s back pocket.
How do you think the fight will end? I see it coming down to a majority decision. Either way, it’s going to be controversial, and it will beg for another record-breaking fight.