ARLINGTON, Texas -- Jerry Jones has been called P.T. Barnum before.
Of course, it's never been considered a compliment.
But when boxing promoter Bob Arum recently called Jones "the best promoter he's ever run into it, the best of all time," the Dallas Cowboys' owner was flattered.
"That's a compliment from him," Jones said. "I've heard it in a different vein. I know I have an inordinate amount of enthusiasm for sports."
Jones takes a back seat to no one when it comes to promoting the Cowboys and his $1.2 billion baby, Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.
And in bringing the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey WBO welterweight title fight to Cowboys Stadium on Saturday, Jones certainly has found a brother in arms in Arum. The two spent two days in Mexico recently bonding and promoting the fight.
"He never gets tired," Arum said. "We were on a two-day trip, and he was able to drink everybody under the table. He kept going and never stopped with dozens and dozens of interviews. It was really something to see.
"He has been one of the great partners that I have ever, ever worked with."
But while Arum is promoting his fighters, Jones is focused on selling the Cowboys brand and Cowboys Stadium. The football team is already world-renowned. He wants the same for the stadium, which is nearing that if he continues at this pace.
Since it opened last June, Jones has brought in mega-concerts, international soccer matches, professional bull riding, college basketball, college football, the NBA All-Star Game and, of course, Cowboys games. Following Saturday's fight, which is the first pay-per-view boxing match to be held in a domed stadium, the Cowboys will host the Super Bowl in 2011.
"The goal here at this stadium is to have it recognized all over the world as a place to compete and a place of importance," Jones said. "You get someone like Pacquiao in here, it earns that. You get the Cowboys and (New York) Giants in here, it earns that. You get an NBA All-Star game in here, it earns that. You put the Super Bowl in here, it lifts all boats."
Jones wants it clear that his focus remains on his team.
"The stadium allows me to have this kind of interest without being known as a multiple sports owner or have my attention divided," Jones said.
Jones says he knows what's happening in NFL free agency.
He said he was involved in a meeting about potential free agents before the fight news conference Wednesday. He said nothing was imminent. He reiterated that the Cowboys plan on being active. They are waiting on the right opportunity.
"We will be active," Jones said. "I'm anticipating some value and opportunities that are not there right now."
If all goes well Saturday, Jones plans to bring more big boxing matches to Cowboys Stadium.
Forget P.T. Barnum. Don King, watch out.
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