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Calzaghe, a super middleweight champion for 10 years, last month moved up to light heavyweight and defeated Bernard Hopkins via split decision. The undefeated Calzaghe (45-0, 32 KOs) is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. But Calzaghe, 36, has said he is not going to be fighting much longer. A fight between him and Pavlik would be huge.
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"That would obviously be the biggest meaningful fight for Pavlik," Arum said.
Switching gears to Pacquiao-Diaz, questions abound. Is this a competitive fight? Sure, Diaz is the champion and Pacquiao is moving up in weight. But Pacquiao has had difficulty making the 130-pound junior lightweight limit. And whereas some who move up have difficulty maintaining their power, it's doubtful that will be the case with Pacquiao.
Moreover, it would not be surprising if he were even more powerful at 135. If that's the case, it doesn't seem like Diaz stands much of a chance. The current odds have him listed at about a 3½-1 underdog.
But this fight is on pay-per-view. And Arum has to sell it. He said that Pacquiao moving up in weight is just one of many things to consider in handicapping this fight between two more of his fighters.
"And he's fighting a guy who is like a mirror image of his style, who doesn't give ground, who throws a million punches," Arum said. Like Pacquiao, Diaz is a southpaw. "It's almost like he's fighting himself."
Just then, Pacquiao walked by our table at the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown L.A. We sat him down and asked him about fighting at 135. He will be trying to become the first Asian to win world titles in four weight classes.
"It's not hard to move up to 135 pounds," Pacquiao said. "I'm very comfortable at this weight and feeling stronger."
Pacquaio was wearing that smile that only goes away when he's in the ring wreaking havoc.
As for Diaz, he made a prediction of sorts during his time on the dais.
"Manny Pacquiao is one of the best fighters, pound-for-pound, right now," Diaz said. "So to step into the ring with him is also an honor and it's a test for me to prove to myself because I know a lot of writers out there don't really believe in me.
"So I know I have to believe in myself in order to be victorious. ... I have nothing but the utmost respect for him and for (Pacquiao's trainer) Freddie Roach as well. But I plan on keeping the WBC lightweight championship. I'm sorry to tell you guys that. Especially to the Filipino people, I'm sorry."
One thing's for sure, even if the fight isn't competitive, it's going to be exciting. Just like all of Pacquiao's fights.
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