It Looks Like I’m Going to Have to Fight Oscar
Negotiations for an Oscar De La Hoya/Manny Pacquiao mega-fight have reached an impasse it was reported yesterday, and now it appears as if both fighters are moving on to other potential fights for the fall and winter. ↵↵The sticking point, predictably, was money. Oscar proposed a 70-30 split of the fight-purse with Pac Man, and Manny insisted on 60-40. Neither side was willing to budge, Pacquiao perhaps cutting off his nose to spite his face, because a 30% take of a fight from Oscar likely would be at least three times as much as he’s ever made for a single evening before, with his total numbers potentially reaching as high as 15 mill. ↵
↵↵But clearly pride is the issue for Sir Pac, and let’s face it – money is not exactly a major problem for the little Filipino who right now unanimously reigns as the pound-for-pound king of the sport. According to insiders, Oscar asserted that Pacquiao was not a bigger draw than Floyd Mayweather was when Oscar fought Floyd in May of ’07, and Floyd earned 30% of that purse. Pacquaio’s camp was having none of it, though, and insisted on a 60-40 split or nothing. ↵
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↵And so nothing it is, and though Manny seems to be forgoing a hell of a lot of money, Oscar is leaving a lot on the table as well, because word is that the next potential dance partner on his list is… Sergio Mora. For the farewell fight of his much ballyhooed career, Oscar De La Hoya is going to fight a mediocre Contender veteran? Man, the Golden Boy is not exactly the goose laying the golden eggs right now. And even that Mora fight has problems, because Sergio has a rematch with Vernon Forrest in September, a rematch of a fight that he barely won the first time around. No one in the boxing world will be surprised if Vernon the Viper manages to tame the Latin Snake in Spetember, which will leave Oscar up a certain creek without a paddle once again. ↵
↵↵It’s really an amazing phenomenon going on in boxing right now – no one wants to fight Oscar De La Hoya, the billionaire cash cow of the sport. I guess I’m going to have to put my name in the hat once again. Oscar, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I’m available – I checked my calendar and December 6th is open. I’m weighing in at about 165 now, but I’d gladly meet you at your preferred junior middle weight of 154. I’m a southpaw, but if I need to agree to fight in the conventional stance to get this deal done, I can do it. Also, you should be aware that I bring to the ring one quality that I know you’ve been seeking in an opponent for this farewell fight of yours – there is absolutely no way in hell that I will knock you out. Power punching is not my thing – I swarm, feel me? Punches in bunches is how Large rolls.↵
↵↵Finally, Oscar, you can rest assured that I am FINE with the 70-30 split, so call me yo and let’s do this.↵
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This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.
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