Manny Pacquiao Won't Face Adrien Broner in Next Fight, Says Bob Arum
The rumored showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner will not happen, as Top Rank Promotions CEO Bob Arum confirmed that they are not considering the reigning World Boxing Association super lightweight champion.
Michael Koncz, Pacquiao's adviser, recently confirmed that he indeed called Broner about the possibility of facing Pacquiao in his farewell fight on April 9 in Las Vegas.
However, Arum told BoxingScene that Broner is not on the list of possible opponent of Pacquiao in his next fight. He understands that Koncz also wants the best for Pacquiao, but Arum pointed out that they are also considering business factors, including the projected pay-per-view buys.
"Mike is trying to figure out the best thing for Manny and he's not as conversant in the pay-per-view like we are," Arum said. "We talk to all the distributors, to HBO and we figure out who is the best draw. We don't do this by the seat of our pants. But his idea was, 'Well, the kid has a big mouth,' but that doesn't sell pay-per-views."
Broner, who owns a 31-2 record with 23 knockout victories, is coming off an 11th-round knockout win against Khabib Allakhverdiev to take the WBA super lightweight title. Before his name was mentioned as Pacquiao's possible opponent, the Ohio native is being linked to a title defense against Ashley Theopane in February.
Arum added that he sees no reason to face Broner and that he has already talked to Koncz, agreeing that they should stick to their original choices.
"We had a real nice meeting with Michael and he understands," Arum continued. "So we're going with the original group and we'll see where it goes from there."
Reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Timothy Bradley is reportedly the frontrunner in the race to get a shot at Pacquiao in April. The 32-year-old California native is familiar with his Filipino rival, as they have already faced each other twice before.
Bradley, who has a 33-1-1 record with 13 knockout wins, took a questionable split decision victory in June 2012 to take the WBO welterweight title from Pacquiao. However, the Filipino boxing avenged the defeat with a unanimous decision win in April 2014.
Aside from Bradley, reigning WBO super lightweight champion Terence Crawford is also in the running, but his camp is reportedly looking to stage a title defense early next year. British boxer Amir Khan is also in consideration, but Arum has made it no secret that he is not too interested in picking the former world champion for Pacquiao's next fight.
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