SYMPATHETIC BOB ARUM TELLS FANS TO CUT MAYWEATHER SOME SLACK

“I mean, right now, I understand Floyd’s position, or I believe his position regarding Roger. I mean, we all know, we live in Las Vegas, you and I, we know this serious issue regarding Roger and I can understand Floyd delaying any plans for a future fight until there’s a resolution of the Roger situation. So, you know, once you understand that, how can you jump on the guy and start, you know, saying the same things as the last time,” stated promoter Bob Arum as he explained his belief as to why Floyd Mayweather is reluctant to accept their terms for a November 13 showdown with Manny Pacquiao. On serveral occassions, Arum, sounding surprisingly sympathetic, told the media and fans listening in to have some understanding for some of the current issues that Mayweather is dealing with, namely the upcoming assault case trial for his uncle and trainer, Roger Mayweather.

“I am sure, I am sure, without knowing, I am sure that there is a very, very good reason that Floyd Mayweather has for not committing to a fight at this time. I really and truly believe that. Now I’m speculating. One of the reasons could be the uncertainty regarding Roger Mayweather,” Arum explained as he theorized why Mayweather may have declined to respond by the deadline. Although he’s unsure of the actual reason for a lack of response, Arum is sympathetic to Mayweather an believes fans should be too.

“I think the boxing fans are going to be disappointed, but they have to realize, they have to cut Floyd Mayweather some slack. I mean, we know that his uncle is facing some difficulties in the courts in Nevada and I can see his reluctance to commit to a big fight with Manny Pacquiao without having the services of his uncle and if the boxing fans begrudge that, that’s really sad,” Arum continued. “I believe that people should be understanding. I mean, Floyd Mayweather is not saying that he’ll never fight Manny Pacquiao and Manny Pacquiao is not saying that if Floyd’s not available in November, Pacquiao’s not going to fight him. There’s always next year. It’s something that is bad for the Mayweather family and we all have to understand it.”

A stark contrast from comments made the first time the fight fell through, Arum seemed genuinely understanding, almost as if he were defending Mayweather, as he asked that the media not to be too harsh in their judgement of Floyd’s decision, or lack thereof. “I don’t think any of you guys should be too harsh on Floyd in this situation. I would have liked him to communicate, but, you know…the uncle has an effect. I mean, I would think, you know, putting myself in their shoes, I would feel a lot of reluctance going into this big fight without my trainer. And so, you know, we’re not going to know what the outcome of this criminal situation is for quite some time.”

Although it looks like the fight with Mayweather will not become a reality this year, Arum will now turn his focus towards a potenetial bout with either Antonio Margarito or a rematch with Miguel . Fans can at least still look forward to another scintillating performance from Pacquiao later this year.