Oscar de la Hoya's CEO Richard Schaefer has quit Golden Boy Productions. Rumored to take his place is promoter Bob Arum. But is Arum taking over such a good idea in a post Sterling/Broner world? The veteran boxing promoter knows the biz, but he might be slipping with age. Arum recently said in an interview that there is a specific way to do business with Mexicans. With all the racist comments flying around these days, even if what he meant wasn't intended to be disrespectful, you have to speak more thoughtfully. Everyone is listening.
When in a recent interview Arum mentioned that he prefers a certain negotiation style when dealing with Mexicans (via TMZ):
"Arum was talking with reporters recently about the chances of setting up a fight between one of his guys and Mexican boxing superstar Juan Manuel Marquez.
"That's when Arum uttered those words you know spell trouble ... 'Ya gotta know, I don't wanna be racist ...'
"Ultimately, Arum's explanation actually makes sense -- it's not like he's Donald Sterling or anything -- but there was probably a better way to make his point."
The relatively mild controversy likely won't be enough to derail his plans to take Richard Schaefer's place at the head of Golden Boy. No statement has been made yet regarding the reason for Schaefer's departure, but Arum insists it was not a shakedown (via Daily News):
"There is lots of speculation as to why Schaefer left. And there will be lots more information forthcoming. Arum did dispel the notion that when De La Hoya proclaimed not long ago he wanted to mend ways with him and again have their two companies do business, therefore putting an end to boxing's perceived 'cold war,' Schaefer got ticked and got out of Dodge.
"'That was ridiculous,' Arum said. 'That's not true.'"
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