PACQUIAO WANTS UNIFICATION, TAPIA!

By Dennis Principe

27.06 - MANILA, Philippines - Current IBF jr. featherweight champion Manny "The Destroyer" Pacquiao wants to unify all major titles in his division before invading the featherweight ranks. According to Pacquiao's chief trainer Lito Mondejar, they are carefully studying all their options including the possibility of unifying the jr. featherweight division.

"Manny wants to become the undisputed jr. featherweight champion. But the problem is, Willie Jorrin (WBC champion) and Osamu Sato (WBA) are afraid to face Manny" Mondejar said. "But we are not in a hurry to move up in weight and campaign at 126. Manny has no problem in making the 122 limit so why the rush? But our objective is to make Pacquiao the first Asian to win three world titles in three different divisions".

Though it will take some time before Pacquiao move up in weight, Mondejar revealed that they may change their plans and allow Manny to fight at 126 if IBF champion Johnny Tapia will be available.

"If Johnny Tapia is willing to face Manny, then we might reconsider our present plans. Among the champions at 126, Tapia can be considered as an easy prey for Manny because his talents has diminished with age." added Mondejar.

Mondejar claimed that they have received several offers which they will tackle this week. Team Pacquiao is hoping that they will be able to finalize Pacquiao's next fight by next week.

"Manny needs a fight immediately. He hardly sweat the last time he fought so we believe he needs to fight by August". Mondejar stated.

At the same time, Mondejar expressed his appreciation to all the help promoter Murad Muhammad gave them. According to Mondejar, it was Muhammad who gave Manny the breaks he needed for him to reach this far.

"It is proper for us to accord Murad the respect he deserves that's why we are also waiting for his offer regarding Manny's next fight." ended Mondejar.