Golden Boy matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz said recently his dream is to stage a blockbuster pay-per-view fight featuring Manny Pacquiao against unbeaten WBO interim lightweight champion Michael Katsidis in Las Vegas.
Lewkowicz, who was in town last week on the way to Japan, described Katsidis as “another Arturo Gatti” and saw in the Australian a more logical opponent for Pacquiao than Juan Manuel Marquez, Joan Guzman and Edwin Valero – after the Filipino icon disposes of Marco Antonio Barrera on Oct. 6.
“Styles make fights and I don’t think Manny has any interest to fight someone like Marquez,” said Lewkowicz, the man behind the recent World Cup in Sacramento. “A rematch with Marquez won’t generate the revenues in a pay-per-view event. It won’t bring in the dollars. It won’t be as exciting as a fight against Katsidis who proved himself in winning over (Czar) Amonsot. Las Vegas would be the best place for the fight – there’s no place like it.”
If the fight materializes, it will mark Pacquiao’s historic attempt to win a fourth world title at 135 pounds. He previously captured the WBC flyweight and IBF superbantamweight crowns and gained consensus recognition as the Ring Magazine’s world featherweight champion.
Lewkowicz, 56, said the Philippines is “very special” to him because he played a role in bringing Filipino fighters, like Pacquiao, on the world stage.
“In the history of boxing, the whites were the first to dominate the sport then the African-Americans, followed by the Latinos and Mexicans and now the Filipinos are coming on strong,” said Lewkowicz. “I’ve visited the Philippines thrice and it’s like my second home. I feel I’m a part of the success of Filipino boxers.”
Lewkowicz said six years ago, he was approached by San Francisco lawyer Sydney Hall about booking a fight in the US for Pacquiao.
“Sydney talked to Top Rank, Don King, Main Events and Joe Goosen but couldn’t get anyone to show interest in Pacquiao,” recalled Lewkowicz. “He sent me a tape of Pacquiao and I was impressed. I can’t remember whom he fought in the tape but Pacquiao knocked him out with a left hook to the body. I knew about Filipino fighters in the past, like (Flash) Elorde. I knew boxing was the only sport where the Philippines has excelled internationally. I had a good feeling about Pacquiao and convinced Murad (Muhammad) to give the kid a chance.”
Lewkowicz said Muhammad was initially hesitant to touch Pacquiao but eventually agreed.
“I told Murad there is no other sport where the Philippines can find an idol and Pacquiao could be the next big thing,” said Lewkowicz. “He was new blood. I convinced Murad to use his IBF connections to get Pacquiao a fight against a Mexican in the undercard of Oscar de la Hoya-Javier Castillejo in Las Vegas. The purse was $10,000. The big break came when (Enrique) Sanchez, who was supposed to challenge (Lehlo) Ledwaba for the IBF superbantamweight title on the same card, pulled out because of an injury. We brought in Pacquiao on a week’s notice and got him a $35,000 purse. I still have a copy of that fight contract.”
Lewkowicz said the Filipino fighters’ “warrior” mentality is what brings the fans in to watch them perform in the ring.
“I was absolutely not surprised when the Philippines won the World Cup,” said Lewkowicz. “As a matchmaker, I know what fighters are capable of. I didn’t predict what would happen because only God knows the future. But I knew the Philippines would win.”
Lewkowicz, a free agent matchmaker who considers Golden Boy his family, said arranging the World Cup is “complicated” because it requires at least two world title fights.
“We’ll begin plans for the Philippines’ defense of the World Cup early next year,” said Lewkowicz. “We’ll need the right champions and the right opponents. My understanding is if the Philippines wins three straight
World Cups, it will keep the trophy. If you ask the WBO, they’d like the Philippines to defend against Puerto Rico next. If you ask the IBF, they’ll want the US. The World Cup is a great innovation and concept in boxing. Golden Boy has a trademark on it and nobody else can do a World Cup.”
Lewkowicz said superflyweight A. J. Banal is his choice as the future of Philippine boxing.
“Banal has all the tools,” said Lewkowicz. “He’s only 18. No doubt, he’ll be a world champion.”
As for Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista, Lewkowicz said he’ll be back for sure.
“There was too much pressure on Boom Boom during the World Cup,” said Lewkowicz. “Five Filipinos won before his fight. He’ll learn from the loss. Next time, he’ll be more mentally and emotionally prepared. I promise to bring a tough opponent for Boom Boom in November or December for him to make his comeback in the Philippines, to prove he’s for real. Filipinos are very knowledgeable boxing fans. They know a good opponent from a bad one. Boom Boom’s next fight will be a big test and I’m not going to choose an easy opponent.”
