Arum unsure anti-gay slur will work vs PPV

Top Rank Inc. chief Bob Arum said he is unsure whether the recent controversy surrounding Manny Pacquiao will influence reception for his upcoming fight with Timothy Bradley.

Arum was asked by Mitch Abramson of RingTV.com whether the controversy surrounding Pacquiao’s statement on same-sex couples will have an effect on the pay-per-view performance of the Bradley bout this April. “I have no idea,” was Arum’s reply. Pacquiao is bracing for his last fight against Bradley and will focus on politics thereafter, eyeing a seat in the Philippine senate.

But his recent inflammatory remark that people in same-sex relations are “worse than animals” has drawn the ire of many parties, including showbiz and even international sports personalities. Pacquiao has since apologized for the comment. As part of the backlash on Pacquiao, Nike on Thursday dropped the boxer from its roster of athlete endorsers.

Arum, for his part, isn’t ruling out the possibility that the controversy will fuel interest in the fight. He cited how US presidential candidate Donald Trump still gets support despite his controversial nature.

“I mean we live in a country – look at the number of people who support Donald Trump and the (expletive) that he says. Who knows anymore? How can you make a prediction (on the PPVs)?” said Arum, who also said he opposes Pacquiao’s views on gay marriage.

The veteran promoter added that he has spoken to Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz regarding the issue, aware that Pacquiao has already apologized. Arum said it’s the apology that matters now. “He (Koncz) said that Manny was contrite and he apologized. And he did make an apology and that’s it. What else can you do?”