If this battle is a boxing match, then Bob Arum has scored a mighty knockdown against promotional archenemy Oscar De La Hoya.
The Hall-of-Fame promoter yesterday finally convinced Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao to state his preference for Arum's Top Rank over De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotins (GBP) in their sulky promotional litigation.

Pacquiao made the announcement in a hastily called press conference at the Champagne Room of the historic Manila Hotel.

"We are here to announce that my new promoter is Top Rank," was the short but consequential statement of Pacquiao.

Joining Pacquiao in the main table were Arum, American agent Michael Koncz, Filipino lawyer Franklin Gacal and Filipino promoter Rex 'Wakee' Salud.

"We promise all the Filipino people that what we are going to do for Manny is going to be something special. Our goal is to make Manny Pacquiao a worldwide superstar," stated Arum.

Arum, who arrived in Manila then immediately proceeded to General Santos Tuesday morning, also announced an April 28 fight date for Pacquiao possibly against Mexican world champion Marco Antonio Barrera in Las Vegas .

Offer for Barrera

Arum disclosed that he will be offering Barrera and his promoter a $2.5 million dollar guaranteed purse plus a share of the Pay-Per-View earnings should the fight materialize.

Arum said he is willing to co-promote with De La Hoya if need be for the much-anticipated battle to happen.

"I don't have any animosity with Golden Boy," asserts Arum.

If Barrera and GBP decline their offer, Arum revealed Pacquiao will still fight on the same date against a still undetermined opponent which will be held in Macau , China .

"We've made arrangements for that fight and has given Manny a list of possible opponents for him to choose from," said Arum "and we've demonstrated to Manny that whether its Barrera or any other opponent in Macau, he will make as much in Macau or more as fighting Barrera in Las Vegas,".

GBP and Top Rank are currently entangled in a court case in the United States for the right to promote Pacquiao's upcoming fights.

Close call still

Arum acknowledged the fact that their case is still being litigated and chances are he still might lose to De La Hoya.

"I'm not naïve but there is always chance that our lawyer maybe wrong. If we lose we could be liable to Golden Boy for monetary damages," added Arum.

Arum, a product of Harvard Law School, assured that Pacquiao is indemnified in this case under their promotional tie-up and that Top Rank will be responsible for any financial risks that will beset the Filipino fighter in the ongoing case.

The court battle started after Pacquiao signed two promotional deals, first with De La Hoya in September, then with Arum immediately after his bout with Morales last November.

Arum expects his battle with De La Hoya to last the distance as the latter is reportedly bent in waiting for a resolution of the courts.

Arum is confident that they can win their case versus De La Hoya as they have in their fold well-known lawyer Daniel Petrocelli, a top litigator who once won a case against OJ Simpson.

Pacquiao meanwhile revealed he has already talked with American trainer Freddie Roach before the start of the press conference.

Pacquiao already informed Roach about his desire to side with Arum.

Roach, according to Pacquiao, still assured the Filipino fighter of his support.