Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, furious over a dispute about ticket allocation, told media members that he wasn't sure if there would still be a fight on May 2 between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. On Wednesday when asked if the fight was in jeopardy Arum told Yahoo Sports "I don't know any more. I've never been in this area before."
Per Yahoo Sports, there was no agreement finalized regarding an allotment of tickets and rooms to promoters, and how the split would go between the promoters and the MGM Grand, where the fight is being held.
"Fight?" he said in a thunderous tone. "We've got nothing. They're [the MGM] going around saying, 'The fight, the fight, blah, blah, blah,' but they got nothing. They have no contract. Nothing. We haven't even seen a draft. ... What is happening now is absolutely intolerable. For the MGM to think that everything is resolved and so forth, when nobody has even discussed terms, is the most insane thing ever."
Later after Yahoo's story was published, Arum put in a call and said he had received a contract and sent it to his lawyers for review. Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe insists that the fight was never at stake in this matter, and it was merely Arum throwing a fit because he is not the primary promoter for this fight. In an effort to quell the storm, Ellerbe explained his point of view while making sure to compliment Arum as well.
"This is typical Bob," Ellerbe said. "He has in his possession a draft term sheet with all the deal points. I have been in communication with him and have updated him every step along the way on what is going on and getting his feedback, etc.
"I think he's a terrific promoter, and I want you to write that, if you will. He is without a doubt, a great promoter. But he's also known for erupting when he doesn't get his way and the reality is setting in that he's not the lead promoter."
[Yahoo]
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