CHRIS JOHN of Indonesia, just like almost everyone else in the featherweight, super-feather and lightweight divisions, believes he has what it takes to topple Filipino hotshot Manny Pacquiao.
“In their first fight, (Juan Manuel) Marquez scored a lot of punches on Pacquiao,” John, the reigning World Boxing Association feather king told the leading Australian sports website sportsnut.com.au. “But he (Marquez) could not hit me with those shots.”
John and Marquez had fought almost two years ago in the jungles of Kalimantan, Indonesia, and John emerged with the decision victory.
“I believe I have the technique to beat Manny. I have the speed to give him a boxing lesson. I would love to fight Pacquiao. With my speed and skills, I can cause a big upset,” added John.
Pacquiao and Marquez are booked to face each other on March 15, 2008 in Las Vegas, while John will defend his against a Panamanian sometime in late January.
John, unbeaten in 40 fights with 21 knockouts, is aching to get a call. But John will have to prove his worth even further since Pacquiao appears to be fully booked for 2008.
Should Pacquiao get past Marquez, the 29-year-old southpaw will likely face David Diaz, the WBC lightweight titlist in July, then lock horns with British Ricky Hatton at the catchweight of 142 lbs in November.
“That?s the big money fight right now,” said gun enthusiast Cris Aquino, an ally of Pacquiao said yesterday.
Pacquiao is spending the holiday season at Aquino?s high-end resort in Boracay.
