MANILA, Philippines – A key official of Showtime, which holds the rights to air Floyd Mayweather’s fights, said network issues remain unresolved in finalizing a super fight with Manny Pacquiao.
This is contrary to the claim by Top Rank chief Bob Arum that Showtime and HBO – to which Pacquiao is connected – have found common ground, paving the way for the staging of the megabuck match on May 2.
Stephen Espinoza, vice president of sports for Showtime, took to Twitter to deny that the TV issues have been resolved. ESPN.com's Dan Rafael echoed Espinoza's declaration.
Making progress, but neither boxers/promoters nor networks have a deal yet. "@Lovera4: any progress being made or is this going nowhere?"
— Stephen Espinoza (@StephenEspinoza) February 6, 2015 Nope. "@larrymarket: let me guess. @HBO & Arum say done deal. @SHOsports & Espinoza say not true. Sound about right?" pic.twitter.com/ZhfeoeHuHi
— Stephen Espinoza (@StephenEspinoza) February 6, 2015 In a report by The Associated Press, Arum said the two rival networks have come to terms on airing the Mayweather-Pacquiao showdown on pay-per-view.
"We had four issues and we resolved two," said Arum, who promotes Pacquiao. "Now we're working on resolving the other two. Unless something else comes up at the last minute, that's what my take is."
Espinoza, for his part, insisted there’s no deal yet.
"There are a few significant issues remaining on both the fighter side and the network side of this deal," Espinoza said. "While we are optimistic, it's a bit premature to say that the networks are in total agreement."
Pacquiao has reportedly agreed to every demand by Mayweather, including a 60-40 purse split in favor of the undefeated American. But network issues remain a roadblock to the fight being sealed. – With report from AP