Bob Arum is saying that a deal to put Mayweather-Pacquiao together for May 2nd is expected to be wrapped up by the end of this week.
"According to everybody, it seems we are moving towards a fight. But, you never know."
"I cannot assure you that it's gonna happen, but certainly with this development in Miami and from what I know about the finalization of papers and everything, I have to be optimistic. And I know that everybody that I deal with like Les Moonves of CBS and HBO's Richard Plepler are all very positive of making this happen. There are no issues that I can see that mean anything."
"I think everything is positive and hopefully, if everything keeps going well, we'll get it wrapped up by the end of the week," Arum said. "Do I know for sure? No. But I'm an optimist."
Arum also mentioned that the network issues between HBO and Showtime have been solved (by his account two weeks ago). When asked about whether or not he thought it was unusual for Mayweather and Pacquiao to get together at a hotel after the Miami Heat game to discuss the deal, Arum responded that he's seen it happen plenty of times. Then when asked about Mayweather's and Alex Ariza's claims that he was standing in the way of the fight, Bob responded with the following:
"If anybody blames me for wanting to stop the fight, they must be absolutely crazy. Nobody has worked harder than I have to make the fight. Anybody who is involved will tell you that," said Arum, who added Top Rank will be a co-promoter of the fight with Mayweather Promotions and MP Promotions.
Ok folks, we look to be on the goal line here! You can all thank my unwavering certainty and support for this fight, which undoubtedly convinced both Floyd and Manny to get together to make it happen (never mind what I wrote about "with each passing day it looks less likely..."). If I were you, I'd start booking those flights and hotels now, before the official announcement. Just make sure they're refundable in case of a last minute meltdown. I, on the other hand, will be watching the fight from the comfort of my own couch, where I anticipate the best possible view.