Boxingscene.com reports that Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim has offered a guaranteed $65 million purse to Pacquiao for a fight against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.Slim is allegedly negotiating now with Pacquiao’s team, including Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson.
Top Rank boss Bob Arum said that he will immediately contact Singson about the story.
“I saw the story and I don’t take it as gospel,” said Pacquiao’s promoter. “But Slim is one of the richest people in the world and Chavit, who I know so well, is a very serious guy.”
He added that he will call Singson on Monday.
According to Forbes.com, Slim made his fortune in telecommunications. He is said to be worth around $60 billion.
Pacquiao’s proposed opponent, Alvarez, is only 20 years old but carries a 36-0-1 win-loss-draw record.
Alvarez is being promoted by Golden Boy, which can cause some problems as Pacquiao is being promoted by Top Rank.
“Manny has the key third fight against Juan Manuel Marquez... and then we can discuss 2012,” said Arum. “I don’t know when Manny will want to fight next year.”
Arum said that Pacquiao may stick to a May and November schedule for his bouts, but it was ultimately up to the Filipino fighting congressman.
