Arum flies to RP to seal the deal

MANILA – Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. has reportedly given the go signal to hold a face-off against Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao next year.

According to Dan Rafael of ESPN.com, multiple sources said Mayweather acceded to terms for a welterweight title fight. The bout will reportedly be fought at 147 lbs.

Pacquiao, the WBO welterweight champion, is the pound-for-pound king while Mayweather is the No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter in the Ring Magazine rankings.

Top Rank Promotions big boss Bob Arum left the US Tuesday night to meet with Pacquiao in the Philippines.

Arum has been negotiating with Mayweather’s representative, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. They have remained tightlipped on the status of their negotiations.

March or May

The ESPN.com report added that Mayweather is allegedly amenable to the proposed fight dates of March 13 and May 1.

Arum earlier told The Los Angeles Times that the fight schedule depends on Pacquiao’s congressional bid in Sarangani Province.

“If he has to run against an opponent, then he'll have to start campaigning for the May 10 election on March 25… If that's the case, then Mayweather would have to be willing to fight March 13,” Arum told the Times.

Pacquiao and his opponent, Roy Chiongbian, filed their certificates of candidacy (CoC) Tuesday.

The Top Rank head honcho also revealed that he, Mayweather and “many others” would rather hold the fight on May 1.

Stadium or arena

The venue of the blockbuster fight is still up in the air.

Las Vegas, the Fight Capital of the World, is an option as the MGM Grand Garden Arena hosted some fights of Pacquiao and Mayweather, including their recent clashes.

Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 knockouts) defeated Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto by technical knockout in Round 12 in November 14. The undefeated Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) edged Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez via unanimous decision in September 19.

Arum also disclosed that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is interested to host the fight in his stadium. Another option is the Superdome in New Orleans.

Other foes

Should the Pacquiao-Mayweather deal fizzle, other boxers are reportedly lined up for the boxing superstars.

Arum mentioned a possible clash pitting Pacquiao against WBA super welterweight champion Yuri Foreman. This would make it possible for Pacquiao to exceed his seven-division world record.

Mayweather, on the other hand, could face Matthew Hatton, the younger brother of Ricky whom Mayweather and Pacquiao both defeated.