PACQUIAO WANTS VALERO NEXT
By Emmanuel B. Villaruel
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 16 Oct 2007
If he is to decide, Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao wants to fight next Edwin Valero, even citing the undefeated Venezuelan knockout artist as the reason why he wants to stay in the super featherweight division.
Pacquiao admitted he contemplates on moving to lightweight division, but everything has changed after Valero's bold claims that he's the only guy who can destroy the Pacman.
"We actually have plans to move to lightweight division. But after my fight against Barrera, we had a (post-fight) press conference. Valero suddenly came in and said he's the only one who can beat me. I said to myself, wow!" said Pacquiao, eliciting laughters from the crowd who graced yesterday's news conference at Del Sol Room of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel.
"He has a very impressive record. Of his 22 wins, 18 of which came by knockout in the first round. That's how tough he is. But I'm not afraid of him. He's the type of boxer I'm willing to go after," added Pacquiao. "He really wants to fight me and for that I will stay as a super featherweight. Maybe he's looking for an early defeat against me."
At the moment though, nothing is certain yet on Pacquiao's next foe as Golden Boy Promotions is keen on setting up a Pacquiao rematch with WBC 130-pound titlist Juan Manuel Marquez.
Meanwhile, a grateful Pacquiao thanked all the Cebuanos for their all-out support to him while he trained here for the Barrera fight. Pacquiao punched his way to a one-sided, 12-round unanimous decision over the Mexican legend last October in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao credited Cebu as part of his repeat success over the "Baby-Faced Assasin" from Guadalajara.
"I'm here again to thank all the Cebuanos for your support and for taking care of me during my training. I've been to several places, but nothing can match the kind of reception you accorded to me," said Pacquiao.
Also present during the well-attended presscon were acting Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavity" Singson, Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael L. Rama, councilors Sylvan "Jack" Jakosalem, Raul "Yayoy" D. Alcoseba, and Pacquiao's close associates Rex "Wakee" Salud and George Rama.
Pacquiao said even his celebrated American trainer Freddie Roach took pride of their great training camp had in Cebu.
"Coach Freddie is very impressed with our training in Cebu. He also loved the place and the warmth and candor of the Cebuano people. In fact, he's planning to buy a condominium here," said Pacquiao. "In my future fights, maybe I'm going to train here still, but that depends on the situation."
For now, Pacquiao said he doesn't want to talk about boxing as he wants to spend quality time with his family and set his focus on several things, chief among them is the completion of the filming of his "Anak ng Kumander" flick he co-stars with versatile actress Ara Mina.
Pacquiao will put up a boxing card in the 45th Annual WBC Conventuion next month in Manila. He will also be on hand to grace his P2 million Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open on October 24 to 27 at the Hobbies of Asia Bldg. in Macapagal Avenue, Pasay City.
Pacquiao will also pursue a college degree at the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City. During weekends, he will be in Cebu to play for his Team Pacman in the 1st MP Cup Invitational Basketball Tournament, which kicked off yesterday at the USC-Main
Gym.
Pacquiao will leave today for General Santos City where another hero's welcome is in place for what Councilor Jack Jakosalem aptly described as a "living hero of the Filipino people."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel B. Villaruel.
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