Reluctant Bob Arum may not have the last say on this issue. The thought just struck me that the World Boxing Council has the power to order an immediate rematch between new super featherweight champ Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Will President Don Jose Sulaiman make such a move? Based on knowing the man for many years, I think he might for several reasons. They are as follows:
Sulaiman is as proud and protective of Mexico?s ring stars as Arum is of Pacquiao.
Don Jose may figure that Pacman-Marquez III will be Juan Ma?s Last Hurrah. He turns 35 in August and, although he was fresh and aggressive and kept scoring with that lead right through all 12 rounds, his legs are starting to look rubbery. Bottom line: another juicy sanctioning fee for the organization.
Because of the swirling scoring controversy, Sulaiman and the Executive Council could tell the public and the parties that we must move directly to Chapter 3 ?in fairness to both fighters.? They can say that the series remains ?chronic unresolved? because of the split draw four years ago and the less than definitive split decision in Chapter 2. You know, for “the good of boxing,” that kind of sentimental statement.
Of course, Arum can checkmate Sulaiman by giving up the 130-pound crown and forging ahead with Pacman challenging WBC lightweight king David Diaz. Diaz will be batting practice, his punches are fly swatter strength and no one can make a case for him to upset Megamanny.
So maybe MP beats Chitown David, annexes the lightweight belt and Marquez announces he is moving up. No doubt that the WBC would shove him into the mandatory challenger position and possibly force Pacquiao-Marquez III in that manner.
Btw, neither Don Jose or his hard-working son, Mauricio, attended the bout in Las Vegas.
Just food for thought, folks.
Speaking of which, Happy St. Patricks to Paddy O. Furniture and all my Celtic cousins.
Time for the corned beef and cabbage boys. Coats the stomach nicely for the Guinesses to be poured down the gullet later.
