PACMAN SETTLES FOR P81 M

By Gerry Ramos

THE fight many foresee as the biggest and richest in boxing history will have to wait first.

For now, Manny Pacquiao will have to settle for less.

With Antonio Margarito stepping forward instead of loud mouth Floyd Mayweather Jr., no dream purse is expected to come Pacquiao’s way by the end of the year.

In its place, only a `moderate’ prize money of $15 million awaits the Filipino congressman for his Nov. 13 fight with the 32-year old Margarito, a far cry from the projected $40 million or more Pacquiao is expected to earn had Mayweather been the one he’s facing in the ring.

Still, his total earnings could go as high as $17 to $18 million (approximately P81 million on a P45-$1 exchange rate) once pay-per-view sales, ticket sales, gate receipts, merchandise and television rights are counted in.

That the bout for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) junior middleweight crown will be held at the 80,000-seater Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas makes it more feasible to gross in terms of ticket sales.

Top Rank Promotions chairman Bob Arum already projected a crowd of about 75,000 for the fight based on Pacquiao’s popularity and Margarito’s Hispanic roots, with Texas having a huge Hispanic population.

Arum even believes it will surpass the record crowd of 51,000 which watched Pacquiao demolish Joshua Clottey inside 12 full rounds last March for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title.

“I think the crowd will be much bigger,” he said.

“We have a lot of stuff that we didn’t have for the Clottey fight. With Margarito being Hispanic, and this is North Texas, which has a huge Hispanic population, that will make this even bigger.”

For the record, Pacquiao’s biggest fight in terms of prize money remains his 2008 slugfest with the great Oscar De La Hoya where he earned $15 million, minus his share in the pay-per-view, tickets, merchandise and TV rights.

Last year, he received $13 million each for taking on Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto.

In facing Clottey, Pacquiao brought home close to $15 million, including the fight purse of $12 million. The bout generated 700,000 pay-per-view buys or about $35.3 million in U.S domestic television revenue.

Arum said a Margarito bout is likely to produce the same number of buys – or even better.

“I think we could look to do 70,000 people” said Arum, who is expected to be back in the U.S. by weekend from his vacation in France.

“(Joshua) Clottey had no fan base. Margarito has a huge fan base of Mexican-Americans.”

The veteran promoter is wasting no time to hype and promote the title match that finally fell into place Thursday when the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation granted Margarito a boxing license.

Arum has already scheduled a whirlwind press tour next week to kick off the promotional hype of the fight.

With both Pacquiao and Margarito expected to sign the contract this weekend, the Top Rank big boss set a Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) press conference for the two at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles to kick off the week-long, three-state tour.

The following day, Pacquiao and Margarito are off to New York in Chelsea Piers-Pier 60, just within 23rd St. and the Hudson River.

By Friday, the tour culminates with the personal appearance of both fighters at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Read more...

FIGHT IS ON

Margarito

By Gerry Ramos

TWO-time world champion Antonio Margarito is about to take on the richest fight of his colorful yet controversial boxing career. And to think it was only a year ago when he was banned from fighting and branded as one of the most disgraced figure in the rich history of the sport.

Margarito’s title bout with ring sensation Manny Pacquiao was formalized Thursday when the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation granted the Mexican the license to fight in the state, paving the way for the Nov. 13 duel to go on as scheduled at the multi-billion Cowboys Stadium in Dallas.

The fight will be the first in the U.S. for the `Tijuana Tornado’ in more than a year since losing a ninth round technical knockout against Sugar Shane Mosley at the Staples Center in Los Angeles in January of 2009.

The 32-year old Margarito was caught with a loaded hand wraps prior to the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight bout, a major offense that resulted in the revocation of his license and being banned from fighting for a year.

It also led to the parting of ways between him and long-time trainer Javier Capetillo, the veteran corner man and father figure to Margarito, whom he accused of being responsible for the loaded hand wraps he had for the Mosley fight.

But now, he’s back and all set to face the fighter universally regarded as the best in the world, pound-for-pound. Pacquiao is expected to earn $15 million and more from the fight, while Margarito could take home as much as $4 to $5 million.

“I have dedicated my life to giving the fans of the sport entertainment and excitement. On Nov. 13, this great opportunity will ultimately be fulfilled when I battle Manny Pacquiao,” said Margarito in a statement.

The Mexican also expressed his gratitude to the state of Texas for granting him a boxing license, something denied of him by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) and the Nevada State Athletic Commission when he tried to re-apply shortly after his one-year suspension was over.

“I want to thank the state of Texas for granting me a boxing license which enables me to continue my passion for the sport of boxing in the United States,” added Margarito, whose first comeback fight following the lifting of his suspension was a 10-round unanimous decision against Roberto Garcia in Mexico.

Unlike in the CSAC case when it held a hearing to determine the fate of Margarito, the Texas commission just went through the Mexican’s completed application, checked his proper medical paperwork and made him pay the $20 fee before being granted a license.

“After a thorough review of his application it was determined Mr. Margarito met the requirements of the Texas Combative Sports Act and Rules,” said William Kuntz, the executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

None was happy for Margarito than Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, who holds the promotional rights on both the Mexican and Pacquiao.

“For me, it was like a terrible nightmare, this whole thing, and now the sun is shining,” said Arum in an interview by ESPN from France where he is currently vacationing.

“I really believe that it will be a very competitive fight. One guy is much bigger and stronger (Margarito) and the other guy (Pacquiao) is quicker and hits with both hands. It will be a fascinating fight to watch.”

Arum already has contingency plans if and when Margarito fails to get a license in Texas, mentioning Mexico or Abu Dhabi as possible alternative site for the fight.

But with Texas acceding, Arum is taking the fight at the Cowboys Stadium, with hopes of surpassing the record crowd of 50,994 – one of the largest in U.S. boxing history – that watched Pacquiao’s lopsided win over Joshua Clottey last March for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown.

“I think the crowd will be much bigger and Jerry (Jones) – owner of the Dallas Cowboys team - thinks it will also,” Arum said. “The last fight (Pacquiao-Clottey) was not during football season. This one is, and we have all the Dallas Cowboys assets they use during the season to help this time.

“We have a lot of stuff that we didn't have for the Clottey fight. With Margarito being Hispanic, and this is North Texas, which has a huge Hispanic population, that will make this even bigger.”

The veteran promoter said Margarito is set to sight the contract by weekend, after which Pacquiao follows suit as he is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. on Monday from Manila, where he currently sits as a member of the House of Representative.

A whirlwind press tour will then be held, taking both Pacquiao and Margarito to California, New York and finally, Texas.

Read more...

RP TEAM CALLS ON PSC CHIEF

MEMBERS of the PLDT/ABAP-Philippine boxing team, led by ABAP executive director Ed Picson, 9th from right, and currently training in the U.S. pay a courtesy call to Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia, center, a the PSC office at the Rizal Memorial Sport Complex on Vito Cruz, Manila.

Read more...

ABAP CHIEF WELCOMES RP TEAM

AMATEUR Boxing Association of the Philippines president and Maynilad chief executive Ricky Vargas, center in white, clenches his fist along with ABAP secretary-general Patrick Gregorio, executive director Ed Picson, left, and coaches and members of the national boxing team who paid a courtesy call at his Maynilad office in Quezon City prior to their departure to the U.S. for a month-long training camp.

Read more...

RP PUGS IN U.S. TRAINING

THE US training camp for members of the national pool of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) reeled off Saturday at
the University of San Francisco Koret Health & Recreation Center.

The USF Boxing team, through head coach Angelo Merino (originally from Cebu) has arranged sparring sessions, clinics and a try-out for
Fil-AMs in the four days that they will host the nationals.

Candy Lopez, a former US Olympic coach and Dr. Ronald Mitchell, a chiropractor who specializes in sports medicine will conduct seminars
for the team.

Thereafter, the 7 male and 4 female boxers will attend more clinics and sparring at the Undisputed Gym in nearby San Carlos City courtesy of
world super flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. Donaire has offered the use of the gym and the services of his training team for free as
his contribution to the ABAP campaign for the Asian Games. He is also arranging health supplements for the boxers which they can use until
the Asiad.

A program is also being drawn up by Mike Martino, executive director of USA Boxing (ABAP's US counterpart) for sparring with US boxers and
more clinics with American coaches and training experts. Mr. Martino, aside from being USA Boxing executive director, also heads the boxing
program of the University of Nevada in Reno.

ABAP is still confirming the schedule of Rodrigo Mosquera, the noted amateur boxing coach of the Eddie Heredia Gym in LA where Oscar de la
Hoya trained as an amateur.

The women boxers will head straight for Bridgetown, Barbados after the US stint for the Women's World championships slated Sept 6 to 19.

Joining the US trip bankrolled by PLDT are ABAP executive director Ed Picson, Head coach Pat Gaspi, Elite and Women's coach Roel Velasco,
Senior coaches Nolito Velasco and Ronald Chavez and boxers Charly Suarez, Annie Albania, Joegin Ladon, Delfin Boholst, Victorio Saludar,
Gerson Nietes, Rey Saludar, Recky Dulay, Josie Gabuco, Alice Kate Aparri and Nesthy petecio. Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) Women's
Commission member Karina Picson will accompany the women boxers.

The delegation left via Philippine Airlines on August 19. ABAP president Ricky Vargas and Secretary-General Patrick Gregorio are
scheduled to follow later.

Read more...

THAI UP NEXT FOR NIETES

By Gerry Ramos

IF plans push through, fight fans may finally see reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight champion Donnie `Ahas’ Nietes climbing the ring carrying with him his famed pet python.

ALA Boxing promotions bared its intention to hold Nietes’ next title defense of his 105-title belt here, preferably in his native province of Negros Occidental where the 28-year old former janitor turned world champion hasn’t fought yet in his entire pro career.

Nietes is a resident of Bacolod, Negros Occidental, but was born in the town of Murcia of the same province.

“That’s the plan right now, to hold his next fight here especially in Bacolod,” said Michael Aldeguer, the amiable president of ALA Promotions, which holds the right on the WBO champion.

“Yes, if it happens maybe he can finally bring with him his pet python,” added Aldeguer laughing.

The practice of carrying of wild animals is banned especially in trips outside of the country, prohibiting Nietes from bringing with him his favorite pet that has become synonymous to his name.

Fresh from hacking out a unanimous decision over Mario Rodriguez in Sinaloa, Mexico, Nietes’ next title defense will be a mandatory one.

WBO has already ordered the Filipino to stake his crown against no. 1 contender Carlos Buitrago of Nicaragua. But only 18, with a 16-0 (11 Kos) record across his name, the camp of Buitrago admitted they’re not yet ready to face a fighter of Nietes’ caliber.

“So, we’re now forced to take on the no. 2 rated contender, Pigmy Muangchaiyaphum of Thailand,” Aldeguer pointed out during the welcome press conference hosted by GMA Network Tuesday for Nietes.

The ALA Promotions president said they will definitely be bidding for the 12-round title fight to be held here by December, hoping a possible partnership with GMA Network would help them seal the country’s hosting instead of fighting in the hostile territory of Thailand.

“We’re trying to talk with GMA right now and hope something positive would come out of it,” said Aldeguer, who was also joined during the lunch by GMA Network chairman, president and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon,

Ala Promotions vice president Dennis Caniete and trainer Edito Villamor.

Nietes’ victory over Rodriguez was his fourth defense of the WBO title belt he won over Pornsawan Porpramook of Thailand in 2007, three of them were held in Mexico.

Holder of a 27-1 (15 Kos) ring record, Nietes has been a champion for three years now, making him the third longest reigning Filipino boxer to ever hold a world title after Luisito Espinosa and the great late Gabriel `Flash’ Elorde, who served as world lightweight titlist for seven straight years from 1960 to 1967.

“Si Flash Elorde po ang idol ko at gusto kong pantayan ang kanyang record,” said Nietes.

Read more...

`AHAS' STRIKES

DONNIE `Ahas’ Nietes is fast making a name for himself as the next `Mexican Assassin’.

Fearless and confident, the Filipino again disposed a Mexican opponent who tried to get in his way, dominating and bloodying Mario Rodriguez over 12 rounds to retain his World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight title Saturday (Sunday Manila time) in Sinaloa, Mexico.

The 28-year old champion was a unanimous decision winner over Rodriguez, his third Mexican victim in the five times he defended his 105-pound title belt – all of them he did right in the enemy’s territory.

The feat put him in line with boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao as the only remaining legitimate world champion today.

Pacquiao, the original `Mexican Assassin’ for having beaten some of Mexico’s legendary boxers in the likes of Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez and Erik Morales, is currently the WBO welterweight champion.

Nietes won on all three judges’ cards (Levi Martinez, Alejandro Lopez Cid and Thomas Nardone) on scores of 119-110, 118-110 and 116-112.

This is the third time in a year Nietes came over in Mexico to defend his belt. The first two also went through the scorecards, with the Filipino hacking out a unanimous decision over Erik Ramirez in February 2009 and then settling for a split decision against Manuel Vargas seven months later.

Shortly after his win over Rodriguez, Nietes expressed his desire to have his next title defense be held in his hometown in Bacolod

A native of Murcia, Negros Occidental, Nietes last fought in his province in 2007, knocking out Thai Thongthailek Sor Tanapinyo in the second round of their 12-round showdown at the New Victorias City Coliseum.

The Filipinos raised his record to 27-1, with 15 KOs and hasn’t lost since his first career setback – a 10-round split decision - against Angky Angkota of Indonesia in 2004.

Rodriguez, 21, fell to 10-6 record overall, including 7 KOs.

The Mexican was simply no match to the ring craftsmanship of the former gym janitor turned world champion.

Read more...

MANNY WILL KO MARGARITO -- ROACH

By Gerry Ramos

THE guy whom Freddie Roach once considered as too big for Manny Pacquiao before will undoubtedly, be no match for the power of the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter this time.

A day after To Rank Promotions announced Antonio Margarito is going to be Pacquiao’s opponent in his November 13 fight, Roach was quick in expressing the fighting Congressman from the Philippines will definitely send the `Tijuana’ Tornado to dreamland.

“I have no problem with the fight. Margarito is a tough guy, but his ring generalship is poor. Manny will knock him out. We will knock him out,” said Roach when reached for comment about the match Bob Arum is arranging for the World Boxing Council (WBC) junior middleweight title.

Margarito came into the picture after Arum failed to get a reply from Floyd Mayweather Jr. on his willingness to sign a contract and face Pacquiao in a bout the whole of boxing world want to see.

Although Margarito has yet to secure a license to fight in the U.S. following the one-year suspension slapped on him by the California State Athletic Commission in the aftermath of the illegal hand-wrap controversy he got involved with, the Top Rank chairman believes the Mexican’s fighting style makes for an explosive title bout against a fighter as exciting as the Pacman.

Margarito, 32, was personally handpicked by Arum over Miguel Cotto, the legendary Puerto Rican and reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) 154-pound title holder whom Pacquiao demolished in 12 rounds during their World Boxing Organzation (WBO) welterweight championship showdown last year in Las Vegas.

Roach also sees a competitive fight with Margarito, who was turned down by the 51-year old trainer two years ago as a possible Pacquiao opponent as he believes the Mexican was too big for the Filipino ring icon.

“It’s like the good guy versus the bad guy. It’s probably a marketable fight, with Manny beating up another Mexican,” said Roach, obviously referring to Pacquiao’s long record of defeating Mexican fighters, from Erik Morales, Marco Antonio, Barrera to Juan Manuel Marquez.

Ironically, Margarito also fought Cotto and brutally beat him inside 11 rounds for the WBA welterweight title. The loss was the first in Cotto’s colorful career.

Unfortunately, the impressive win had been tarnished when Margarito was caught loading his knuckle pad with a hardened substance in his next fight opposite Sugar Shane Mosley.

After re-wrapping his hands, Margarito yielded his WBA title to Mosley, who administered him a 9th round technical knockout loss.

In the aftermath of the controversy, Margarito found his license revoked and was suspended from fighting for a year.

Even Roach himself is puzzled whether Margarito is loaded or not during the Cotto fight.

“Well, the issue is when he fought Cotto, was he loaded or not? We can assume that he was, but it can’t be proved.

“Margarito has a good chin, but a good punch? We don’t know. Let him wrap his own hands and he’s got a good punch,” said Roach smiling.

Although the venue of the fight is still undecided, depending on whether Margarito would be able to secure a license in the U.S. in time for the bout, Roach said he’s ready to be on board once training camp begins in September, the first half of which would be held in the Philippines.

“Julio Cesas Chavez Jr. fights in Mexico on Sept. 11. And on the 12th, I am going to the Philippines for a month. The first month of Manny’s camp will be there, and the second half it will be at the Wild Card gym (in Los Angeles),” said the four-time Trainer of the Year awardee.

Read more...

`HURRICANE' TO FIGHT IN RP?

ANA JULATON

By Gerry Ramos

THE skies the limit as far as Filipina boxing star Ana Julaton is concerned.


Since bagging the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super-bantamweight title two weeks ago, prospects are aplenty for the stunning lass known as `The Hurricane’, with no less than 3 major fights being eyed by her team, including a possible championship clash with Argentine premier boxer Marcela Acuna.

Julaton made known her plans upon arriving in the country for the first time Monday on the invitation of giant network GMA, which aired several of her fights in the past, the latest of which came last June 30 when she scored a split decision over Maria Elena Villalobos of Mexico to win the WBO 120-pound crown.

Named Luciana Bonifacio Julaton, the former taekwondo jin turned boxer admitted being thrilled by her first visit in the Philippines, where she hopes to stage a fight by the end of the year or maybe, by 2011.

“I’m definitely looking forward to fighting here. I would love to have that,” said Julaton when she met the local press during a luncheon hosted by GMA in her behalf led by chairman Atty. Felipe Gozon.

Her U.S. based manager, Angelo Reyes, stressed that they are indeed, looking forward of staging a possible title match here that would pit Julaton against one-time conqueror Liza Brown, a rematch with Villalobos or a showdown with Acuna, the 33-year old native of Formosa, Argentina, who’s the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) super-featherweight champion.

“Ana wants to stay active and we’re eyeing September for her next fight, hopefully here in the Philippines,” said Reyes, a native of Nasugbu, Batangas.

A duel against any of the three, according to Reyes, is definitely a huge one, especially against Acuna, whom he said is considered as one of the top pound-for-pound woman fighters in the world today.

Brown is also a very interesting prospect as Julaton, now being trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach, has an ax to grind against the Canadian, who scored a unanimous decision in their March 27 bout for the World Boxing Association (WBA) junior featherweight crown.

Julaton, owner of a 7-2-2 (win-loss-draw) record, is also not discounting giving Villalobos a rematch in the wake of her split decision win that had two judges scoring the bout in her favor, 96-94.

“Everything is under negotiation. I’m just excited right now being here in front of you and will be taking everything one game at a time,” said Julaton, who traces her roots in Pozzorubio, Pangasinan.

Based in San Francisco, California, Julaton just turned 20 last July 5, prompting GMA network executives to surprise her by presenting a mini cake and a bouquet of flower to the boxing champion.

In turn, she presented Gozon a personally-signed boxing gloves before leaving the premises on her way to a courtesy call with President Aquino in Malacanang.

Julaton understands a little bit of Filipino and speaks simple Filipino words such as `opo’, `maraming salamat’, `mabuhay’ and `kapuso.’

She admitted being a subscriber of GMA Pinoy TV in the U.S. and enjoys watching the long-running noontime show `Eat Bulaga’, citing `Sa Pula, Sa Puti’ as her favorite portion.

By today or Wednesday, she will be traveling to Pangasinan to formally meet her Filipino relatives, before flying back to the U.S. over the weekend.

“I want to enjoy my stay in the Philippines and I would love to comeback for a longer stay,” she said.

“I’m proud to be a Filipino. And I’m proud to be Kapuso.”

Read more...

PACMAN TO FLOYD: `LET'S GET IT ON'

By Gerry Ramos

NOW Manny Pacquiao has issued the challenge. It’s up to Floyd Mayweather Jr. whether to call the dare or not.


In one rare instance, Pacquiao called out Mayweather to face him in the ring on Nov. 13 in what he – and a lot more - believes is the fight the whole world wants to see.

The fighting Congressman from the lone district of Sarangani formally made the shout out in his weekly blog in a popular boxing website.

“I am the champion, I have the belts and I should not be the one challenging you. I should not even be the one trying to make this fight happen,” said the 31-year old Filipino considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world today.

“But Pacquiao vs. Mayweather is what everyone wants, that’s why I am calling out your names. My promoter Bob Arum will be waiting for your call and will be very glad to hear what you have to say. The sooner, the better.”

Recent developments that saw Floyd Jr. possibly leaning on tapping controversial boxing figure Don King to be his promoter had the Pacquiao camp given a new lease of hope on making possibly the richest fight in history happen following failed negotiations in the past.

The last of those series of talks came to an end three weeks ago when the Mayweather camp hardly bothered to answer the deadline set by Top Rank big boss Bob Arum whether he’s willing to fight Pacquiao or not.

Arum, who owns the promotional rights on Pacquiao, said an agreement has already been reached by the two parties including the issues surrounding the terms of purse sharing and random drug testing as negotiated by him and Mayweather’s adviser Leonard Ellerby through HBO president for sports Ross Greenburg, who acted as middle man.

But not a single word was heard from Mayweather, and to make matter worst, his manager Al Haymon and Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, who represented Floyd Jr., denied that no negotiations happened, prompting Arum to look somewhere else and consider other fight options.

The Top Rank promoter did find one in Mexican Antonio Margarito, also fighting under his stable, although no contract has yet been signed as the site for the 12-round bout is still to be named.

“For now, Antonio Margarito of Mexico is the likely replacement of Mayweather in Nov. 13, but for me, there is nothing more beautiful news if the Mayweather camp will change its mind. And I am sure boxing fans or any other sports fans will follow this very closely,” Pacquiao added.

The seven-time world champion believes a fight with Mayweather can still be swayed from here on to Nov. 13.

First and foremost, he said, Floyd Jr. and King should get their acts together, especially the promoter with the weird hairdo, whom he believes could work hand in hand with Arum in pushing the mega-bout.

“I hope Mayweather is serious enough in doing business with Don King and is not doing this only to save face. I hope Don King does the same in return, that he can make miracles happen,” said Pacquiao.

“I say this to both these men: Let's Get It On. Fight like warriors and brave men. If Mayweather is not really a coward, he needs to prove himself in the ring. I gave in more than what is necessary and I accepted some of the requests that Mayweather asked for just to have this fight to go through,” he added.

Read more...

MARGARITO IS THE CHOSEN ONE

Antonio Margarito

By Gerry Ramos

NOT a rematch with Miguel Cotto. And certainly not the mega-fight the world wants to see against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Instead, Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent is a vicious fighter caught with a loaded hand-wrap just a year ago and is still unlicensed to fight in the U.S.

Disgraced in 2009 in the aftermath of that illegal hand-wrap controversy, Antonio Margarito now finds himself facing the biggest fight of his tarnished career after being anointed by Top Rank promoter Bob Arum as the winner of the coveted Manny Pacquiao sweepstake that has a November 13 draw either in Las Vegas or in Mexico.

The fight for the World Boxing Council (WBC) junior middleweight crown came about a week after Arum received no reply from Mayweather Jr. whether he’s willing to sign the contract for a Pacquiao bout that would pit two of the world’s top pound-for-pound fighters in the world today.

Arum made a choice on who between Margarito and Cotto, whom Pacquiao demolished in 12 rounds last November for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title, would be the logical choice to take over the huge vacuum vacated by Floyd Jr.

In the end, Margarito’s gutsy fighting style made the 78-year old promoter believe the Mexican could give the fighting Congressman from the Philippines a hell of an action-packed match.

“Margarito knows only one way to fight and that’s coming forward,” said Arum in defending his choice of an opponent deemed by many as unpopular for being caught with a hardened substance in his knuckle pad prior to his title fight with Sugar Shane Mosley.

“They’re going to get in there and fight. That’s what people want to see,” Arum added.

Pacquiao, now busy preparing for the opening of Congress next week, was consulted about the matter by Arum and his adviser, Michael Konz, and readily gave his go signal to make the bout happen.

“Maganda ‘yun,” said Pacquiao, who also expressed his thrill at the possibility of fighting in Mexico for the first time.

“Walang problema doon. Excited din akong lumaban sa Mexico. First time kong lalaban doon,” added the 31-year old Filipino ring idol, who’s also known as the `Mexican Assassin’ for beating legendary fighters out of the North American country such as Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Oscar Larios, Hector Velasquez and Jorge Solis.

For the match to be held in Mexico meant Margarito would no longer be re-applying for a license in the U.S. where he has been banned for fighting in the light of that hand-wrap controversy.

The one-year suspension slapped on the 32-year old Mexican by the California State Athletic Commission – Staples Center being the site of his fight with Mosley then - has already elapsed and Arum said Margarito will definitely re-apply for a license.

Margarito actually applied for a license in Nevada last July 9, but the Nevada Athletic Commission voted 4-1 to shelve his application, telling him instead to apply first in California.

But outside of the controversy hounding Margarito, a two-time welterweight champion, Arum said Margarito is definitely a competitive opponent for Pacquiao once they meet in the ring.

“Putting aside the controversy about the wraps, the one thing you know for sure with a Margarito fight is that it will be a hell of a fight for however long it lasts,” said the Top Rank chairman.

Following his ninth round loss to Mosley and the subsequent lifting of the suspension, Margarito (38-6, 27 KOs) made his comeback fight last May in Mexico, scoring a hardly impressive unanimous decision win over Roberto Garcia.

Although a lot can still be made in a Cotto rematch, Arum sees a Margarito fight as a lucrative option.

“Cotto was beaten and even with (Hall of Fame trainer) Emanuel Steward now with him, I don’t think people believe that it’s enough to make a difference and I’m not sure they would buy it as competitive,” Arum said.

Pacquiao (51-3, 38KOs) last fought March 13 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, carving out a lopsided unanimous decision against Joshua Clottey to retain his WBO 147-title belt in front of a crowd of 51,000.

Read more...