Boxing | Bob Arum promotes bouts in HK, ‘where the people are’

Bob Arum

Boxing promoter Bob Arum was in Hong Kong to announce a three-fight deal with Rex Tso. The “Wonder Kid” fights promoted by Top Rank in the neighboring region should culminate with a chance at the world title in December. The unbeaten super flyweight Rex Tso will face regional opponents in the first two fights this year.
Arum is considered a legendary promoter, and has been involved in the career of major boxing stars like Muhammad Ali. In recent years, he promoted a series of fights at the Venetian
Macao’s Cotai Arena, featuring boxers including Manny Pacquiao, Zou Shiming and Brandon Rios, among many others.
Speaking at a press conference to announce the new Hong Kong deal, Mr Arum said that the decline in casino revenue in Macau has led him to opt for Hong Kong. “We thank Macau for hosting boxing and bringing it on a tremendous basis to this part of the world. But we know there is not the same appetite for events there as in prior years,” he said, cited by AFP.
“If you’re not going to get that type of support from the casinos in Macau, it is logical to bring the events to where the people are, and that’s Hong Kong,” he added.
During the press conference, the United States-­based promoter also said that he hopes that Manny Pacquiao may reconsider his decision to retire after the fight against Timothy Bradley. Arum said that he would “love” to see a rematch with Floyd Mayweather. But Pacquiao has maintained that he will step away from the ring after the third bout with Bradley which is scheduled for April.

zou fights in shanghai tomorrow

Bob Arum is currently in Shanghai, where Top Rank is promoting tomorrow’s fight between China’s Olympic hero and professional boxer Zou Shiming and Natan Coutinho (12-0, 10 KOs). The fight will take place at the Oriental Sports Center. Zou returns to fight for the vacant WBO International flyweight title after losing against IBF world champion Amnat Ruenroeng in Macau.