10.03.04 – By Dennis Principe: MANILA, Philippines – Here’s one exalted reason why Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao should always stay in shape and set his sights on being the greatest Filipino boxer ever. The prestigious Ring Featherweight championship belt. The 25-year-old Pacquiao yesterday officially received the much-coveted belt and was handed over by Ring Magazine editor-in-chief Nigel Collins in the presence of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacañang.
Pacquiao, smartly clad in a blue suit, blissfully received the belt in a brief ceremony which was also attended by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, benefactor Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and Manila-based American feature writer Ted Lerner who organized Collins’ Philippine visit supported by PAGCOR, Viva Sports and Reli Tours and Travel Agency.
With the belt, Pacquiao has gained another well-founded motivation to legitimize his supremacy of the 126-lb division.
The Ring’s ratings have been cited by boxing insiders as an essential tool in determining the best boxers in each class without the confusion created by oodles of so-called sanctioning bodies.
Among the current champions recognized by The Ring include Roy Jones, Jr. (light-heavyweight), Bernard Hopkins (middleweight), Shane Mosley (junior middleweight), Kostya Tsyzu (jr. welterweight) and Floyd Mayweather (lightweight).
Meanwhile, businessman Rod Nazario disclosed that they are arranging a Sunday or Monday flight for Pacquiao bound for Los Angeles, California and go full blast with their training at the famed Wild Card Gym of American trainer Freddie Roach.
Nazario said two months is enough for Pacquiao to prepare for his next bout which may still be against reigning WBA/IBF Featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico.
Marquez, according to Nazario, is slowly leaning towards accepting the Pacquiao fight which has since been approved by the Mexican’s promoter Boy Arum of Top Rank, Inc.
In another development, HBO attested its buoyancy in Pacquiao’s thriving career as the cable TV giant has reserved a late July or early August date for the Filipino’s next megafight and perhaps a career defining contest versus Mexican superstar and defending WBC superfeatherweight champion Erik Morales.
HBO recently decided to move back their original May 22 schedule for Pacquiao to May 8.
The determining factor on this decision was mainly HBO’s eagerness to have Pacquiao fully ready and prepared for what could be the year’s best fight against Morales.
HBO’s decision also meant that they are certain Pacquiao will surmount his scheduled May bout against any fighter signed for that mentioned date.
Pacquiao’s American promoter Murad Muhammad also said his ongoing negotiations with Arum for the May 8 event went smoothly.
“This is what happens when two promoters with the same initiative and goal get together to put the best fight money can buy,” stated Muhammad. “According to Arum, Marquez is ready and so is Morales.”