Tug-of-war over Pacquiao
By Dennis Principe
05.05 - A tug-of-war looms between American promoter Murad Muhammad and Filipino counterpart Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde over the right to promote the upcoming mandatory title defense of world superbantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao.
This after both Muhammad, thru his outfit M & M Sports, and Elorde officially notified the International Boxing Federation (IBF) of their desire to gain the right to promote Pacquiao’s scheduled title defense this July against top contender Jose Luis Valbuena.
“Mr. Elorde has asked the IBF for the right to stage the fight in the Republic of Philippines. The problem is that M & M Sports is sending information to us stating that Elorde does not have the right to promote Pacquiao because of a promotional contract
M & M has with Pacquiao.” Revealed IBF lady president Marian Muhammad
It can be recalled that August of last year, Muhammad signed Pacquiao to an exclusive
2 ½ year US promotional contract that will give the Filipino champion $2.65 million in total purse.
As for the promoter of Pacquiao’s forthcoming title defense, the IBF president said it will all boil down to which group can offer the best purse for Pacquiao and his challenger.
Muhammad is dangling a $180,000 purse plus television rights wherein Pacquiao will fight either on June 7 beneath the Arturo Gatti versus Micky Ward third rematch or on the undercard of a July 26 battle between Fernando “Ferocious” Vargas and Fitz Vanderpool in which both fights will be telecast by HBO.
Elorde has offered Pacquiao a P10 million purse (around $192,000) and has actually given the boxer an advance of 1 million pesos two weeks ago.
Elorde is eyeing a July 19 date for the Pacquiao-Valbuena match either at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium or at the Araneta Coliseum.
“The problem Mr. Elorde may have may be much larger than which promoter can offer the boxers more money. I am hopeful they can straighten this all out and the defense can go on as it should.” Added the IBF president.
At the same time, Muhammad clarified matters regarding what was pictured as an unfair order on Pacquiao to make another mandatory title defense on or before July 26 of this year.
Muhammad cited Rule 5 of the IBF/USBA Rules Governing Championship Contests wherein a champion has to make a mandatory title defense every nine months.
“Manny Pacquiao last defended his title on October 26, 2002. He has to make a mandatory defense every nine months according to Rule 5 Defense of Title. Nine months from October 26, 2002 is July 26, 2003. That is the reason.” Stated Muhammad.
Recently, Elorde questioned the IBF’s decision, pointing out that Pacquiao’s last title defense was a mandatory one. With that, Elorde said Pacquiao must be entitled to pick a challenger of his choice.
Pacquiao successfully defended his IBF crown by 1st round TKO versus top contender Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym of Thailand last October 26, 2002 in Davao City.
