MANILA, Philippines - Top Rank chief Bob Arum said the highly anticipated Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. superfight could take place in November 2012 after the flamboyant unbeaten American fighter was sentenced 90 days in prison for a 2010 domestic violence case.
The earliest Mayweather could get out of prison is on the first week of March through good behavior. He had previously said he wants to return to the ring on May 5 although there may not be enough time for him to fight in May.
Meanwhile, the Examiner.com said Pacquiao, who had earlier expressed his willingness to settle for the smaller share of the purse to get the fight, is willing to fight Mayweather even in prison.
Of course, Pacquiao said it in jest, and if indeed he did that only shows how serious he is in making the fight happen in 2012.
With the jail term, talks of a Pacquiao-Mayweather superfight have once again come to a screeching halt although Arum said it could still be held late next year.
Again, Pacquiao said during his television game show he’s willing to fight Mayweather in prison.
It’s been done before.
American light-heavyweight James Scott fought 11 professional fights at the Rahway State Prison in New Jersey from 1978 to 1981.
He became a contender for the world title while in prison, and according to www.boxrec.com, he won nine of his 11 fights in prison.
Scott, however, was removed by the WBA from its rankings in 1979, saying he did not set “a good example” and that his opponents were at a disadvantage because they had to fight him in prison.
At least four of Scott’s prison bouts were covered and broadcast by NBC Sports, CBS Sports and HBO, according to Wikipedia.
Scott ended his boxing career with a loss to Dwight Braxton in September 1981, and finished with a record of 19 wins, two losses and a draw.