Richie eyes another Pacquiao undercard stint
By Edwin G. Espejo
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 13 Feb 2009
MAASIM, Sarangani (February 12) ? Reigning World Boxing Organization oriental flyweight king is reportedly being offered another stint in Las Vegas in the undercard of the May 2 Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight if he hurdles a still to be named Mexican opponent whom he will fight on March 22, according to his manager Maasim Mayor Jojo Lopez.
In an interview here today, Lopez said a Top Rank insider has promised Mepranum another chance to showcase his boxing talent should he win in his next fight, one of the scheduled undercards in the NonitoDanaire-Raul Martinez International Boxing Federation flyweight championship fight.
Mepranum has been inked to a three-year contract by Top Rank, the same outfit that promotes four-time world champion Manny Pacquiao.
Mepranum is fresh from an exciting unanimous win over Texan Cesar Lopez whom he beat over six rounds in the under card of the Pacquiao-de la Hoya Dream Match in December, also in Las Vegas.
His win impressed Filipino scribes and fans who watched the fight despite showing up in Las Vegas three days before the bout.
Noted sportswriter and boxing judge Salven Lagumbay said Mepranum managed to make a good account of his self despite performing just "70 per cent of his capability."
"The guy has the guts and heart of a warrior," Lagumbay said.
Richie was supposed to fight in New Jersey on February 21 but a tight schedule aborted the said bout.
The stylish boxer-puncher also was down with flu early in January which disrupted his training, according to Mayor Lopez.
Lopez said Mepranum has fully recovered and has been seriously training in Maasim.
"He is doing heavy roadwork and busying himself in the gym," Lopez said.
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