Arum On Why Donaire-Mares Didn't Happen

Bob Arum talked to TSS about why, in his eyes, we haven't seen and perhaps aren't likely to see a showdown between Nonito Donaire, his guy, and Abner Mares, who fights for Top Rank.

Mares is an excellent fighter, he said today at Madison Square Garden for the final Donaire-Rigondeaux presser, and his manager, Frank Espinoza, is a cool guy. Arum said he offered Mares “three times” what he's been making for recent fights, over a million dollars, and Espinoza was keen to take it but Richard Schaefer nixed it. Arum explained that it only makes sense for that bout to land on HBO, since HBO put Donaire on four times in 2012, and that platform helped him win BWAA fighter of the year. “It's appropriate for Mares to come to HBO,” he said. Now, as we know, that offer was made two months ago, before HBO said they wouldn't buy Golden Boy fights, so I'd guess the fight is even less likely to occur moving forward.

Arum said he didn't ask for any options on Mares. “That would be wrong,” he said. “But if Mares wins, he can go back and fight on Showtime. The manager said yes.” Arum said he thought he could figure this out, even though he knows we are all living in a brand new world, with promoters warring and networks feuding, but no.

I have a call in to Schaefer, seeking comment if he cares to counter or clarify his stance or recollection.

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