KOIZUMI SAYS NO TALK OF VALERO-PACQUIAO TITLE FIGHT
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 13 Oct 2007
Well-known Japanese matchmaker, boxing manager and journalist Joe Koizumi says there?s been no talk in the camp of WBA super featherweight champion Edwin ?Dynamita? Valero about a title defense against Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao.
In an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today, Koizumi, who is close to prominent Japanese businessman Akihiko Honda who handles Valero, said ?there?s been no discussion about a possible battle with Pacquiao? since the undefeated Venezuelan is scheduled to defend his crown against Mexico?s Fernando Trejo on December 15.
Pacquiao had indicated he was keen on fighting Valero who trained with legendary Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera in Guadalajara prior to the Pacquiao-Barrera rematch in Las Vegas in which Pacquiao won a unanimous points decision sending Barrera into retirement. In the post fight press conference at which Valero called out Pacquiao, Barrera named the WBA champion as his successor and someone who could beat Pacquiao.
While Pacquiao chose to accept the challenge indications are it may not happen in the near future since Valero who has an unblemished record of 22 knockouts in 22 wins has to first get by Trejo who has a record of 30-12-4 with 18 KO?s.
Meantime, Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya has stated that a Pacquiao rematch with WBC super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez is a fight that ?a lot of fans want to see and is exciting.? However, even Golden Boy?s vice president and close friend Eric Gomez told us that Marquez cannot take Rocky Juarez lightly and as Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told De La Hoya. ?don?t count your chickens.?
Pacquiao has also complained about having to make the 130 pound limit and celebrated trainer Freddie Roach told Viva Sports there is talk of a possible March title fight against WBC lightweight champion David Diaz who is known to throw a lot of punches but lacks power.
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