Bob Arum is so confident he'll be able to get a deal done for a fifth fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez that he's staking his reputation on it, which is more fun than it is significant or anything like that.
Here's what Arum said recently:
"You understand, there is no fight that can be made for (Marquez) - and I'm his promoter - that can be anywhere close to what he would make from Pacquiao. Boxing is a business and he's going to do what is best for him and his family. Both of these guys are under contract to Top Rank. If I can't make the deal under those circumstances, then I don't deserve to be in the business."
Now, if Arum can't make a fight between the two -- and Marquez says he's not interested -- he's likely already got several reasons why he couldn't, and none of them will be him saying, "Gosh, I don't think I've got it anymore. Well, time to retire. It's been a great run, guys. Todd will be taking over in full at Top Rank."
Most of those reasons will probably involve Arum explaining how stupid Marquez is for turning down a lot of money. Of course, it's unlikely we'll ever get to hear the Bob stand-up special on Marquez, since the fight is probably going to happen.