Arum: Today we will take back boxing

By Karl Freitag
Photos: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Former world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 KOs) and WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas (27-1, 10 KOs) hosted a Los Angeles press conference Thursday to announce their November 5 pay-per-view clash in Las Vegas.

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum announced that Top Rank would be handling the pay-per-view distribution for the fight rather than a premium network. “Today is a historic moment because today we will take back boxing for the promotion, for the fighters,” said Arum. “Years ago in the 70s and 80s, Top Rank and other promoters distributed their own events on closed circuit and later pay-per-view. In the last 15, 20 years those events were distributed on premium networks at a charge to the fighters and promoters of 7.5% of the gross revenue. Well, that’s all changing now starting with this event on November 5.

“Top Rank Pay Per View will be distributing its own event. We have the capability in our staff to do that. After all, we’ve been creating the commercials, the posters, all the other elements into the promotion for many years. We will be distributing the event ourselves and we also want to say that if other promoters would like us to distribute their events we are available for a helluva lot less than 7.5% distribution fee. You’re going to see a great production, and you’re going to see an announcing team that will astound you.”

Pacquiao and Vargas were respectful in their comments.

Manny Pacquiao: This is my first fight since I was elected as senator and it’s an honor for me to challenge the champion in the 147 weight division, which is Vargas. I respect him because he’s the champion, he’s the beltholder of 147. It’s a big challenge for me to get that belt again to prove I can still manage serving the people and being a boxer.

Jessie Vargas: I know that I’m the underdog in this fight? But what’s changed? Let’s be honest. The media has had me as the underdog so many times, but I came out victorious in all of them, and on one occasion I struggled but I found a way. I fight to the end…I am a two division world champion for a reason. On November 5, I plan to show that I’m the best in the division. And any other titleholder that wants to challenge me, I want them to know that I’m the real deal.