Pacquiao vs Larios set May 20 in Manila
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 19 Feb 2006
The big tune-up bout for superstar Manny Pacquiao against former WBC superbantam king Oscar "Chololo" Larios has been scheduled to take place on May 20 in Manila.
Reports coming out of Mexico have indicated that Rafael Mendoza, the adviser for Larios, has already agreed to the terms and conditions of the said fight, which is going to be a 10-round non-title event preparatory to Pacquiao's mammoth rubbermatch with Erik Morales on September 16 in Las Vegas.
No venue has yet been set, although the Araneta Coliseum seems to be the front-runner to snag the fight, which is going to be one of the biggest boxing extravaganza since the Thrilla in Manila.
The card is expected to be a matchmakers' and fans' delight, with an array of topnotch fighters penciled in to see action on the undercard.
Among those considered to fight in the card are WBC light-flyweight kingpin Brian Viloria, WBO Asia Pacific bantam titlist Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista, WBC no. 1 minimumweight and OPBF champ Rodel Mayol, OPBF super-feather ruler Randy Suico, and RP super-featherweight boss Jimrex Jaca.
Following his stirring 10th-round demolition of the legendary Erik Morales last month, pundits believed Pacquiao would take a tune-up bout against an easy opponent whose style would make him look good.
By choosing Larios (56-4-1, 36 KO's), Pacquiao did not only choose a livewire opponent, but someone who has the tools to beat and humilitate him in front of his countrymen. The bout, according to sources, got the approval by leading network HBO, and choosing another foe would have HBO executives having second thought on airing it on pay-per-view back in the United States.
The southpaw Pacquiao (41-3-2, 33 KO's) is reportedly taking on all comers, as he has his sights set on becoming the greatest Filipino fighter of all times.
END
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