Bob Arum says Oscar de la Hoya has GBP majority, Macau anxious to host next Manny Pacquiao fight in November

A few days ago it was reported that Bob Arum of Top Rank Promotions and Oscar de la Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions had been finally talking despite the last several years of no meaningful interaction. There was also mention that De la Hoya was fond of matching his star Canelo Alvarez with Arum's meal-ticket Manny Pacquiao. Arum admits that it's all talk for now, but does acknowledge that the two promotional giants are talking again.

Nick Glongco of the Manila Bulletin spoke with Arum, who had this to say:

"Yes, we’ve been talking," said Arum from his Las Vegas home. "It’s just talk but the important thing is we’re talking (now).

Arum was also questioned about his relationship with Golden Boy's Richard Schaefer. Arum and Schaefer have antagonized each other over the years, and there doesn't appear to be any softening of the edges between the two. But Arum states that Oscar is the man with the most power at Golden Boy.

"Oscar has the majority say," said Arum.

One more thing Arum discussed was the location of Manny Pacquiao's next fight, scheduled for November according to the report. He claims the Venetian in Macau wants to host it, which would be the second time Pacquiao has fought in Macau if it does go through.

"I had a long talk with them last night and they want the fight there," said Arum.

I doubt the Pacquiao - Canelo fight ever comes to fruition, but the fact that Arum and Oscar are talking is an extremely positive sign for the sport of boxing and its fans. After a few years of nothing significant happening, it does feel like the recent talks between the two have been more sincere, practical. As crazy as the power figures in boxing are, it wouldn't surprise me if they're back at each other's throats tomorrow. But, for now, I am more hopeful than at any time in the past few years that the Cold War may at least have a temporary ceasefire.