Bob Arum admits Pacquiao swayed by big money in Dubai

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum says that despite his original plans to have Manny Pacquiao fight Jeff Horn in Australia, Pacquiao received a huge offer to fight in the UAE which has gotten his full attention.

“What’s happening is that Manny is talking to these people in Dubai who have offered him an insane amount of money. Whether (the offer) is real or not real — he is determined to explore it to see if it has any validity. That’s all I can say.”

Pacquiao’s advisor, Michael Koncz, is also looking squarely at the money offers, which essentially rules out a Pacquiao fight Down U`nder...

“When Bob said it will happen there I asked him what you are talking about? A promoter works for the boxer but the boxer doesn’t work for the promoter.

“We have had a successful bond with him but Manny is the boss.”

Pacquiao is anticipated to begin the first leg of his farewell world tour in April, but he’s going to need to secure an opponent and venue in short order to make that a viable time frame. Pacquiao recently put out a poll for fans to vote on his next opponent, with Amir Khan winning by a considerable margin.