Arum: No hurry to mount Pacquiao-Mayweather

MANILA, Philippines - Bob Arum is in no hurry to make Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather happen.

Following great anticipation of some solid news regarding the superfight, the ageless chief of Top Rank Promotions yesterday said that if it ever happens, it could happen in the latter part of 2012.

“It doesn’t necessarily have to be May 5th,” Arum told The Examiner.

One of Pacquiao’s advisers, Wakee Salud, yesterday said it could happen in October.

“If Floyd wants to fight Pacquiao, maybe another day is preferable, given the fact that Pacquiao had a serious cut in the last fight, so there is no magic in May 5th, but there is magic in Pacquiao-Mayweather fight,” Arum added.

Pacquiao is just coming off a tough 12-round decision over Juan Manuel Marquez, and the other night he still carried the scar of the brutal bout over his right eye.

Mayweather, the undefeated American, had announced weeks back that he’d be returning to action on May 5, following a quick demolition of Victor Ortiz last September, and said he was hoping to fight the “little fella.”

This fueled speculations that Mayweather wants Pacquiao next, and the Filipino superstar and pound-for-pound champion himself said he wants the fight to happen.

News kept coming that negotiations are on between Pacquiao and Mayweather, and Pacquiao’s chief adviser, Mike Koncz, even paid the 34-year-old American a visit in his gym in Las Vegas two weeks ago.

Pacquiao then said “only the small things” are being worked on regarding highly awaited showdown with Mayweather, but the other night he hinted about other possibilities.

“We’re still working on my next fight. It could be Mayweather, Marquez or (Timothy) Bradley,” he told Manila scribes.

Pacquiao’s statement should put a halt to all the excitement that his next fight is the one everybody wants to see.

“Wala pa (Nothing yet),” he said.

Boxing scribe Michael Marley even mentioned the possibility of Mayweather taking on Miguel Cotto next, and it was also written that Pacquiao may face Cotto in a rematch.

“Nobody has a date for anything. That’s nonsense. The question is if Floyd Mayweather-Pacquiao fight can be arranged,” Arum told The Examiner.

“(The) Public wants that fight and certainly we at Top Rank want that fight. Manny wants that fight and I believe Floyd wants that fight, so why wouldn’t I be optimistic,” Arum also said.

Suddenly, everything is up in the air.