FROM: MANILA TIMES
Shortly after bagging his eighth world weight division title, Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao announced that he is ready to fight World Boxing Council middleweight champion Sergio Martinez. The Argentinian boxer recently scored an impressive round knockout victory against American Paul Williams.
Pacquiao (52-3-2 win-loss-draw with 38 knockouts) explained though that he would most likely fight Martinez (46-2-2 with 25 knockouts), another bigger opponent at a weight below 150 pounds. Despite the disadvantage in height and reach, won against Mexican Antonio Margarito on November 13 in Texas via unanimous decision.
“I’m willing to fight anybody,” said Pacquiao to reporters during his homecoming victory in GMA 7’s Studio 6 Sunday. Besides Martinez, Shane Mosley and unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather Jr. are also in Pacquiao’s list as possible next opponents.
Pacquiao, who assured he’s good for another bout after six months, said he is very much willing to take on Mosley since he’s a good fighter and a champion or even Mayweather if ever he accepts the challenge.
But Martinez said in an interview by Boxingscene’s Lem Satterfield he would not face Pacquiao, saying it’s a mismatch and the Filipino too small. His manager Sampson Lew-kowicz agreed, saying Martinez would knockout Pacquiao easily.
If ever Pacquiao turns Martinez into one of his victims, then the congressman of Saranggani would hold the distinction of being a world champion in nine different weight divisions—a record that could stand forever.
When asked to comment of his possible bout with Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao said, “No one would watch it.” He added that he wanted a guaranteed price if his promoter decides to push through with his third fight against Marquez.
After conquering Margarito, boxing fans all over the world are yearning to see Pacquiao fight Mayweather next year, a match that many consider as the “bout of the century.”
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