INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines—A hero’s welcome, courtesy calls and guest appearances are in store for Manny Pacquiao when he planes in Friday from Los Angeles.

Pacquiao, who demolished David Diaz in nine rounds on June 29 to clinch the World Boxing Council lightweight crown and make history, will be accompanied by wife Jinkee, other members of Team Pacquiao and associates who witnessed the fight in Las Vegas.

Other than his commitments and the celebrations, foremost in Pacquiao’s mind is to be with his children, Michael, Jimuel and Princess, whom he hadn’t seen since May 12 when he left for the United States to begin his preparations for Diaz.

Now, Pacquiao will return as the only Asian to hold four world titles in four weight classes and the only Filipino to reign in the 135-pound division.

Among the activities lined up for Pacquiao is a visit to Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, whom he considers as a second father, a mass at Quiapo Church in Manila, a press conference at GMA 7 and a motorcade.

Top Rank president Bob Arum has scheduled Pacquiao’s next fight for Nov. 8 with Venezuelan knockout artist Edwin Valero and British superstar Ricky Hatton as the leading candidates.

Also being considered are Joel Casamayor, Joan Guzman and Nate Campbell.

Meanwhile, undefeated World Boxing Association champion Valero (24-0 all by KOs) said in an interview with Boxingtalk’s Michael Gonzales recently that just like Oscar De La Hoya and Pacquiao, he wants to carve a name for himself.

Valero said he’s moving up to lightweight in his next fight, with negotiations going on between Arum and his promoter, Akihiko Honda, for a fight against Pacquiao.

“I don’t want to call out names nor do I want anyone in particular,” said Valero. “If a big name fighter would give me an opportunity man-to-man then I would accept. I need to make my own name to have my own fans and not rob other fighters’ fans. I want to give it my all to come out ahead for my family and send the fans home happy, because they’re the reason we eat.”

In his last fight, Valero, who is licensed to fight in Texas and is seeking permission to fight in Nevada, stopped Takehiro Shimada of Japan in the seventh round.