Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: Phone Call to Pacquiao Is Only a Publicity Gimmick

A member of Team Pacquiao who has to be with Manny Pacquiao almost everyday because of the nature of his work confirmed to this writer that indeed Floyd talked to Pacquiao over the phone yesterday.

But he said there was no confirmation of the fight happening on May 5.

Fight fans say Mayweather's unexpected call to Pacquiao is nothing else but a publicity gimmick to build up public awareness for his upcoming fight with an opponent not named Manny Pacquiao on May 5.

If Mayweather is indeed serious about facing Pacquiao in May, why did he not call Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter? For the longest time, the Filipino boxing star has said Arum is the right person to talk to with regards to his choice of opponents for the very simple reason that he is his official promoter.

Seemingly, Pacquiao's hands are tied because he is bound by a fighter-promoter contract which he previously signed with Arum. This could be one aspect that critics do not see when they criticize Pacquiao for not being able to choose opponents.

Of course, Pacquiao will entertain Mayweather's call, which was coursed through Pacquiao's adviser Michael Koncz (via MLive.com). But the fact is: Pacquiao cannot decide for himself because he has a contract with his promoter to make legal arrangements for his fights.

Since Mayweather claims he is his own man—meaning he can decide on his own without necessarily obtaining permission from Golden Boy Promotions, who usually assists him in the promotional aspect of his recent fights—he could have dialed Bob Arum's number and told him directly his real intention to fight Pacquiao in May.

But of course, telling fight fans that he has talked directly with Pacquiao to show his real desire to make the fight every fight fan in the world is eager to see, would definitely create a media firestorm than a call with Arum. 

Mayweather's phone contact with Pacquiao has made headlines in sports and boxing sites from around the world as fans anticipate the verdict for the world's most-awaited fight.

Whether or not the fight pushes through, Mayweather has once again shown his brilliance in seizing the moment to get the kind of publicity he needs for his next fight.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao has just been  recognized as “Man of the Decade” by People Asia in a ceremony Thursday night in Manila, according to ABS-CBN news.

The recognition was accorded to the fighting Congressman from the Philippines for his great contribution in the field of sports.