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.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
WBO presents the Amanda Serrano Championships
Thu, 08 May 2025GM Antonio faces tough competition in ASEAN Seniors Chess Championships in Penang, Malaysia
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 08 May 2025Boxing: Entertainment Sport or Sport Entertainment?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 07 May 2025JIM LAMPLEY'S BOOK TOUR IS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEK!
Wed, 07 May 2025CAPITO IGNITES TITLE DEFENCE IN STYLE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Wed, 07 May 2025Sol Levinson: The Man Whose Gloves Elevated Boxing
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 06 May 2025Undefeated Cuban Heavyweight Prospect Dainier Pero Finishes Intense Las Vegas Training Camp Ahead of May 9 MVP Main Event on DAZN
Tue, 06 May 2025The Past Week in Action 5 May 2025: Inoue-Cardenas Saves Historic Boxing Weekend; Canelo-Scull Sets New Record for Fewest Punches Thrown
By Eric Armit, Tue, 06 May 2025Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Cardenas, Romero and Espinoza and Vows to Make Next Year's Cinco de Mayo Unforgettable, Highlighted by David Benavidez Facing the Winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev
Tue, 06 May 2025Saving the Best for Last: GSW Upstages Raw Rockets
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 06 May 2025Antonio, Bagamasbad face tough competition in Woman FIDE Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao Open Rapid Chess Tournament on May 18
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 06 May 2025Andres “Savage” Cortes Finishes Strong Training Camp Ahead of Crucial May 10 Clash Against Salvador Jimenez at Pechanga Arena San Diego
Tue, 06 May 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS and ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT PRESENT HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT
Tue, 06 May 2025IBA embraces Bare Knuckle Boxing
Tue, 06 May 2025Monster Dynamite: Inoue Crushes Cardenas in Eight
Mon, 05 May 2025