Boxing

Elorde okays Valbuena as Pacquiao’s title foe; wants Manila as venue

By Dennis Principe

20.04 - INTERNATIONAL promoter Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde is willing to follow the directive of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) for world superbantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao to make a mandatory defense against top contender Jose Luis Valbuena of Venezuela on or before July 26.

According to Elorde, the IBF’s order on Pacquiao is questionable considering the fact that the Filipino champion’s last title defense was a mandatory one.

Pacquiao successfully defended his IBF crown by 1st round TKO versus top contender Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym of Thailand last October 26, 2002 in Davao City.

While Elorde is agreeable to the IBF’s directive, he wants to make sure Pacquiao’s upcoming title defense will be held in the Philippines.

Elorde is eyeing a July 19 date for the Pacquiao-Valbuena match either at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila or at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Lat April 14, IBF president Marian Muhammad wrote Elorde informing the Filipino promoter that their organization will not sanction Pacquiao’s planned title defense against another Venezuelan, former two-time world champion Antonio Cermeno on June 28 in Manila.

The IBF’s contention is that Cermeno is not rated by their organization.

In the same letter, Muhammad mentioned that M&M Sports, headed by her ex-husband. Murad Muhammad, should start negotiations for the Pacquiao-Valbuena encounter.

It can be recalled that August of last year, Muhammad signed Pacquiao to an exclusive seven-fight, 2 ½ year US promotional contract that will give the Filipino champion $2.65 million in total purse. Muhammad has yet to arrange a single fight for Pacquiao.

Elorde believes that Muhammad is aware that he is liable for breach of contract should he fail to schedule at least one fight for Pacquiao in the United States before August of this year.

Elorde added that he already reached an agreement with business manager Rod Nazario through a contract signed last April 11 that will compel him to promote Pacquiao’s next title defense in Manila.

Comments/suggestions at densprincipe@yahoo.com

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