Bob Arum On Working With Others on ESPN
By Steve Kim
This Saturday night from the Microsoft Theater on ESPN, WBO super featherweight titlist, Vasyl Lomachenko, faces Miguel Marriaga. There is a lot of talk of a future showdown between Lomachenko and current WBC lightweight belt-holder, Mikey Garcia (who's coming off his definitive victory over Adrien Broner this past weekend on Showtime). It would certainly be among the most anticipated match-ups for hardcore boxing fans that could be made.
The problem is that not only did Garcia sue to leave Top Rank a few years ago, he's now aligned with Al Haymon and the PBC. Garcia has expressed interest in facing the talented Ukrainian.
So could the two worlds collide given the politics that exist?
Would any fighter on that side of the street accept an offer to fight on ESPN, where Top Rank has a new deal?
Bob Arum, the head of Top Rank told BoxingScene.com a few week ago at a press conference to formally announce Lomachenko-Marriaga:
"They'll either jump or not jump, we hope to make it enticing enough that they do and certainly the English fighters will be amenable to it. Al Haymon is a manager so if the deals are good enough, I think his fighter will certainly take part - why wouldn't they?
"As far the other promoters are concerned, they have to speak for themselves."
On August 19th in Lincoln, Nebraska, another Top Rank client, Terence Crawford, takes on Julius Idongo (who is handled by Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport) in a fight for the WBO, IBO, WBA, WBC, IBF titles to determine the undisputed junior welterweight champion. This event will be televised on ESPN.
