Angry promoter hints at move to escape Trump

Legendary American boxing promoter Bob Arum says he is looking forward to visiting New Zealand to escape his ’’devastation’’ at the result of the United States presidential election.

Arum promotes Andy Ruiz, who will fight Joseph Parker for the WBO heavyweight title in Auckland on December 10.

That date can’t come fast enough for Arum who is stunned by Donald Trump’s triumph.

Multi-millionaire Arum was speaking to New Zealand media from his Beverley Hills home in Los Angeles yesterday, just hours after hosting an election dinner where guests included TV star Judge Judy and singer-actor Bette Midler.

It was a result that none could digest. Arum revealed Midler left before dinner was served such was her disgust.

Arum himself happy.

‘‘You cannot believe what a bummer I’m on today with the results of this election,’’ Arum said.

Asked if he’s stay on in New Zealand, he half-joked: ‘‘I don’t know, I’m looking at Canada, I’m looking at New Zealand ... any place that doesn’t have a wall.’’

He was unsure what the ramifications would mean to his is far from beloved country.

‘‘I really don’t know. This is a man who is ill-equipped to be president. As an American we all have to pull together and just hope that we survive the next four years.

‘‘But to say that I’m despondent really just touches the surface. I’m just really devastated with the results of the election.’’

He believed the trip to New Zealand would be a breath of fresh air for him. It would come around celebrations for his 85th birthday.

This is a man who was the first promoter of Muhammad Ali and has continued to manage some of the biggest names in the game, including last weekend’s WBO welterweight title win by his current star Manny Pacquiao.

‘‘I’m really looking forward to doing a fight with Duco in New Zealand, particularly for a fight of this magnitude,’’ he said.

‘‘I’ve promoted fights in Australia and in most countries in Asia ... China, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand. But I’ve never had the opportunity to even visit New Zealand everybody says what a spectacular county New Zealand is.

‘‘Last night before we all had a funeral at our house we had people like Judge Judy here as guests. She had visited New Zealand about a year ago and told me what a great country it is and how much I would enjoy it.’’

Back to the topic of the election, Arum said he hadn’t spoken to Ruiz, a Mexican fighter, about the result but was sure he shared his disappointment.

‘‘Every Mexican and American that I met went to the polls to vote for Hillary,’’ Arum said.

‘‘I haven’t talked to Andy about the result of the election but I’m sure he won’t be pleased.’’

"I'm looking at Canada, I'm looking at New Zealand ... any place that doesn't have a wall." Bob Arum