Chances of rematch in Manila dim because of prohibitive cost

If and when a rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez is held soon, chances of staging the fight, expected to be even bigger and richer than last Sunday’s, in the Philippines wouldn’t be that bright.

For one, local promoters will face a very difficult task of putting up the prize money in case those who handled the recent fight between the Filipino challenger and the Mexican champion decide to hold it outside the US.

Pacquiao, the people’s featherweight champion, and Marquez, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Association (WBA) titlist, are two of the hottest boxers in the world these days. They both command a high price.

For last Sunday’s classic match held at the 10,000-seat MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Pacquiao and Marquez, according to reports, received no less than $500,000 each. It was the biggest paycheck for both fighters.

Previous reports indicated a $1 million purse for Pacquiao, who came from humble beginnings in his hometown Gen. Santos City. But days before the fight, and for undisclosed reasons, a smaller amount was announced.

Drawing up the fight, dubbed "Moment of Truth" and which drew millions of viewers worldwide, were US boxing promoter Muhammad Murad of M & M Sports, for Pacquiao, and the illustrious Bob Arum, for Marquez.

Pacquiao received at least $350,000 for fighting and beating Mexican sensation Marco Antonio Barrera last November, and setting up the blockbuster fight against Marquez, an excellent counter-puncher.

After 12 rounds of non-stop action, which had Pacquiao knocking down Marquez in the opening round, Sunday’s fight ended in a split draw. As the Mexican kept his titles, the Filipino southpaw cried in disappointment, feeling he had won the bout.

Then the possibility of an early rematch was raised even before the telecast ended.

But there’s nothing definite yet on whether Marquez would call it or, if he does, where the fight would be held.

Whatever, a rematch is in order, and Pacquiao would love to fight Marquez before his countrymen.

But that would be so much easier said than done since a rematch would demand a bigger paycheck for both fighters—probably $1 million each or just a little less.

The price money alone would be enough to give local promoters a terrible headache.

Rod Nazario, Pacquiao’s business manager, had always wanted the Pacquiao-Marquez fight held in the country, but said he couldn’t even think of someone who has the guts to put it up for at least P60 million.

"I don’t want our local promoters to lose a lot of money," he said. "The price money alone… I don’t know if it can be raised. Sa boxers pa lang, malaking pera na, eh madami pang ibang malaking gastusin ‘yan. How much will the tickets cost?"

Observers say government participation is the only possible way to bring the fight to the country because it can use the fight as a vehicle to promote its tourism, and emerge a winner even without recovering the full cost.

Solid broadcasting rights and a sound marketing program should also play a vital role. But then again, it’s the government, meaning whoever becomes president, which will have to make the call.

It’s the government or nothing.