Pacquiao/Alvarado a no go now?
After taking some heat over a possible Manny Pacquiao vs Mike Alvarado matchup it appears the fight may be in jeopardy of not taking place. At least not on April 14th as part of a a PPV doubleheader featuring Terence Crawford vs Jeff Horn for Horn’s WBO welterweight title.
Also recent reports have circulated saying that longtime trainer for Pacquiao, Freddie Roach, may be out and Buboy Fernandez may be in. Lance Pugmire reported that Roach told him that he hasn’t even talked to Pacquiao recently. Roach stated that he has called the Filipino superstar numerous times with no return call. Fernandez is the longtime assistant to Roach and also Pacquiao’s best friend.
3KingsBoxing.com reached out to Team Pacquiao in regards to both situations and received the customary “No comment at this time” from the Philippines. Not really surprising but it does lead a longtime journalist like myself to believe there is definitely some substance to these rumors.
We were able to get through to Top Rank, Pacquiao’s promoter, however and ask them. In regards to the situation with Roach both President Todd Duboef and CEO Bob Arum declined to comment on at this time. As far as the Pacquiao/Alvarado fight being pushed back or cancelled. Duboef and Arum played it close to the vest,
“Really all I can say at this time is we’re working through a bunch of stuff now and trying to put something together.” said Duboef.
“There’s some things we’re working out but we will make a final announcement in a couple of days. I can’t really talk about anymore than that right now.” Arum told 3KingsBoxing.com.
When asked about the Crawford/Horn fight and if it was still going to be on April 14th, Arum said “Absolutely, that one is done and ready. April 14th it’s happening.” He also said that fight is now being looked at for regular ESPN instead of PPV like previously mentioned.
Personally, I am good with no Alvarado fight for Pacquiao although I’m sure Alvarado and his team were really looking forward to the payday. It could still happen but we’ll see. One thing is certain, Arum and Team Pacquiao haven’t seen eye to eye on the last couple of fights. When Arum was all for Horn/Pacquiao prior to their respective fight, Pacquiao wanted Amir Khan. Arum got his way then as he usually does so one can only assume he may again.
By: Chris Henderson
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