THE MEXICO-BASED World Boxing Council (WBC) has directed the camps of Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao and Mexican hero Marco Antonio Barrera to start negotiations for the mandatory defense of Barrera’s super featherweight title.
“The free negotiations period for the mandatory title defense has begun. If no agreement is reached the WBC will conduct a purse offer on Jan. 12, 2007 in Mexico City,” said the WBC in an announcement posted on its website yesterday.
The move is perceived as a setback for promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, who has been lobbying for a March bout for Pacquiao possibly against World Boxing Association (WBA) champ Edwin Valero.
Valero’s camp, according to sources, is reportedly not too keen on facing Pacquiao at this point, opting to give the Venezuelan two or three more bouts before facing the iconic Filipino.
Pacquiao, who is tied in a legal tug-of-war between Arum and Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, is resting after his third-round annihilation of Mexican Erik Morales last Nov. 18.
If Pacquiao and Barrera fail to come to terms, a purse bid takes place in Mexico to determine who will promote the fight and how much each fighter is going to earn for the fight.
A 75-25 split in favor of the champion usually happens in a purse bidding. But owing to the marquee value of Pacquiao, that may not be the scenario especially if GBP wins the purse bid.
A victory by Golden Boy in the purse bidding would probably give Pacquiao the most money possible and the least problems considering Arum’s not-too-cozy relationship with WBC president Jose Sulaiman.
Barrera, in an on-line poll, is considered by majority of boxing fans as the most worthy opponent for Pacquiao. The Mexican also hopes to avenge his earlier loss at the hands of the Filipino in 2003.
A March 11 play date has already been reserved by the WBC for Barrera’s defense.
