Arum: “Manny Pacquiao Agrees To Terms For Mayweather Fight

The fight has not been signed yet, but when the Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Vs. Manny Pacquiao megafight takes place — if it does — the venue where the two welterweight champions will clash is now known. In fact, according to sources speaking on anonymously to the media this week, most details of the agreement between the fighters have now been worked out — and a contract making the long-awaited fight a reality could be signed within seven to ten days.

The Los Angeles Times newspaper quoted a secret source identified only as “a boxing official” delivering what, if accurate, would be the most encouraging news so far to come out of the seemingly endless negotiations for the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight, which opened in 2009.

Back then, plans for the fight fell apart when Mayweather insinuated that the Filipino ring icon — who won his first world title in 1999 in the 112-pound weight class — achieved his startling success at weights up to 147 pounds with the aid of performance-enhancing drugs.

When Pacquiao would not agree to Mayweather’s demands for strict drug testing protocols, the planned megafight, which at the time would have featured both fighters at the height of their abilities, collapsed.

Pacquiao at age 36, Mayweather at age 37, and both fighters closing in on the final curtain of their respective Hall of Fame careers, details of a drug testing program for the fight have been settled, the “boxing official” told the Times.

The fighters have also come to an agreement on where the fight will be held, and their decision comes as no surprise. If or when Mayweather and Pacquiao fight, they’ll lace on the gloves on the Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Mayweather, who also makes his home in Las Vegas, has fought his last 10 consecutive fights in that arena and hasn’t fought anywhere else since defeating Carlos Baldomir at another Las Vegas venue, the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, in November of 2006.

But the fight will not simply be a “home game” for Mayweather. Manny Pacquiao has fought eight of his last 12 bouts at the same arena, and always attracts a sizable contingent of fans from the Phillippines and Filipino-Americans to the MGM Grand.

The Times also quoted the boxing official as saying that though the talks are “making progress,” time is of the essence and a contract is likely to be signed within a week to 10 days, to ensure that the Floyd Mayweather, Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao superfight can take place in May or June.

Boxing promoter Bob Arum has reportedly said Manny Pacquiao has agreed to terms for a fight with Floyd Mayweather, according to Yahoo Sports. Arum said Mayweather’s representatives have agreed to the deal and are only waiting on Mayweather to approve the terms as well.

The bout would take place on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and Mayweather would have a 60/40 split of the purse, according to the report.

“I want to get some movement here, with bringing Mayweather to the table so we can go out and get everything signed and get the networks together and get the thing finished,” Arum told Yahoo Sports Tuesday.

Arum went on to say he is trying to prevent similar events from preventing the mega fight that have in the past.

“The point is that I don’t want what happened the other times to happen again,” Arum said. “I want this fight to actually happen. I want everybody to make a lot of money on the fight. I want the public to be satisfied. And I think it will be a terrific event. That’s what I want, and I’ve done everything in my power to make that happen.”

Arum also noted the ball is now in Mayweather’s court to get this done.

“I think Manny has been very reasonable and demonstrated that he wants the fight to happen. Now, we’re waiting on Floyd. That’s not to say that Floyd has been obstinate, that Floyd won’t do it, but we’re waiting on him.”