It is possible that HBO is concerned about the card’s effect on the sales of the upcoming Andre Ward-Sergey Kovalev fight on Nov. 19 which is barely two weeks before the Pacquiao-Vargas fight. Or it could be the possible low pay-per-view buys of the match as it would be Vargas’ first major PPV fight.
But boxing insiders say the reason for the looming Arum-HBO fallout could have something to do with the highly talked-about Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch.
“If Mayweather wants to return, Manny is ready, assuming he beats Vargas,” Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum told the Times Wednesday from the Philippines, where he met with Pacquiao.
Keith Idec in his article on Boxing Scene explored many angles in the looming HBO-Arum fallout including a possible collaboration with HBO rivals Showtime and ESPN.
“For Arum, both ESPN and Showtime are attractive alternatives to HBO as Pacquiao pay-per-view distributors due to the expansive reach those networks offer for selling fights through respective sister networks ABC (ESPN) and CBS (Showtime).” Idec said.
Boxing fans know that the Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch is bound to happen in 2017 or before they both say goodbye to boxing for good.
While Mayweather has not officially confirmed his ring return, he said he may fight again if the price is right. Boxing fans know that no one else among his challengers can deliver the kind of money that he wants to make for his comeback fight.
“For the right price, I may come back.” said Mayweather. Read more:
Arum is expected to announce his plan on how the fans can watch the Pacquiao-Vargas fight after pulling out Pacquiao from HBO pay-per-view coverage.
Pacquiao is set to travel to the US to promote the fight on Sept. 8 and it is possible that Arum will make the announcement with Pacquiao during the media day in Los Angeles.
