Arum had announced his intention to put the clash to Lomachenko and his representatives, with the Ukrainian’s manager Egis Klimas immediately refusing to even entertain the idea.
Lomachenko’s father and WBN Trainer of the Year Anatoly then rebuffed Arum’s offer leaving the potential catchweight contest effectively dead in the water.
Despite the adverse reaction from Team Lomachenko, Arum won’t give up on eventually getting Pacquiao v Lomachenko over the line.
“It’s not realistic because Lomachenko’s father turned the fight down because he didn’t want Lomachenko to go up two weight classes for the fight,” Arum told Boxing Talk.
“The fight will eventually happen I think, but (Pacquiao) will not fight Lomachenko next.”
Speaking to Balitang America, Arum outlined possible plans for Pacquiao to fight in New York with an opponent twist he wouldn’t yet reveal.
“We certainly have the plans and who the opponent is but I’m not going to say it until Manny approves it and maybe we are looking for a possibility of doing something very, very unique for Manny.
“Something that he would love because he mentioned it to me at one time and that is to fight in the Madison Square Garden in the big garden and in the big stage,” said the promoter.
Fans were certainly on board with the idea of Lomachenko facing Pacquiao at a weight of around 137 pounds, although with the latter’s age it may prove impossible if it doesn’t happen in 2018.
This year could be Pacquiao’s last in boxing, with the likes of Terence Crawford and a rematch with Jeff Horn two of the more likelier scenarios for the eight-weight ruler.
