One possible conclusion is that Manny and his promoter, Bob Arum, are cashing out — Arum because he knows his top moneymaker is nearing the finish line, and Pacquiao because he is in desperate need of liquidity. Why else would he require large advances prior to his fights?
Manny Pacquiao, left, has fought the best opponents boxing could offer, with the exception of Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Although it’s always tempting to look for good guys and bad guys in such situations, it’s seldom that simple. Just as boxers’ fighting styles frequently mirror their outside-the-ring personalities, the way Pacquiao and Mayweather handle their business affairs is a reasonable reflection of who they are and what motivates them.
Pacquiao’s relentless and sometimes reckless aggression in the ring is replicated in the cavalier manner with which he conducts his commercial interests. Conversely, Mayweather’s judicious style of boxing, designed to minimize the possibility of danger by taking as few risks as possible, is matched by his savvy business acumen.