Arum looking past Floyd for Pacquiao foe -- Manila Bulletin

By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin

There is life after Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

Sensing that Mayweather will decide to sit it out the rest of the year, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum is looking at the possibilities of bringing Manny Pacquiao either to an undisclosed Middle Eastern country or to Monterrey, Mexico, for a fight on November 13.

Arum told several media outlets on Monday that if Mayweather doesn’t give in to his ultimatum by this week, he will have no other choice but look elsewhere.

Arum declined to name the Arab country reportedly drooling to host a Pacquiao fight although he had ruled out the United Arab Emirates.

Being looked at as possible Pacquiao foes are Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto and Mexican Antonio Margarito.

Two weeks ago, Arum said everything’s been agreed to and that only the signature of Mayweather is lacking for him to make the formal announcement to the media and the public.

“The question is whether Mayweather will fight this year or next year,” said Arum.

Arum made it clear, though, that in the event Mayweather opts to take the year off, the offer to fight Pacquiao still stands.

A showdown in May 2011 between the leading welterweights and pound-for-pound kings has already been proposed.

Arum’s decision to dangle two alternatives is being seen as a ploy for Mayweather to issue an announcement.

Mayweather has been reluctant to react on Arum’s deadline the past three weeks.

Source: mb.com.ph