MANILA TITLE DEFENSE EYED FOR PACQUIAO
By Dennis Principe
05.12 - MANILA, Philippines - IBF Superbantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao cannot afford to take a long lay-off, thus the champion’s next title defense must be finalized by next week.
According to business manager Rod Nazario, he is waiting for confirmation from three groups who expressed willingness to stage Pacquiao’s fourth title defense.
Nazario divulged that he was invited by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chair Felicito Payumo to have lunch last week. Payumo reportedly inquired about the possiblity of holding the said title fight in their area (approximately 130 km away from Manila).
Also last week, American promoter Murad Muhammad started negotiating with the camp of IBF bantamweight champion Tim Austin. However, negotiations fell through after Austin chose to defend his title against number one contender Rafael Marquez. Muhammad holds the promotional rights of Pacquiao’s fights in the United States.
Earlier, Saipan Governor Pedro Tenorio sent his group to negotiate with Pacquiao’s camp to bring the title fight in their island.
As of yesterday, Nazario has not received any response from the three groups mentioned.
“If these group won’t be able to submit a final proposal by next week, I may have no other choice but to promote Pacquiao’s defense here in Manila.” Nazario said in an interview.
Nazario added he may work for a deal that will allow Pacquiao to defend his title at the Araneta Coliseum by late February or early March. It was at the said Coliseum where Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier fought their way to history via their epic “Thrilla in Manila” encounter.
Possible foes include WBC superbantamweight champion Oscar Larios and top IBF contender Jose Luis Valbuena of Venezuela.
The 26-year old Mexican Larios recently captured the title via first round demolition of former champion Willie Jorrin.
The 31-year old Valbuena went the distance with current featherweight king Marco Antonio Barrera in a 12-round WBO title fight two years ago.
