Top-Rank promoter Bob Arum has laid out a grand plan to make the much awaited showdown between pound-for-pound champions Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. finally materialize.

In an interview with Ring Observer writer Mark "Scoop" Malinowski, Arum remains hopeful that the biggest fight in boxing can still happen next year, though he believes there needs to be a proper venue for everybody involved to sit down and talk on how the fight plans will proceed.

"We would like to receive a phone call that they would like to make the fight. Then to set up a meeting - the normal way - without any interference from the press. Because once the press gets involved, then egos get involved. So I'm hopeful," Arum said in the interview.

Arum said negotiation for the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather showdown could heat up probably in the second half of 2014 because both fighters seem already set for their fights against different opponents early next year.

"I know our side wants it. I think it's too much to hope that it could be put together for the first six months of next year, but maybe the second six months. Each of 'em have a fight (Floyd vs. Khan, Pacquiao vs. Bradley, Provodnikov or Marquez), then fight in November. But I'm open to anything," he added.

Summit To Get Job Done

Arum said a summit just like what happened to arrange the heavyweight title clash between Lenox Lewis and Mike Tyson in 2002 should take place. The Hall of Fame boxing promoter stressed that every detail should be taken into consideration in the proposed meeting, including the Pay-per-View sharing, size of the gloves, length of the ring and other stipulations.

"Everybody would have to meet. Talk about an incredible summit. When Lewis and Tyson fought, that took the cooperation of everyone. Including Don King and HBO (actually King was not involved in Lewis vs. Tyson in 2002)."

"It can be done. Anything can be done. It depends on the willingness of people to do it. And to set aside ego. It's not a big deal getting two guys into the ring to fight each other. There's certain issues that have to be dealt with. But if we just look at an athletic contest and we include in that the testing, there are no issues."

"The size of the gloves - that's done. The size of the ring if they fight in Nevada - its not an end to the fight. There are no boxing related issues - who goes into the ring first. So what is there? The financials. But again, those can be solved. If people aren't obstinate, those can be solved, the give and take," Arum said in an interview with Bob Velin.

Animosity against Mayweather?

During his interview with Velin, Arum also quashed reports about his estranged relationship with Mayweather and his camp. The Top-Rank boss insisted that there's no truth to that, adding he and Mayweather along with his representatives are on friendly terms.

"But I have never ever had any animosity towards Floyd - and Floyd himself has never had any animosity towards me, or to Todd. When we see each other we hug each other, whatever that means. So there hasn't been any personal animosity," Arum said.

Mayweather is set to announce his next foe next week, while Pacquiao will also know his upcoming opponent by the third week of December.