Murad denies conspiracy vs. Pacquiao
By Dennis Principe
06.05 - CONTROVERSIAL American promoter Murad Muhammad denied any accusations linking him to a reported plot to take away the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title from Filipino champion Manny Pacquiao.
According Muhammad, he is just fulfilling his promise of making Pacquiao’s upcoming fight an event that will be watched by boxing aficionados worldwide.
“Philippine boxing fans will have an opportunity to see Pacquiao defend the IBF title on the world stage. Manny and Philippine boxing will be seen by fans worldwide, as I promised Manny.” Said Muhammad.
Muhammad was reacting to published reports that he is hatching a plot to cart off Pacquiao’s IBF title.
The American promoter has tapped Mexican Emmanuel “Butcher” Lucero to be Pacquiao’s next title challenger. Lucero’s menacing record suggests that he is capable of unseating the flamboyant Pacquiao.
The 24-year old Lucero, parading a 20-0-1 win-loss-draw record spiked by 12 KO’s, is set to challenge Pacquiao beneath the Fernando “Ferocious”Vargas versus Fitz Vanderpool 10-round fight at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on July 26 which will be televised by HBO.
However, Muhammad’s plan has been put in jeopardy after Filipino promoter Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde recently questioned the IBF for allowing the 12th ranked Lucero to be Pacquiao’s next title challenger.
Being the mandatory contender, Elorde said Valbuena is the rightful challenger to Pacquiao’s crown.
Manuel Ferreira, Valbuena’s manager, said that no amount of money will force the Venezuelan challenger to sacrifice his dream of becoming a world champion.
Valbuena turned down a step aside fee and recently signed a contract to be Pacquiao’s next foe in a card which will be promoted by Elorde here in the country.
For his part, Muhammad said that he has “worked tirelessly” to make sure Pacquiao’s upcoming fight will be shown on HBO.
“This HBO connection is an important milestone in Manny's career and is one I have worked tirelessly to achieve.” Revealed Muhammad.
At the same time, Muhammad disproved claims that he is the former husband of IBF lady President Marian Muhammad.
“Ms. Marian Muhammad, the President of the IBF, is not my ex-wife. To imply that there is anything but a professional relationship between Ms. Muhammad and M&M Sports (Murad’s outfit) is unfair and untrue.” Divulged by the American promoter.
Murad has been accused of using his “closeness” with the IBF president to ease out Elorde in promoting Pacquiao’s forthcoming fight.
Elorde was in the midst of finalizing Pacquiao’s July 19 title defense against Antonio Cermeno in Manila when an order from the IBF reached Elorde’s office stating that Pacquiao must face Valbuena.
When Elorde agreed to the IBF’s order, the organization sent out another letter telling the Filipino promoter that their organization approved a Pacquiao-Lucero match on July 26 with the winner facing Valbuena within 90-120 days.
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