During this conversation with Fight Hype, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum talks about what might be in store for Terence Crawford’s next outing, specifically in reference to Shawn Porter — who’s been very vocal about wanting the fight — and perhaps Manny Pacquiao.
Arum on Porter really wanting the Crawford fight
“Shawn’s father, Kenny, came to see us. He’s a lovely man and highly intelligent, and we’ve had preliminary discussions and let’s see if it can happen. And there’s also Manny Pacquiao who has said that he wants to fight Terence Crawford. Let’s see if that can happen. But as far as Crawford is concerned, he’s in a good position.”
On which opponent is most probable for Crawford
“Well, obviously Manny because there’s more money for Crawford in the Manny fight.”
On how he views the matchup between Crawford and Porter
“There’s no argument, I’m a big Shawn Porter fan. He’s a lovely kid, and he’s a very brave warrior, he’s a great athlete. He was a big football player in his youth, so I think he’s terrific. And nobody, nobody in the welterweight division who goes in with Shawn Porter gets an easy fight.
“I would hope to do (Crawford’s next fight) in late spring so that I could count on at least some spectators. I can’t keep doing these fights with no spectators. ... I talked with the governor of Nevada, he thinks we’re gonna be opening up slowly in May, beginning of May, certainly by June. You know, maybe we can do an Allegiance Stadium or T-Mobile or MGM Grand, 60-70%.”