Pacquiao may go for historic ninth crown
Manny Pacquiao may yet go for an unthinkable ninth world title in as many divisions.
The newly crowned World Boxing Council super welterweight champion reiterated yesterday that he’s willing to face anybody, including WBC middleweight titlist Sergio Martinez of Argentina. Martinez knocked out touted American Paul Williams in the second round on Saturday to keep his 160-pound title and line himself up for a megabuck fight against either pound-for-pound king Pacquiao or unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather Jr. To level the playing field, however, Pacquiao told ABS-CBN.com that the fight must not be held in excess of 150 pounds.But the 5-foot-10 Martinez (46-2-2 with 25 knockouts) thumbed down a fight with Pacquiao, telling BoxingScene.com: “Pacquiao is too small. It would be a mismatch. I don’t believe that it will ever happen.” The 35-year-old Martinez, who was stopped by Antonio Margarito in seven rounds in 2000, said he’d prefer facing Mayweather. Pacquiao, holder of a record eighth crown in as many divisions, dominated Margarito when they clashed for the WBC super welterweight crown on Nov. 13 at the same 150 lb catchweight. The Sarangani representative, who was conferred the Congressional Medal of Distinction by his colleagues yesterday, also mentioned Shane Mosley and Mayweather as probable opponents. The 31-year-old Pacquiao, who wants to keep on fighting until he’s 35, said he’s willing to tangle with Juan Manuel Marquez for the third time, provided that there is a guaranteed purse and the Mexican’s camp handles all the promotions.
In an interview with 8countnews.com, trainer Freddie Roach mentioned Mayweather, Martinez and WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto as leading candidates to face Pacquiao next, probably in May or June.
Promoter Bob Arum said he no longer wants to pit Pacquiao against bigger opponents because they are wearing him down.
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