Pacman wants Hatton first, Valero next
By Roy Luarca
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:28:00 07/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines--Manny Pacquiao's quest for greatness didn't end with his demolition of David Diaz for the World Boxing Council lightweight crown on June 28 in Las Vegas.
It started there.
Already acknowledged as the No. 1 pound for pound fighter in the planet, the Filipino ring icon believes he can add more firepower to his already deadly arsenal.
"I want to improve my right hand, more jab," said Pacquiao on a morning show on GMA Network Friday.
Boxing pundits, including his trainer Freddie Roach, were satisfied with the way Pacquiao used his right to complement his left hand to bring down the stubborn Diaz with 2:24 gone into the ninth round.
It (right) was so effective his knuckles swelled the morning after the fight, the first time it did an illustrious ring career spanning 13 years.
Pacquiao said apart from specialized training at the gym, he increased the power of his right by learning to write, eat and play darts with it.
For his next fight, set on Nov. 8, said he prefers to fight British superstar Ricky Hatton over Venezuelan knockout artist Edwin Valero.
"Kung ako ang papipiliin ng makakalaban, ang gusto ko si Hatton tapos si Valero (If I'm made to choose for an opponent, I want Hatton first and then Valero.)
Like Pacquiao, Roach also wants Hatton next in line as that fight at 140 pounds would be a guaranteed moneymaker, to the tune of at least $10 million for each boxer.
Top Rank president Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, however, is keen on having Valero, (24-0 with 24 knockouts) as Pacquiao's next opponent.
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