Bob Arum’s Top Rank Promotions has offered to promote a proposed Donald Trump vs. Bernie Sanders debate, pledging to donate the proceeds, a minimum of $20 million, to charity.
“It’s the debate of the century between two of the top pound-for-pound politicians in the country — Mr. Trump, the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee and Senator Sanders, the Democratic candidate,” Mr. Arum said in a press release. “We have two contenders ready, willing and able to go mano a mano over the most important issues facing the United States. And I am ready to promote it.”
The idea of the debate was first proposed Wednesday night during Mr. Trump’s appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” Asked if he would consider the matchup, Mr. Trump responded: “We would have such high ratings and I think I should take that money and give it to some worthy charity.”
Mr. Arum, an International Boxing Hall of Famer, agreed.
“It would be the biggest pay-per-view of all time,” he told USA Today Thursday night. “I’m not going to charge crazy prices. I’ll take a fee, and I’ll put a guarantee up, and it’ll be for charity.”
As far as moderators are concerned, Mr. Arum said, “Screw these media moderators. They’re all … I recommend Hillary Clinton, Ted Cruz and Mitt Romney.”
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He said it would be the “greatest-watched television show of all time … at least there would be a huge amount going to charity.”
Top Rank’s proposal said it would negotiate a site fee from a major U.S. venue for the debate and produce and distribute the debate live on pay-per-view. Eighty percent of the net proceeds would go to the charity or charities of the candidates’ choice, agreed upon in advance, with a minimum of $20 million being donated. The moderator or moderators would also be subject to the approval of the candidates, USA Today reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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