"How can I talk for Mayweather. I mean, as far as the Pacquiao fight is concerned with Mayweather, as much as a lot of people surrounding that would want it to happen, myself included, Manny included, Floyd Mayweather is reluctant to fight Manny Pacquiao, period. If people don't see that by now, they're never going to see," stated Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum while speaking to reporters during a conference call for the upcoming November 22 showdown between welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao and undefeated jr. welterweight champion Chris Algieri. Over the years, it's become common for reporters to ask questions about a potential Mayweather vs. Pacquiao showdown whenever either fighter is set to face a different opponent. It appears Arum, however, has grown tired of entertaining anymore questions about the potential mega-fight, claiming Mayweather is reluctant to make the fight despite the fact that no negotiations have taken place in over 3 years.
In fact, it appears that Arum has already lined up Pacquiao's next opponent without even bothering to revisit the negotiating table for a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao showdown. Recently, WBA jr. welterweight champion Jessie Vargas revealed that Arum informed him that he could be next in line to face Pacquiao. "I spoke to Bob myself and it's definitely a fight that could be up next, you know. First I have to look good, impress, and get that victory that I'm waiting for, you know, that we're expecting to get November 22nd," Vargas informed FightHype's Luis Sandoval. It's a move that makes sense for Arum given the comments of Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, who revealed that Pacquiao will likely be moving back down to the 140-pound division after his fight with Algieri.
That's assuming, of course, that Pacquiao comes out victorious on November 22. If he doesn't, then fans can expect to see Pacquiao in the ring with Algieri for a second time, further killing any chance of a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao showdown. "As far as if Chris Algeiri wins the fight for Manny Pacquiao, then there is a provision in the contract for a rematch. And if he then beats Pacquiao and beats Manny in a rematch and Floyd wants to fight him, that's not my business. That's up to Joe DeGuardia and it's up to the Mayweather camp," Arum explained.
[ Follow Ben Thompson on Twitter @fighthype ]