Handlers mum but US website confirms Pacquiao-dela Hoya fight okay
MANILA, Philippines â The silence is good. Just trust the handlers of Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya. The negotiating teams of both fighters remained mum about a de la Hoya announcement to be made Thursday (Friday, Manila time). ESPN.com confirmed that it would be about the Pacquiao-de la Hoya fight which was finally, finally signed and sealed. And on December 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the blockbuster bout will be delivered. âI made a commitment that I wouldnât say anything and that ⦠there would be an announcement," Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum told ESPN.com boxing writer Dan Rafael. Richard Schaefer also did not confirm anything except saying that he and Arum were âable to revive the deal." âThe fact that it has been so quiet is a good sign," de la Hoyaâs Golden Boy Promotions CEO said. Freddie Roach, a fierce advocate of the Battle Royale, has been optimistic about the megabuck fight from the get-go. He told Rafael that Pacquiao left him a voice-mail message Wednesday morning. âHe left me the messages and at the end of one of them, he said, âThanks for all your help,â" Roach said. âI read that as the fight is done." Negotiations came to a stalemate just last week after the two fighters refused to give in to each otherâs pay-cut demands. How the prize money, which has been estimated to reach $100 million, will be split has not been bared. âIâm not allowed to make any comments. Everything will be clear on Thursday," Arum added. â GMANews.TV