Pacquiao vs. Mayweather: Money's Grandstanding Is Perfect Negotiating Tactic

Ever since Manny Pacquiao earned a controversial victory over Juan Manuel Marquez, all the talk has been about who he will fight next and if the much-anticipated superfight with Floyd Mayweather will finally happen. Given Mayweather's constant badgering on the Internet, Pacquiao won't have a choice but to take the fight. 

In a video interview with FightHype, Mayweather unloaded on Pacquiao for dodging the May 5th date that "Money" has set up for his next fight, and he wants the world to know that Pacquiao is worried about this fight because of his performance against Marquez. 

In addition to Mayweather doing his best to prove that it is Pacquiao ducking the fight, Bob Arum says that he is talking with investment groups that want to make the superfight happen (via BlackSportsOnline.com)

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Top Rank big boss Bob Arum disclosed on Sunday he is holding talks with at least two investment groups keen on staging the megabuck match between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather – boxing’s premier attractions. Arum said Pacquiao’s adviser.

Mike Koncz is also involved in the negotiations, confirming a statement made by the Filipino fighter late last week that something is going on in efforts to stage the mouth-watering clash between the two leading claimants to the mythical title of pound-for-pound king.

What tickles Arum’s fancy is the fact that the same group “is also in talks with Mayweather.”

“Mayweather is going solo,” said Arum, noting that the Oscar De La Hoya-owned Golden Boy Promotions (GBP) is not involved in the on-going discussions.

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The fact that Golden Boy Promotions is not handling any potential negotiation is a positive because Pacquiao's crew at Top Rank does not like working with them. 

Plus, the fact that Mayweather is making all of these statements in a public forum for anyone to see puts all the pressure on Pacquiao. Even if Mayweather is insincere in saying that he wants to fight Pacquiao, at least he is putting on a show for all of us. 

Pacquiao is the fan favorite, and he has to be the one to issue the challenge if he wants to keep his sterling reputation. But with Mayweather throwing down the gauntlet, he has taken all the power away from Pac-Man. 

Mayweather might say and do a lot of things that people don't agree with, but the one thing that he can't be accused of is being stupid. He is a great businessman that is going to do what is in the best interest of his career and wallet. 

Now, with Pacquiao's back to the wall, Mayweather is doing all he can to knock him down to get him to sign a contract for May 5th.