MANILA, Philippines – Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao stressed that as the 7-division world champion, he should not be the one running after Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. for their super showdown to finally take place.
“I am the champion, I have the belts and I should not be the one challenging you. I should not even be the one trying to make this fight happen,” Pacquiao said in his August 8 “Kumbinasyon” column on PhilBoxing.com.
“But Pacquiao vs Mayweather is what everyone wants, that's why I am calling out your names. My promoter Bob Arum will be waiting for your call and will be very glad to hear what you have to say. The sooner, the better,” the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight king added.
Pacquiao said this after being informed that Mayweather could possibly forge a partnership with legendary promoter Don King. The Filipino boxing superstar even said that he is happy for both Americans even if their partnership is not yet final.
“Natutuwa ako dahil baka naman ngayon ay magbabago na ang ihip ng hangin at biglang magdedesisyon si Mayweather na labanan akong bigla,” he wrote. “Sana ay magkasundo sila sa lalong madaling panahon.”
Top Rank, Inc. CEO Bob Arum, who serves as Pacquiao’s promoter, declared last week that the boxing world’s much-awaited fight could happen with the possible entry of King in the negotiations. (Read: Arum: Pacquiao-Mayweather possible with Don King)
Pacquiao then called on the undefeated Mayweather to prove that he is courageous enough to face the world’s only 7-division world champion.
“I hope Mayweather is serious enough in doing business with Don King and is not doing this only to save face. I hope Don King does the same in return, that he can make miracles happen. I say this to both these men: Let's Get It On. Fight like warriors and brave men,” he stated.
“This is the only way for Mayweather to save face. Make the fight happen in November and stop using Mr. Don King for publicity stunts,” Pacquiao continued. “He claims he is the best. He says he is No. 1. There is only one way to prove his greatness and that is to face me. I should be ready by November.”
Mayweather over Margarito
After talks for the Pacquiao-Mayweather November 13 fight fell apart, Arum announced that the American’s replacement would be Mexican Antonio "Tijuana Tornado" Margarito. But Pacquiao said his bout with Margarito has not yet been finalized.
He added that possible venues for a Margarito fight are Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Arlington, Texas, Monterrey, Mexico and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Margarito is required to reapply for a license if he wants to fight again in the US after being suspended last year by the California State Athletic Commission. In January 2009, he was caught with a plaster-like substance in his hand wraps before his fight against Shane Mosley.
However, if given a choice, Pacquiao said he would much rather go into battle with Mayweather.
“Para sa akin, walang kasing-gandang balita kung magpapalit ng isip ang kampo ni Mayweather at siguradong lahat ng boxing fans o kahit na mga sports fans ang tututok sa labang ito,” he stated. “Kung hindi kikilos si Mayweather ngayon, marami pa ang mawawala sa kaniya."
He also expressed confidence that boxing promoters can organize his fight with Mayweather.
But he clarified that he will be ready for whoever Arum chooses as his opponent for the November 13 event.
Training as a congressman
Pacquiao, meanwhile, is expected to train in Manila as he has to fulfill his duties as congressman of Sarangani Province.
“Medyo excited na akong bumalik sa ring at mag-ensayo. Nami-miss ko ang amoy ng gym at ang paghahanda sa laban pero gayunpaman, nag-eenjoy naman ako sa Congress kahit na maraming trabaho ang nakatambak,” said the neophyte legislator.
He also assured that he can juggle his boxing training and work in the Lower House with proper time management.
“Hindi naman po nangangahulugan na tinatalikuran ko na o mapapabayaan ko ang aking responsibilidad bilang isang Kongresista sa panahon ng paghahanda sa laban,” he added. – With a report from PhilBoxing.com
