Elorde, Valbuena insists mandatory fight for Pacquiao
By Dennis Principe
30.04 - INTERNATIONAL promoter Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde is not about to give up on his plan to promote the mandatory title defense of International Boxing Federation (IBF) world superbantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines.
In an overseas interview yesterday, Elorde refuted claims that Pacquiao is already locked to appear in an HBO-televised title defense against Mexican Emmanuel “Butcher” Lucero underneath the Fernando Vargas versus Fitz Vanderpool non-title fight on July 26 at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.
Pacquiao’s exclusive US promoter, Murad Muhammad, recently claimed that they have already reached an agreement with top challenger Jose Luis Valbuena of Venezuela to temporarily yield his mandatory title shot to Lucero for a certain amount.
The winner of the Pacquiao-Lucero match will then fight Valbuena for the IBF title within 90-120 days.
However, Elorde revealed that Valbuena will not give way to Lucero and denied reports that they have accepted a step aside fee.
“Valbuena did not accept the step aside fee and he wants to be the new IBF champion the soonest.” Revealed Elorde.
The refusal to accept a step aside fee was also confirmed by Valbuena’s manager, Manuel Ferreira who said that no amount of money will force the Venezuelan challenger to sacrifice his dream of becoming a world champion.
Ferreira added that they have already signed a contract with Elorde that will make the 32-year old Valbuena the next title challenger of Pacquiao this coming July 19 in Manila.
Elorde already faxed the contract signed by Valbuena to the IBF office in New Jersey and is awaiting the decision of the organization.
Pacquiao’s last title defense was on October 26, 2002 in Davao City where he halted top contender Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym of Thailand in a single round.
Rule 5 of the IBF/USBA Rules Governing Championship Contests requires a champion to make a mandatory title defense every nine months. This compels Pacquiao to make another mandatory defense on or before July 26, exactly nine months since stopping Rakkiatgym.
Both the number 1 and 2 positions in the IBF ratings are vacant, making the 3rd ranked Valbuena the top contender. The undefeated Lucero (22-0-1, 12 KO’s) is ranked #12 in the latest IBF ladder.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s business manager Rod Nazario bared that he is still open for any possibility of having Pacquiao defend his crown in Manila
Nazario said that though he has already signed a contract for Pacquiao to defend against Lucero, the IBF will have the final word on the matter.
“We will abide by the order of the IBF. If the IBF says we have to defend against Valbuena, then we will fight Valbuena. It’s all up to Murad and Elorde if they can convince the IBF of their plans.” Said Nazario.
