Mayweather proclaims "Manny Pacquiao, you're next," Pacquiao answers "I'm here."
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 07 Sep 2011
New York, New York - Just as Floyd Mayweather cannot escape the questions about Manny Pacquiao during the promotional buildup to his fight with Victor Ortiz, the same is also true of Manny Pacquiao. Two months after Floyd Mayweather proclaimed "Manny Pacquiao., Yes, You're Next." in one of his pre-fight press conference speeches, it was Manny Pacquiao's turn to respond.
"I'm here," was his simple reaction when he was asked about it today as he sat down and talked to members of the press at a press conference held at The Lighthouse of Chelsea Piers for his upcoming November 12, 2011 match with Mexican champ, Juan Manuel Marquez.
Pacquiao who took over the sport's mythical status of being it's pound for pound king after Mayweather briefly retired in 2009 thinks Mayweather already has his eyes on him with his choice of opponent in Victor Ortiz. Ortiz like Manny is a southpaw, and he believes Mayweather is preparing for him with his choice of Ortiz.
"I know he is preparing to fight me because he got a southpaw opponent for his next fight," Pacquiao said. Talks of the proposed mega fight between him and Mayweather has twice stalled in the past due to several issues like Mayweather's demand of having Olympic style drug testing which Pacquiao and his team refused. The other issue was money. "I think the problem why the fight isn't happening, is because he is asking for big money, for a big purse for the fight which is hard for the promoters to give him," was his break down of the failed negotiations between him and Mayweather.
Pacquiao and Mayweather are clearly boxing's two best fighters of the present. The clamor for them to fight follows them wherever they go. So strong that despite the two of them facing different opponents of their own, the questions that pertain to each other is asked whenever there is chance to do so by the boxing press.
Pacquiao has reiterated that he wants the Mayweather fight for him and because the fans want to see that fight but would be content of his career if the fight does not materialize. "I don't really need that fight. If that fight happens, well it's good because that's the fight that I want. If it doesn't happen, I'm also happy because I am already satisfied with what I have done in boxing," he said.
Pacquiao was asked about the forthcoming Mayweather and Ortiz fight and he isn't counting Victor Ortiz out against the unbeaten Mayweather. "He cannot underestimate Ortiz because Ortiz is strong and a heavy puncher. There is a big chance for Ortiz to win the fight." Pacquiao verbalized he used to spar with Victor Ortiz in the past and has even given him advice on Ortiz's last fight against Andre Berto. I asked him if he is open to fighting Victor Ortiz in case he wins against Mayweather. His answer was a quick "Oh yeah."
But there is no denying that the fight the world wants to see is Manny Pacquiao versus Floyd Mayweather. The throne of boxing supremacy awaits them to do battle whilst they face separate foes. And the clamor for it to happen will continue to pursue them as they go on with their respective careers.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
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