Pacman-Floyd fight certain, says lawyer

MANILA, Philippines — There is still not a deal in place for the proposed May 2012 collision course between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather but the Filipino fighter’s lawyer remains upbeat that both parties are going to reach an agreement. In the words of Pacquiao lawyer Franklin Gacal, the planets appear to be aligning. “Mayweather is on our radar screen,” said Gacal. “As long as there is no computer glitch (the fight will happen).” Pacquiao himself said he wants Mayweather for his first fight in 2012 although he is not running away from Juan Manuel Marquez’s bold challenge after the Mexican pushed him to the limit in their third fight last Nov. 12 in Las Vegas. Several of Pacquiao’s allies have also voiced out the same opinion with Cebu promoter Wakee Salud going to the extent of saying the fight is “80 percent done” and ex-world champion Gerry Penalosa stressing that “issues are being ironed out.” Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum is also nursing hopes that a deal will be reached soon to prove that he also wants to see the fight happen. Arum said that in case an agreement is made, “everybody will be going over the moon” because of the magnitude of the fight. Even if the fight is going to be held in the US, the promoters and the fighters will travel the world to hype the duel many have dubbed as “Fight of the Century.” Pacquiao and Mayweather are considered the very best in the world and the only way to determine who is truly No. 1 is to let them face off in the ring.